The Phoenix Symphony Calls Christine

In preparations for the 2008 New Year's Eve Gala, The Phoenix Symphony initiated a new talent contest entitled, "Call for Christine". Over 80 girls between the ages of 8 and 18 submitted CDs of themselves performing "All I Ask of You" from Andrew Lloyd Weber's famous musical, The Phantom of the Opera. After narrowing down the field to 12 semi-finalists (pictured), a panel of judges including Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie, International Opera star Cheri Rose Katz, Los Angeles Music Producer Marylata E. Jacob, Miss Arizona 2008 Erin Nurss and Phoenix jazz vocalist Dennis Rowland selected 6 finalists and then the winner - 14 year-old Sarah Ambrose - announcing their decision on the runway at Fashion Week in Scottsdale.

Sarah will win a monetary prize as well as professional vocal coaching as she prepares for her appearance with The Phoenix Symphony at the 2008 New Year's Eve Gala at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa where she will sing "All I Ask of You" with Broadway star Franc D'Ambrosio. (He earned the title "The World's Longest Running Phantom" after playing the role nearly 3,000 times!)

As a part of the audition process, each of the finalists sang "All I Ask of You" as a duet with Dennis Rowland. The video below gives you a sneak-peak into Sarah's winning audition and a little tease for what's to come at the Gala. It's sure to be an unforgettable performance of the music of the night!