Competition success for NZSM student and graduate
In the final of the competition for Australasian opera and classical singers under the age of twenty-six, Pascale and Katherine competed against three other contestants, winning three prizes each.
Pasquale was awarded the full fees scholarship of GBP 20,000 for study at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2019-2020. She was also awarded the Haas Award of AUD 2,500 travel expenses towards her study at the RNCM, and the David Harper Award of ten lessons with vocal coach and accompanist David Harper.
Katherine was awarded the Merenda Prize of AUD 8,000 for study of Italian language in Italy, the Nelly Apt Scholarship of AUD 7,000 to attend the Israeli Opera Young Artist Programme at the Meitar Opera Studio in Tel Aviv, and a scholarship to attend the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute’s summer programme. The latter includes the Pasqualina Lipari Prize of AUD 3,750 to cover other expenses.
All the finalists were awarded an Opera Australia Prize, giving them the opportunity to attend rehearsals in Melbourne or Sydney and observe all stages of an operatic production. They are also invited to take part in the Australian Singing Competition Artist Development Programme, where they are matched with a mentor.
Senior lecturer in Classical Performance Voice at the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Jenny Wollerman, joined the women during the competition to provide advice and support. Jenny, who taught both Katherine and Pasquale and is currently supervising Pasquale for her Master’s degree, is proud to have been a part of their success.
“It was an exciting night and it was wonderful to share this with them. Pasquale and Katherine both performed very well and were awarded some great prizes that will help them immensely in their quest to become professional artists.”