BRISBANE tenor Iain Henderson’s top note and overall performance convinced judges he was worthy of the $15,000 Dame Joan Sutherland Award (DJSA) in Noosa this weekend.
Competing against five accomplished amateur opera divas on Friday 22 July, Henderson also won the audience vote for the People’s Choice Award and $750 in the bi-annual DJSA vocal competition hosted by Noosa Federation of the Arts (NFA).
The competition is regional Australia’s richest and most prestigious opera award which was founded to help further the careers of Australian opera singers aged 20-34 in all categories from soprano to bass.
Judge and NFA artistic director Brad Jarrett said Henderson possessed a beautiful lyrical tenor voice which allowed him to sing most of the romantic tenor roles in the opera repertoire.
“Iain easily reached and held the top C in Che gelida manina, which is the climax of the aria and always excites the audience if sung well,” he said.
“His rendition of the serenade from The Student Prince really struck a chord with the audience, and I think took them back to the days of Mario Lanza.”
A surprised Henderson said he was “shocked and honoured” to win in what was his second shot at the title.
“It’s the only opera prize like it in Queensland and the recognition from the name of the award, Dame Joan Sutherland, will open doors for me, particularly overseas,” Henderson said.
The Brisbane International Airport part-time sales assistant’s opera career is ready to take off as he plans to enrol in a young artist program with a major company.
“It’s taken a big load off my shoulders financially, giving me the freedom to pursue my goals and aspirations,” Henderson said.
Soprano Tabatha McFadyen of Wentworth Falls, New South Wales, came a very close second, winning the Margreta Elkins Award of $4000.
The patron of the award was one of the original judges of the competition until her death in 2009.
McFadyen said she was privileged to win the Margreta Elkins award, which was named after the famous mezzo soprano from Brisbane.
“Everyone revered and admired Margreta who sang with Maria Callas and Dame Joan Sutherland and was an example and patron to young singers,” she said.
“I feel honoured to have won her award.”
