2023 Radda Rise International Vocal Competition
Luna Baxter
1st Prize of Category 2
“Radda Rise International Vocal Competition got me really excited about singing again. Thanks to the comments being provided in video form, I could get their insightful advice on my vocal skills, and also “see” how they felt about my singing. Some videos actually demonstrated specific vocal techniques, which will be very helpful in improving my singing. Also, their feedback on interpretation and presentation of music pieces made me think about how I can improve my performance beyond just singing the notes on the page. This entire Radda competition experience was truly invaluable to move my mindset for singing to the next level. I greatly appreciate the reviewers, adjudicators, and the Radda team for providing me this wonderful opportunity.”
Luna Baxter's artistic journey is a tapestry woven with dedication, passion, and a clear vision for her future. From a young age, Luna has immersed herself in the performing arts, beginning her ballet training at the Pacific Northwest Ballet at just 3 years old and commencing vocal lessons at 8. Her early exposure to these disciplines sparked a lifelong love for the stage and the spotlight.
As Luna grew, so did her talents. She graced numerous local theater productions, leaving her mark in plays such as “Scrooge” and “The Sky Below”. A significant milestone in her early career was her performance at Carnegie Hall, where she sang with a Seattle choir under the baton of Giselle Wyers. Her acting skills were also recognized in the student film “Inner View”, which received accolades at the West Sound Film Festival.
Luna’s dreams extend beyond the stage to the silver screen. She aspires to be an actor in film and television, driven by a desire to forge strong emotional connections with her audience. Luna is moved by the power of cinema to make viewers feel understood and less alone. Her ambition is to become a versatile actor, adept at taking on a variety of roles in movies, shows, and musicals.
Singing, a skill Luna loves and has diligently honed, is an integral part of her dream. She understands that great singing is a craft perfected through countless hours of practice, and she is committed to nurturing this talent. Luna envisions her singing abilities enhancing her acting career, allowing her to connect more deeply with her roles and her audience.
Luna's exceptional talent in singing is evident through her numerous achievements, including receiving awards from prestigious organizations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing (2022, 2023) and the Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside (2019). Her skill was further highlighted by reaching the semi-finals in the renowned Hal Leonard singing competition. Currently, Luna is enhancing her artistic portfolio as part of the competitive dance team at Gotta Dance studio located in Redmond, Washington.
Outside of her artistic interests, Luna puts a high value on maintaining the friendships in her life, and loves to spend time with her many friends whenever she can.
Instagram: @lunayukika