Hello Friends,

It is with absolute delight that I am able to announce that I have been accepted into the Berlin Opera Academy for their Young Artist Program this year. I will be making my international operatic debut singing the Puccini  roles of  Gheradino in “Gianni Schicchi” and Suor Osmina in “Suor Angelica”. I will have the chance to work alongside incredible conductors, directors and singers, and I will also have the chance to be a part of a showcase for German agents and experience first hand exactly how the German opera system works. Needless to say I am tremendously excited by this opportunity.

Many of you will know that singing has always been a huge part of my life due largely to the wonderful influence of my Dad, singer, actor and car fanatic, John. Fortunately for me, both  mum and dad have always been very encouraging of my desire to become an opera singer,  and they were particularly delighted when after seeing a production of my favourite operetta 'The Merry Widow' at the age of 14, I announced to them that I was going to pursue a career as an opera singer... as if they didn't know already! I performed regularly with Dad whilst at school and  it's still something that brings us both so much joy… A chance to sing together and share music with an audience is always a thrill.

This is us after we had sung together for the annual Christmas event for 'The East Melbourne Group'

I completed my Bachelor of Music in 2012 from the University of Melbourne and following a year of travel (mixed in with some excellent singing in bars in Rome and aboard cruise ships in America) I returned  and was lucky enough to receive a Young Artist place with Gertrude Opera. My association with Gertrude Opera has been a most fulfilling one as I was awarded two scholarships during my three years there, performed countless roles in  numerous productions and was fortunate  to work and learn from some of the best singers, conductors and directors in Australia and from overseas. One of the highlights for me was performing in the inaugural 'Nagambie Lakes Opera Festival'  in 2015 and below you can see a photo of my wonderful friends and colleagues Khary Wilson, Eugene Raggio and Emma Knight after a performance of Bach's 'Coffee Cantata' in which I played Lischen. As an aside, Khary, Eugene and I are set to reunite in Berlin this year for “Gianni Schicchi”!

I am now ready to take the next step towards launching my career internationally and the 'Berlin Opera Academy' is the perfect place for me. Studying with faculty who have worked at opera houses in both Europe and the United States,  it's fair to say I will have my work cut out for me whilst I am there – exactly as it should be!

I am now in the process of working towards achieving this opportunity financially.  The program that I am undertaking is challenging ,  and in order to make my dream of singing overseas come true, I am creating this 'Pozible' account and asking for assistance from any who would like to contribute to this amazing opportunity. I have had some exceedingly generous help already from my beautiful family and friends in the form of 'pledges' for this pozible campaign and I am so grateful to them for their generous contributions and helping me realize this dream.

I am determined to work as hard as I can to make it a reality!

Any donation is welcome, but just as much appreciated are words of encouragement, as sometimes the road along the musical path can be long and occasionally unsteady!

I look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you all,  and thank you for taking an interest in the pursuit of my career.

Any funds received for this opportunity will be used for;

• The cost of tuition at the Academy which is $5860 (XE Currency Converter) this fee includes:
• All vocal, theatrical, musical and professional tuition 
• Accommodation during the BOA program 
• Intensive German Language Instruction Course
• And Mentorship from BOA Faculty during the program and as Alumni of BOA

Other costs needing to be covered are:

• Airfares (Roughly $2000 AUD)
  
• Travel Insurance ($186)
• Sheet Music ($89)
• Basic living expenses whilst in Berlin ($800)
  

The Berlin Opera Academy is recognised internationally by young singers as an extraordinary gateway to a career not only in Germany but Europe and The United States as well, and so understandably the number of young singers wanting to gain entry into the academy is huge! That challenge I have fortunately overcome, but it's the getting there and covering of tuition fees that I am yet to conquer... However, through generous donations and a Fundraising Concert on the 3rd of June (for bookings please visit this link https://www.trybooking.com/281382 ) I am optimistic that together, this is one challenge I can over come!