The Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Opera Foundation aims to assist many more young singers to attain the goals and ambitions. While Australia offers a certain amount of training in opera it has always been imperative for all young singers to spend sometime in either Europe or the U.S.A. to fully develop their given talent. The cost of pursuing these studies is prohibitive for young artists and with new restrictions regarding student visas, students now must prove they have the funds upfront if they are wishing to undertake a course or period of study in certain countries.

Did you know opera singers need to train, on average, for at least 10 years before they are employed professionally. THAT IS WHY THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

 Here are some examples of the costs an opera student faces after leaving a Conservatorium before they are ready for the professional stage.

• A singer needs at least $50,000 for one year’s study at an overseas institution. Courses vary from one to three years
• Singing lessons cost between $80 – $200 per hour. That’s $4,160 – $10,400 per year at one lesson a week
• Overseas summer short courses cost between $8,000 – $15,000 without an airfare
• The 3 week Lisa Gasteen National Opera School in Brisbane costs $4,000 without accommodation, living expenses or travel
• Add to that language courses, opera scores, vocal coaching, acting classes, audition expenses, pianist fees, travel, accommodation, concert gowns or tuxedos
• To become an Opera Singer is costly, that’s why we try and give our most talented singers all the help that we can

Therefore, it is vital that the Foundation help our future artists with their intended studies so that they may attain the highest possible level of achievement, allowing their talent to flourish, excite and entertain us all.

The aim of this non-profit organisation is to raise money to help assist our most talented young opera singers fulfil their given potential. The Foundation funds the annual Bel Canto Award  - which includes over $50,000 in prizes and a place in the Georg Solti Accademia in Italy for 2013.

This year the Foundation is particularly excited to be presenting the Australian premiere of Handel’s great operatic masterpiece, RODELINDA at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place in Sydney. The concert performance will be conducted by Richard Bonynge a feature an all Australian cast which has been handpicked by Richard Bonynge.There are also plans to sponsor other projects like recordings of Australian works featuring Australian artists. One such venture is the planned first ever recording of  Peggy Glanville Hicks’ opera SAPHO, due to be recorded in 2013 by the Australian conductor Jennifer Condon, with Australian baritone Laurence Meikle and international greats, Deborah Polaski and Sir John Tomlinson as part of the international cast.

All donations to the Public Fund of the Foundation are now tax deductible. In time the Foundation hopes to evolve, strengthen and grow, securing a place within the Arts community as a significant fund raising organisation.

I encourage all readers to consider making a gift to the Foundation.

You can download a Donation Form here:

http://www.joansutherlandsociety.com/index.php