Big money for opera’s rising star

Big money for opera’s rising star

Openly gay Sydney opera singer Morgan Pearse has been selected as one of five finalists for the IFAC Australian Singing Competition.

Humbled though he was by the honour, the 22-year-old bass baritone admitted to the Star Observer that it had come at something of an awkward time — he left Australia only last month to study at London’s prestigious Royal College.

However, the lure of almost $250,000 in possible prizes meant Pearse hastily arranged for return flights back to his home city in time for the October 30 ceremony, to be held at the Sydney Opera House.

“It’s the richest singing competition in Australia, in terms of prize money,” Pearse told the Star Observer.

“They give away $220,000 worth of prizes and opportunities to the five people who are selected as finalists. They include a recording contract with ABC Classic FM, a year’s tuition at the school of music and drama, an audition prize, even an audience prize of $10,000 that’s decided on the night.”

Each finalist will sing two arias at the ceremony, and will then be told who gets what in the mind-boggling prize kitty.

“Every finalist is up for everything — so you could win one prize or you could win 10, but everyone walks away with something. The real prize is just to have been chosen as a finalist, really,” Pearse said.

Opera lovers can attend the ceremony and throw their support behind Pearse in the audience award category, with tickets from $40.

INFO: Finals Concert, Sydney Opera House, October 30. www.aussing.org.au

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.