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UBS Supports Placido Domingo's Operalia Competition

UBS announces its sponsorship of Placido Domingo's annual voice competition Operalia, to be held in Los Angeles from August 23-28.

Placido Domingo is committed to following and supporting the careers of Operalia finalists and, because of his role in the Operas of Washington and Los Angeles, often offers them the opportunity of appearing in productions in his theaters. "I am pleased that UBS has joined the family of sponsors of the Operalia voice competition, especially because of our shared interests in young talent and promoting their education and professional advancement. I hope that this is the beginning of a long and mutually enriching collaboration."

John Costas, chief executive officer and chairman of UBS Investment Bank, said, "UBS is proud to announce its sponsorship of this most prestigious international opera competition. We have a strong and ongoing commitment to the arts and culture and believe in fostering young talent in all fields and from all walks of life."

UBS's support of culture has been distinguished by its commitment in the field of orchestral music. In 1999, UBS launched the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra in collaboration with Music Director James Levine and Executive Director Martin T:son Engstroem of the Verbier Festival & Academy. Since its first performances in 200, the UBS Verbier Festival Youth Orchestra has been the orchestra in residence of one of Switzerland's leading summer festivals and has toured internationally every autumn. The orchestra, comprising over 100 musicians from more than 35 countries, is emblematic of UBS's belief in cultural diversity.

In addition to its sponsorship of the London Symphony Orchestra, UBS has been a major partner in the development of LSO St. Luke's - the UBS & London Symphony Orchestra Music Education Centre. The Centre, a restored 18th century church, houses the London Symphony Orchestra's community and music education program. UBS also sponsors the Beijing Music Festival and one new production per year at the Zurich Opera House.

In the U.S., UBS is the sole season sponsor of the Boston symphony Orchestra and an official sponsor of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Inc. UBS is also the lead sponsor of the Ravinia Festival's centennial season -- the oldest music festival in the U.S.

Operalia, founded and run by tenor, conductor and artistic director Placido Domingo in 1993, is one of the world's most prestigious international opera competitions for singers in the nascent stages of their career. Held in a different international city each year, Operalia has a proven track record of identifying young talent destined for leading role on the opera stage. Tenors Joseph Calleja, and Rolando Villazon; countertenor Brian Asawa, bass Erwin Schrott and soprano Nina Stemme are just some of the past winners who have gone on to become respected names in theatres around the world.

UBS is one of the world's leading financial firms, combining financial strength with a reputation for innovation and a global culture that embraces change.

UBS is the world's largest wealth manager, a premier investment banking and securities firm, and one of the largest global asset managers. In Switzerland, UBS is the market leader in retail and commercial banking.

UBS, headquartered in Zurich and Basel, employs around 66,000 people, and has operations in over 50 countries and in all major financial centers.