Through its distinguished alliance with the Music Center – Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, Crystal Cruises will showcase the Center’s young talent aboard its October 8 Mediterranean cruise.

The ‘Emerging Artists’ set to perform on the Experiences of Discovery voyage are Grand Prize Finalists of the Center’s coveted Spotlight Awards, and already boast impressive resumes.

* Lisa Algozzini, 23 – Lisa is a soprano who has been recognized by some of the top names in opera, and was accepted to esteemed programs at Juilliard and the Renata Scotta Opera Academy;

* Vijay Venkatesh, 19 – A classic pianist and composer and already internationally recognized, Vijay has performed in Argentina, France, England and India, and was the 2008 Spotlight Award Grand Prize Winner;

* Erika Peterson, 19 – Erika is a non-classical vocalist awarded such top honors as the Spotlight Awards 2009 Grand Prize finalist and Vocalist of the Year for Southern California’s MACY Awards.

Joining the performers is Music Center Master Class instructor, Julia Gregory.

“Like Crystal, the Music Center has long been a leader in its field. We’re thrilled to collaborate with them to present these phenomenally talented young stars,” says Christopher Escamilla, senior production coordinator, entertainment.

The Music Center has fostered the development of arts education and mentored young talent for more than two decades. The Music Center Spotlight Awards grants over $100,000 in scholarships annually, and sees more than 2,000 high school students audition in ballet, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental, and jazz instrumental before professional judges.

Many alumni have joined or performed with professional companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, New York Philharmonic and even national network television. (The program counts American Idol finalist Adam Lambert and current So You Think You Can Dance finalist Melinda Edwards as alumni.)

The 12-day cruise visits Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Sicily, Kusadasi, Mykonos and Athens. With its Two-for-One promotion, cruise fares start at $5,345, per person, double occupancy, including free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – free Business Class air for penthouse guests – and $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits.