IFAC Australian Singing Competition Semi-finals Concert Set for 30 August

The IFAC Australian Singing Competition (ASC) is Australasia's richest singing competition and has long been considered the premier showcase for our finest young opera and classical singers.

Following heats in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand this year's National Adjudicator Linnhe Robertson, has selected ten impressive young singers who will perform at the 2015 Semi-Finals Concert on Sunday 30 August, 4.30pm at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney. From there, five finalists will battle it out at the Finals Concert on Saturday 3 October at The Concourse, Chatswood when the winner will be announced.

The ten semi-finalists are: Damian Arnold (Tenor, NSW); Anastasia Bickel (Mezzo Soprano QLD); Rebecca Gulinello (Soprano VIC); Annika Hinrichs (Soprano QLD); Phoebe-Celeste Humphreys (Soprano from NSW); Jeremy Kleeman (Bass Baritone VIC); Tabatha McFadyen (Soprano NSW); Katherine McIndoe (Soprano NZ); Maximillian Riebl (Counter Tenor VIC); Benson Wilson (Baritone NZ).

This year, for the very first time, one talented young singer will win the $5000 Judith Ward Lieder Scholarship, presented by Judith Ward and the Australian Opera Awards Committee (AOAC).

The ASC is open to classical and opera singers under the age of 26, and offers a number of career-building awards (valued at more than $200,000) and the opportunity to win 'The Mathy', the most prestigious award given to young singers.

Now in its 34th year, the ASC has showcased nearly 3,000 singers who have competed for more than $2.6 million in prizes. Renowned singers such as Rachelle Durkin, Amelia Farrugia, Stuart Skelton, and Paul Whelan have won the competition in previous years.