Two of Five IFAC Australian Singing Competition Finalists Hail from NSW; Finale Set for Today

On Wednesday 11 September at the Independent Theatre, North Sydney, ten outstanding young opera and classical singers all aged under 26 years sang their hearts out in front of National Adjudicator Emma Matthews to be chosen as one of five finalists who will compete in this year's IFAC Australian Singing Competition.

This year NSW dominated with two finalists Alexander Knight, a 23 year old baritone from Normanhurst and 23 year old soprano Danita Weatherstone from Central Coast making the finals. They are joined by 25 year old soprano Hannah Dahlenburg from Victoria, 23 year old mezzo soprano Jade Moffatt from Queensland and 24 year old baritone Edward Laurenson from New Zealand.

The Australian Singing Competition for opera and classical singers is the richest of its kind in Australasia. Since 1982 more than $2.8million in prizes has been won with nearly 3,000 singers shining in the spotlight.

The five finalists will compete in the Finals Concert at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music TODAY 28 SEPTEMBER. The finalists will be accompanied by the Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra conducted by Anthony Legge with Emma Ayres at Compere and Opera Australia's Lorina Gore as Guest Artist.

Scores of young singers from Australia and New Zealand auditioned. The ten semi-finalists performed in front of a packed audience at the Independent Theatre. Joining National Adjudicator Emma Matthews were Peter Czornyj (Sydney Symphony), Michael Halliwell, (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) and Ian McCahon (Opera Australia).

After winning the Australian Singing Competition, singers such as Rachelle Durkin, Amelia Farrugia, Stuart Skelton and Paul Whelan have all gone on to achieve national and international acclaim.

IFAC AUSTRALIAN SINGING COMPETITION FINALS CONCERT will be held on Saturday, 28 September 7pm at Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Macquarie Street, Sydney.

Tickets: Adults $30 | Seniors $25 | Students $25. Bookings: www.cityrecitalhall.com/events or by phone: 1300 302 604. Information: www.aussing.org.au.

Photo Credit: Lightbox Photography.