On this page find out about:
- Who can apply
- How to apply
- The selection process
- Number and value of scholarships
- Successful applicants
- Selection panel
- Application forms
- Enquiries
Who can apply
Applications are open to young Australian singers aged 21-28, male or female, who have completed or are completing an undergraduate degree in voice or an equivalent program of operatic/vocal studies.
How to apply
Applicants must submit a completed Scholarship Application form along with a DVD of the applicant singing two contrasting operatic arias in different languages. Biographical details and letters of recommendation are required.
Applications open 1 September and close 5:00pm 30 September. No late applications will be accepted.
Application forms will be available on the website from August 2011.
There is no cost to apply.
The selection process
The DVD will be viewed by an independent panel of experts appointed by the Melba Opera Trust. The panel may include professional opera singers, vocal coaches, artist managers and other leading industry professionals. (In previous years, the panel has included leading vocal coach Sharolyn Kimmorley, artist manager Jenifer Eddy and celebrated baritone Peter Coleman-Wright.)
After viewing the DVDs, the panel will call selected candidates for a live audition and interview.
At audition, applicants are required to demonstrate outstanding operatic potential, and high levels of language skills, interpretation, stagecraft and musicianship.
The panel assesses applicants on the basis of their ability, demonstrated commitment to their operatic development, passion, motivation and readiness for further rigorous study. Applicants will also be assessed on their suitability to act as Ambassadors for the Trust.
All those called for an audition will receive feedback on their performance, whether successful or unsuccessful.
The panel chair will continue to work with successful applicants throughout their scholarship.
Number and value of scholarships
Each year the Melba Opera Trust will have an allotment of funds to be used for scholarships. This allotment will change from year to year and will increase as the endowment increases. The number of independent scholarships depends entirely on the quality of the applicants – only the most exceptional will be selected. In 2011, we allotted $60,000 in total to seven successful applicants.
Successful applicants
Once the successful applicants have been chosen, they will meet with the panel chair and General Manager of the Melba Opera Trust to create their scholarship development program. The Melba Opera Trust takes advice from other panel members, and works with each recipient to ensure that the proposed training program is appropriate for the individual singer at their stage of development.
Each recipient’s program must include four areas of development: vocal development, language coaching, stagecraft and movement, and professional development activities.
The financial support can be used towards a postgraduate program at an approved institution, supplemented if necessary with additional coaching from independent training providers.
Funding is provided in two installments which are subject to reporting requirements. Recipients are required to submit a mid-year and end-of-year report, provide receipts for all training undertaken and periodic interviews with the General Manager.
For those shortlisted, live auditions will take place in Melbourne on Sunday 13 November.
The 2012 Scholarship Application form will be available to download from the website in August 2011.
Want to know more? Contact us.
Selection panel
The Melba Opera Trust selects leading figures from the world of professional music to participate on the selection panel.
In previous years, panelists have included renowned vocal coach Sharolyn Kimmorley, artist manager Jennifer Eddy, celebrated baritone Peter Coleman-Wright, professional singers Suzanne Johnston and Michael Leighton-Jones, and former VSO principal artist and private voice teacher Janette Kearns.
The panel for the selection of the 2012 scholarship recipients consists of Sharolyn Kimmorley, John Pringle and Marko Letonja.
Application forms
Applications for 2012 are now closed.
Enquiries
Anne Kennedy
Email: info@melbaoperatrust.com.au
Phone: (03) 9867 4833