ACCLAIM ITALIAN OPERA FELLOWSHIP AWARDS ARE BACK FOR 2012

“The Acclaim Awards deserve Acclaim”

In 2010, the Acclaim Italian Opera Fellowship Awards received rapturous commendation from opera and classical music circles for providing young Australian opera singers with extraordinary opportunities to perform and study in Italy.

“Acclaim deserves acclaim,” said The Age’s Senior Opera Critic, Michael Shmith.

Now, Acclaim, in conjunction with Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini (Jesi, Italy) is delighted to announce that the 2012 Italian Opera Fellowship Awards are open for applications.  Once again, the competition will provide four Australian singers with the opportunity to either perform professionally or study at the Fondazione Pergolese Spontini.

“Both Acclaim and the Fondazione believe strongly in the importance of cultural exchange,” said Ian Slater, AM, Chairman, Acclaim.

“Acclaim recognizes Australia’s geographical isolation from the world’s leading opera houses. Now this is no longer a frustration. Acclaim offers our exceptional singers exposure to the world’s leading opera conductors and coaches. Acclaim not only provides financial support but also opens doors to many international opera networks,.”

Australia is already witnessing the benefits provided by previous competitions.  2010 Acclaim Award recipients, sopranos Angela Brun and Kiandra Howarth have won critical praise for their recent performances with Opera Australia.  Brun was commended by the Italian Press for her performance as Adina in Donizetti’s ‘The Elixir of Love,’ which she performed in Jesi.

“I am confident to say it was one of the best competitions I have ever entered. I have gained so much knowledge from teachers Valeria Esposito and Maestro Carlo Morganti, assisting me greatly in preparing me for my roles with Opera Australia,” said Howarth.

The Finals of the competition will take place in Melbourne on the 6th & 7th December 2012. The Finals Concert will be held at Iwaki Auditorium on the 8th December.

Singers wishing to audition for the Acclaim Awards should refer to the Acclaim website www.acclaimawards.com.au .

Stage One DVD auditions are due by August 20, 2012. Interviews are available with the Chairman of Acclaim, Ian Slater AM and previous awards winners.