The Australian Opera Aria Award is a new prize designed to encourage emerging opera singers of all voice types. It provides monetary and in-kind prizes to artists seeking to further develop their craft. Entrants must be Australian citizens aged 18-30 as of 1 November, 2024. The Award’s heats and finals will be held in Coffs Harbour in November 2024.
We are delighted to announce that Graham Pushee is the adjudicator of the inaugural Award. Having enjoyed an illustrious career in opera, Graham is now the Managing Director of Arts Management, Sydney. Graham has taught and coached at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, presented masterclasses and workshops for Opera Queensland, the Melba Opera Trust and WAAPA, and adjudicated and presented numerous vocal competitions in Australia and New Zealand.
Please enter the website for all details.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr Leigh Summers
Australian Opera Aria Award, Director
Prizes
First Prize
$5,000 plus a Coffs Harbour Music Society recital in 2025
Second Prize
$2,000
Third Prize
$1,000
Audience Favourite
$500 (kindly donated by Anonymous)
Plus, other prizes to be advised.
The Adjudicator
The adjudicator of the inaugural Award is Graham Pushee.
Having enjoyed an illustrious career in opera, Graham is now the Managing Director of Arts Management, with clients such as Stuart Skelton, Simone Young and Natalie Aroyan.
He has taught and coached at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, given masterclasses and workshops for Opera Queensland, the Melba Opera Trust and WAAPA, and adjudicated and presented numerous vocal competitions in Australia and New Zealand.