Australian Vocal Scholars Program
The Australian Vocal Scholars Program was set up in 1998 with the purpose of offering talented young singers, between the ages of 17 and 26, the opportunity to further develop their talents through a variety of performances and professional tuition.
At the Opera in the Alps, Opera by the Lock and Opera in the Market events, the young singers are joined by Australian and international conductors and artists and a 50-piece orchestra of talented musicians from The University of Melbourne, the Victorian College of the Arts and the Australian National Academy of Music.
In its inaugural year, eight scholars were offered a place within the 85 voice chorus. Over the past few years – through the generous support of our major sponsor, Leafbusters, community patron, Ms Betty Amsden OAM, and supporting sponsor, Opus 50 Trust – this number has increased to thirty.
In 2002 Scholar of the Year was initiated. Past Australian Vocal Scholar winners are:
2008 Teresa Duddy
2007 Catriona Bell & Siobhan Stagg
2006 Robert Clark & Boyd Owen
2005 Jacob Cunningham
2004 Thomas Strong and Christopher Diffey
2002 Helena Dix
2008 / 2009 Scholars will have the opportunity to:-
1) perform the Springtime Concert at - BMW Edge, Federation Square – 3.00pm 7 September, 2008
2) participate in a five day residential vocal workshop at La Trobe at Beechworth from Tuesday 13 January to Sunday 18 January, 2009
3) perform as an ensemble in the Beechworth Scholars Concert in the Historic Bijou Theatre on Thursday 15 January, 2009 (in which Nellie Melba performed). Fifteen of the thirty scholars will be chosen to sing a solo at this concert.
4) be featured as part of the Australian Scholars Ensemble at Opera in the Alps with a 50-piece orchestra, 100 voices in front of an audience of 4,000 patrons on Saturday 17 January, 2009
5) have the option to sing in the chorus at Opera by the Lock at Mildura with a 50- piece orchestra, 100 voices and with an audience of 3,000 patrons on Saturday 7 March, 2009
6) be featured as part of the Australian Scholars Ensemble at Opera in the Market (QVM) with a 50-piece orchestra, 140 voices and an audience of 3,000 people on 23 & 25 March, 2009.
What does the Scholarship include?
The Scholarship, valued at $1,200, includes:-
1. Registrations for Opera in the Alps and Opera in the Market .
2. All meals at Beechworth including morning and afternoon teas, from lunch Tuesday January 13 to breakfast on Sunday 18 January.
3. All accommodation at Beechworth from Tuesday 13 January to Sunday 18 January 2009.
4. Workshops and tutorial fees.
5. Music required for all events.
Successful Scholars
Each successful scholarship winner will be required to pay $240. This is payable to Australian Music Events by 3 October 2008.
Australian Music Events
PO Box 227
EAST KEW VICTORIA 3102
Tel: 03) 9819 7166
Cheques should made payable to Australian Music Events. Visa / Mastercard payments accepted via telephone.
Australian Vocal Scholar of the Year
At the BMW Edge concert on Sunday 7 September 2008, three of the thirty scholars will be chosen by a leading Australian performer in consultation with the Directors of AME. Each of the three singers chosen will be given an opportunity to perform a solo at Opera in the Alps, Opera by the Lock and Opera in the Market.
One of the three will be selected at the final night of Opera in the Market on Wednesday 25 March 2009, as the Australian Vocal Scholar of the Year.
How is the Australian Vocal Scholar of the Year judged?
Following the nomination of the three young singers at the BMW edge concert, Australian Music Events will monitor the progress and performances of the singers over the summer events leading up the Opera in the Market event. Consideration will be given to:-
1) vocal quality and potential
2) musicianship (style, phrasing, vocal technique, pitch and note accuracy etc)
3) response to masterclass instruction
4) development with regard to interpretation, presentation and performance
5) leadership qualities and responsibility shown within the group
What does the Australian Vocal Scholar of the Year receive?
The winning Scholar will be presented with a prize of $1,000.
Mentoring program
AME is keen to assist in the development and progress of its talented scholars. Part of this involves a mentoring program whereby chosen scholars are introduced to well-known Australian performers in order to share experiences, and benefit from valuable support and advice.
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