Divas line up for big break

ARE you an emerging opera diva or male vocalist looking for the next big break?
Regional Australia’s richest and most prestigious opera prize, the Dame Joan Sutherland Vocal Competition Award 2016, could help you hit a career high note.
Founded by Noosa Federation of the Arts (NFA) in 1994, the Dame Joan Sutherland Award (DJSA) has helped 12 winners plus numerous runners-up to reach dizzying heights performing with illustrious opera houses nationally and abroad.
If you’re an amateur or professional soprano, mezzo, contralto, baritone, bass, tenor or counter-tenor singer aged 20 to 34, and an Australian resident, you’re eligible to apply for this coveted national award.
Applicants will audition live before a panel of adjudicators on Sunday 5 June at Griffith University Conservatorium of Music, Brisbane. Contestants at the heats will sing their song of choice plus either an aria, a song from the classical repertoire or an operetta /music theatre piece chosen for them by the panel.
The top six will then battle it out at the final in Noosa Friday 22 July where the audience will vote for the People’s Choice Award and the judges will assess how the finalists communicate with the audience emotionally and musically.
Judge Brad Jarrett said the panel was looking for someone with an “indefinable star quality”
“The best performance on the night, taking into account the judging criteria, wins,” he said.
First prize includes a cash prize of $15,000 with a $4000 cash prize for the Margreta Elkins Award, $1000 for the Judges Encouragement Award, $750 for the People’s Choice and an Audition Encouragement Award of $300.
Applications close 5pm Friday 29 April. Visit www.nfa.org.au to download a
DJSA entry form or for more information phone 5473 0958 or email info@nfa.org.au.