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In a year of many firsts, this
year’s Finals Concert on Wednesday 1 November promises to be no
exception. Never before in the Competition’s history has there
not been a single soprano in the Finals! This time there are 3
baritones, one bass-baritone and a mezzo soprano – all ‘lower
register’ voices. Even the domination of males is rare but that has
been a characteristic of this year’s Competition with a very high
standard set by a number of baritone entrants.
The singers to perform at the 25th
Anniversary Mathy Awards are 22 year old mezzo soprano Lauren Easton
(NSW), baritones Andrew Finden, 22 (NSW), Michael Lampard, 20
(Tas) and Duncan Rock, 21 (WA) and bass baritone James Homann
who is 25 and also from New South Wales.
Apart from the
excitement of competing for some very valuable awards, these young singers
will have the thrill of singing with Sydney Symphony conducted by Richard
Bonynge. They will entertain the public at the Finals judging at 7.30 pm on
November 1 in Sydney Conservatorium’s Verbrugghen Hall in the presence of
the
Governor-General of
the Commonwealth of Australia,
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC
(Rtd)
and Her
Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery.
As well as celebrating the talent of these young
up-and-coming classical stars the concert will mark the 80th
birthday of Dame Joan Sutherland who, over several decades, has brought joy
to millions around the world and glory to her native Australia through her
live performances and recordings. An inspiration to all opera singers and
an example of true stardom, Dame Joan will be present to encourage the
Finalists and present the winning trophy that goes with the top prize of
$30,000, the Marianne Mathy Scholarship.
The compere will be Opera Australia’s Executive Producer
Stuart Maunder and a guest appearance will be made by players from Sydney
Omega Ensemble, a group of dynamic young musicians who are already building
a reputation in their first year of operation.
Twenty years after winning this Competition herself and going
on to establish an international career, mezzo soprano Fiona Janes is
National Adjudicator, leading a panel that includes Guildhall School of
Music and Drama’s Professor Linnhe Robertson, Professor Imre Palló, Chair of
Conducting at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and David Garrett, representing
Symphony Australia.
Bookings for the concert can be made on
02 8256 2222 or
www.music.usyd.edu.au
For further information please contact The
Co-ordinators on 02 9231 4293 or
asc@aussing.com.au
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