For possibly the last time, the Australian Singing Competition is announcing a winner in its professional section – the Opera Awards.  Brisbane soprano Amy Wilkinson was selected unanimously by adjudicators Imre Palló, Bernadette Cullen and John Pringle AM in private judging held in June.  Professor Palló, Chair of the panel and an international conductor who is also currently Chair of Conducting at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, commented that “Amy is a very talented young singer with a beautiful voice and I believe she will have a successful future.”

After graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music Degree, Amy has already notched up some success in major competitions.  She is glowingly endorsed by Vocal Coach John Dingle who has worked with Amy at Opera Queensland where she began as a chorister before being selected for the Young Artist Program.

In addition to the major awards of the $20,000 Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust Opera Award, the Armstrong-Martin Scholarship of $5000 and the Haas $5000 cash award, Amy receives the 4MBS Classic FM Award of a studio produced recording and a resume professionally prepared by Editorial Resources.

The 29 year old sultry beauty said she had been “quite shocked, privileged and blessed to have won the award.” Amy considers the award to be “an amazing gift which will provide so many opportunities.” She anticipates immense benefits from the prize money which will enable her to pursue further language and vocal studies overseas. 

Other awards were made to Sydney bass Shane Lowrencev who receives the Royal Over-Seas League Music Bursary, the Glyndebourne Festival Prize and will have an opportunity to participate in the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme in the UK.  Shane was most recently seen in the Opera Australia double bill of Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore and as Pistol in the Sydney season of Falstaff.

These are benefits unlikely to be offered again in the near future unless a surprise sponsor comes to the rescue.  In recent years the main award of $20,000 has been given by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust which also administers the Armstrong-Martin Award.  The Trust’s brief, however, extends to all musicians and, having for some time offered generous support to many grateful singers, it has a responsibility now to concentrate more funds on deserving aspirants in other musical fields.  The Australian Singing Competition has expressed its gratitude for the commitment of The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust and General Manager Warwick Ross its support of the Opera Awards.