Opera Scholars Australia Program 2012 / 2013

                                      

Patron: Yvonne Kenny AM

  If chosen, you will have the opportunity to:-

1. perform in a post-winter concert at Brown Brothers, Milawa. This will be the first opportunity for new and successful scholars to join the more experienced members;

2. perform in the Opera Scholars Australia Springtime Concert at Jasper Ballroom, Jasper Hotel, Melbourne. This concert will feature the scholars presenting solos, duets, trios and challenging   repertoire for the full ensemble. Three finalists for the Opera Scholar of the Year prize will be chosen at this concert;

3. participate in seven days of vocal workshops, lectures, master classes and concert rehearsals at Beechworth from Sunday 13 January to Sunday 20 January, 2013;

4. perform in the Beechworth Scholars Concert on Wednesday 16 January, 2013. Selected scholars will be chosen to sing solos/duets/trios with all participating in the ensemble items at this concert;      

5. be featured as part of the Opera Scholars Australia Ensemble at Opera in the Alps with leading Australian artists, 100 voices and orchestra on Saturday 19 January, 2013;

6. be featured as part of the Opera Scholars Australia Ensemble at Opera in the Market (QVM) with leading Australian artists, 100 voices and a 45-piece orchestra in February 2013 (TBC). The winner of the Opera Scholar of the Year will be announced at this concert;

7. perform as an ensemble at Opera in the Caves in Naracoorte, South Australia, in April 2013. Selected scholars will be chosen to sing solos/duets/trios with all participating in the ensemble items at this concert.

What does the Scholarship include?

The Scholarship, valued at over $5,000, includes:

1. Registrations for Opera in the Alps and Opera in the Market.

2. All accommodation and meals at Beechworth from afternoon of Sunday 13 January to breakfast on Wednesday 16 January 2013. Participants will be responsible for own lunch and evening meals from Wednesday 16 January to Saturday 19 January inclusive.

3. Workshops, masterclasses and tutorial fees.

4. Music repertoire for all concerts.

5. Regular rehearsals in Melbourne for Melbourne, regional and interstate concerts.

6. Transport, accommodation and meals for regional events.

What will it cost me if I am chosen as a Scholar?

Each successful scholarship participant will be required to pay an audition fee of $30 (must be received with your application) and a participation fee of $550 to be paid by 10 July 2012. All fees must be paid by the commencement of rehearsal #3.

Entry requirements:

1. First time auditionees need to be between the ages of 18 and 24 on 1 January 2013 (although Scholars may remain in the program up to 28 years of age);

2. Complete an application form and pay an audition fee of $30;

3. Attach a recent photo (headshot) with your application (new applicants only);

4. Audition with two contrasting pieces performed from memory (one, preferably an aria from opera or oratorio);

5. Provide two copies of the music at the audition, one for the AME adjudicators and the other for the accompanist.

 Note: current scholars are required to re-audition each year.

Auditions will be held on:

Monday 18 June 2012 5.00pm-9.00pm and Saturday 23 June 2012 10.30am-4.30pm at

80 Strathalbyn Street, East Kew

You must book a time on one of these two audition dates: 03 9819 7166

Opera Scholar of the Year

At the Springtime Concert in September 2012, three of the chosen scholars will be nominated as nominated as candidates to be considered for the Opera Scholar of the Year prize of $5,000. Each of the three singers chosen will be given an opportunity to perform a solo at Opera in the Alps and Opera in the Market. One of the three will be selected to sing their winning at Opera in the Alps and Opera in the Market. One of the three will be selected to sing their winning aria at Opera in the Market in February 2012, as the Opera Scholar of the Year.

At the discretion of the directors - other scholars may be chosen to sing solo items in the summer events.

How is the Opera Scholar of the Year judged?

Following the nomination of the three singers at the Springtime Concert (adjudicated by a leading Australian performer/teacher in consultation with the conductor and Directors of AME), Australian Music Events will monitor the progress and performances of the singers over the summer events leading up to 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 Opera Scholar of the Year receive?

The winning Scholar will be presented with a prize of $5,000.

Mentoring Program:

AME is keen to assist in the development and progress of its talented scholars. Part of this involves a mentoring program. Scholars are introduced to well-known Australian performers in order to share experiences, and benefit from valuable support and advice. From time to time senior members of the Scholars also take on a mentoring role. Experienced Scholars, who may have either conducting or choreographing skills, may also be given the opportunity to apply their skills to appropriate musical pieces performed by the Scholars ensemble.

How do I apply?

Download the Application Audition form click here

Complete and email your form to admin@australianmusicevents.com.au or post your form with your audition fee of $30.00 to:

Australian Music Events

PO Box 227

EAST KEW  VICTORIA  3102

Any queries, please ring AME on 03 9819 7166. Cheques, money orders, cash, Visa, Mastercard welcome. Cheques payable to Australian Music Events.

Closing date for audition applications is Sunday 10 June 2012

2011 / 2012 Opera Scholars Australia

Kate Amos

Kyahl Anderson

Rosemary Ball

Charlotte Betts-Dean

Jessica Boyd

Robert Campbell

Stephen Coutts

Edwina Dalco

Bridget Davies

Brigette De Poi

Genevieve Dickson

Alexandra Flood

Josephine Grech

Jackson Harnwell

Jeremy Kleeman

Alexandra Lidgerwood

Alison McIntosh-Deszcz

Jennifer Molloy

Esita Morgan

Henry Shaw

Taryn Silver

Naomi Summers

Marie Tabone

William Tang Felman

Anna Voshege

Georgia Wilkinson

Greta Williams