Australian wins international opera prize

Australian opera singer Siobhan Stagg has made her mark on the international map after winning three major prizes at a prestigious aria competition held in Austria last week.

The 23 year old from Mildura took home the orchestra prize and the Audience Favourite prize on the 13th of August at the Meistersinger Vocal Competition, of which she was also the winner.

Ms Stagg has spent the last 8 weeks studying at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) Summer School in Graz, Austria as part of a study scholarship from the Opera Foundation Australia.

“An international competition like the Meistersinger can be a good way to break into the European opera scene,” said Ms Stagg.

“Several agents were on the panel and in the audience, so I now have somewhere to start when I head back over next year. It’s good to know I’m on the right path,” she added.

A current Master of Music student at the University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music, Ms Stag says that she owes a great deal of gratitude to the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust, whom she says, “laid the groundwork in my training and nurtured my professional development.”

She also credits a large part of her burgeoning singing career to the University and the Opera Foundation Turst.

“The support of Opera Foundation Australia has also been pivotal in my success as they supported my first venture into the international opera scene,” she said.

Amy McPartlan, General Manager of the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust, said it was always Dame Nellie’s vision to support the development of emerging opera singers with exceptional talent.

“She [Stagg] has thrived on the intensive training her scholarship funding has provided, and has made the most of every networking opportunity afforded to her by our Mentor Program,” said Ms McPartlan.

Director of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Professor Gary McPherson said, “We are thrilled that Siobhan has won this prestigious award which will open doors for her on the world stage. Her achievements serve as an example for the many other Australian singers who have a talent that is equal to any internationally.”