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- 2007 MATHY WINNER
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VICTORIAN SINGER VICTORIOUS
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Pre-empting the excitement of Cup Day, the
only Melbourne singer in an all-female field won the $30,000 Marianne
Mathy Scholarship at this year’s Australian Singing Competition. The
twenty-three year old soprano Emily Blanch, accepted her trophy -
a limited edition statuette by sculptor Cherina – from the Competition’s
Patron, His Excellency the Governor-General, Major General Michael
Jeffery at the conclusion of a gripping Mathy Awards Finals Concert in
Sydney. Poised and gracious in her acceptance speech, she praised her
fellow Finalists and expressed appreciation for the adjudicators and all
who have helped her pursue her dream. Acknowledging the thrill of
singing with Richard Bonynge and the Australian Opera and Ballet
Orchestra, Emily thanked the ASC and generous benefactor Dr Handa for
giving her this wonderful opportunity.
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Emily, a student of esteemed teacher Anna
Connolly, sang arias from Smetana’s Bartered Bride and
Lohengrin by Wagner, impressing adjudicators and audience alike, as
well as conductor Richard Bonynge who presented her with a special award
- a Limited edition 12 CD set of Luciano Pavarotti's Decca recital
recordings commemorating the legendary tenor.
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The Finals Concert demonstrated an
impressively high musical standard, especially considering the
Competition is for singers under 26. It was compered by Jeffrey Black
who went on to international success after winning the Mathy Awards in
1983 and is now based in the UK. Jeffrey entertained the audience while
the judges were in consultation and introduced the 2007 winner of the
professional arm of the Competition James Homann.
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Melbourne couple Di and Lino Bresciani
were in the audience to hear James perform arias by Wagner and Verdi.
They have a special interest in the talented 26 year old bass-baritone,
as he had won their Youth Music Foundation of Australia Award of $25,000
in the ASC’s Opera Awards.
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The Australian Singing Competition has
been assisting young Australian talent for 26 years now and, in 2007
alone, has awarded prizes valued at more than $150,000. A full list of
the prize-winners is attached.
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For further details call the
Co-ordinators: (02)9231 4293
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