The Australian Singing Competition Semi-Final Concert Held 9/2 At The Independent Theatre

The Australian Singing Competition is the richest and most recognised competition of its kind in Australia. Now in its 28th year, over 2500 singers have participated in the Competition and have shared in over $2 million worth of prizes.

This year 76 young singers from across Australia entered the elimination Heats, held in each State during July. Of this number 10 contestants will be chosen to perform at the Semi-Finals Concert on Wednesday 2 September at the Independent Theatre, 269 Miller Street, Nth. Sydney. These performances will be judged by acclaimed Australian singer and star of the opera stage, Donald Shanks AO OBE, together with Stephen Mould and Richard Wenn.

From the Semi-Finals five singers will be chosen to perform at the Finals Concert to be held at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, on Monday 2 November. This is a highly prestigious event with each singer accompanied by The West Australian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Aldo Salvagno. Over $180,000 worth of prizes will be awarded at the Finals Concert.

Previous winners of the Australian Singing Competition include Jeffrey Black, Rachelle Durkin, Amelia Farrugia, Stuart Skelton and Paul Whelan. Maestro Richard Bonynge, who conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for the 2006 Finals Concert and the Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra for the 2007 Finals Concert, said "I wholeheartedly support the Australian Singing Competition in its long standing generosity to young singers struggling in an extremely competitive field".

The Australian Singing Competition is a non-profit organisation with honorary committees, adjudicators and consultants. Its aim is to identify, encourage and reward talented singers with a range of awards including cash, tuition, travel, and performance opportunities. Of the winners the majority are pursuing careers in Australia and overseas. The Australian Singing Competition is administered by the Music & Opera Singers Trust.

Bookings for the Semi Finals Concert on Wednesday 2 September - www.theindependent.org.au or (02) 9955 6580

General enquiries -(02) 9231 4293 or asc@mostlyopera.org.au or www.mostlyopera.org.au.