OBSERVER: German-Australia Opera Grant Final
Overlooking the banks of the Yarra, this year’s German-Australia Opera Grant Final was held in The Edge Auditorium at Federation Square but the eyes of the contestants were firmly set upon the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden where the winner would take up a year’s long contract to develop their craft as an opera singer.
Baritones Ziggy Harris and Henry Wright along with sopranos Sophie Blades and Molly Ryan were the finalists. That they have reached this stage speaks to a dedication and application founded on the prospect of realizing an opportunity that will allow them to move their careers forward on the opera stage.
But it is a life fraught with insecurity given the transient nature of the arts and the limited tenure of contracted employment.
A youthful delight and hope was evident in each of the singers as they plied their trade.
Opera singing is a physical art that requires control and discipline all of which is transcended when the voice soars and fills the auditorium.
It was Ryan who ultimately won through, the incremental difference between her and the others was the maturity and sonorous nature of her voice that transported the listener.
It would also be remiss of me not to mention the accompanist, Phillipa Safey. Hers is a supportive collaboration allowing the artist to achieve notoriety whilst remaining in the background herself.
And a word should go out to the Henkell Family Fund sponsorship with patriarch Hans Henkell, a German immigrant, closing the circle that unites European opera with the dreams of aspiring vocalists for, when all is said and done, the Danube and the Yarra inspire common dreams.
Review by David McLean
Pictured: From left: Henry Wright (NSW Encouragement Grant), Sophie Blades (NSW Development Grant), Molly Ryan NSW (GAOG Awardee), Ziggy Harris NSW (Encouragement Grant).
Photo: Heidi Victoria