2013 Australian Singing Competition's Semi-Finalists Revealed

Ten young singers have been chosen from more than 80 entrants around Australia and New Zealand to compete in the Semi-Finals of the 2013 IFAC Australian Singing Competition. The Competition is regarded as Australasia's richest and most prestigious singing competition that aims to identify and encourage talented young classical singers. This year's competitors are vying for a number of career-building awards and opportunities valued at more than $170,000.

The Competition is open to classical and opera singers under the age of 26. The ten Semi-Finalists will perform in the Semi-Finals Concert on Wednesday 11 September at the Independent Theatre, North Sydney. Five Finalists will then be selected to perform in the Finals Concert on Saturday 28 September at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Singers auditioned during Heats held in Australia and New Zealand for 2013 National Adjudicator, acclaimed soprano Emma Matthews. Emma brings a wealth of experience and talent to this prestigious competition, having won multiple awards throughout her continuing high-profile career.

Now in its 32nd year the ASC has showcased nearly 3,000 singers who have competed for more than $2.6 million in prizes. After winning the Marianne Mathy Scholarship, the major prize in the Australian Singing Competition, singers such as Rachelle Durkin, Amelia Farrugia, Stuart Skelton and Paul Whelan have all gone on to achieve national and international acclaim.

This year's ten Semi-Finalists are:

Bianca Andrew - NZ, Mezzo Soprano, 23
Anastasia Bickel - TAS, Mezzo Soprano, 22
Hannah Dahlenburg - VIC, Soprano, 25
Alexander Knight - NSW, Baritone, 23
Edward Laurenson - NZ, Baritone, 24
Jade Moffat - QLD, Mezzo Soprano, 23
Brenton Spiteri - VIC, Tenor, 24
Janet Todd - VIC, Soprano, 24
Danita Weatherstone - NSW, Soprano, 23
Carmen Young - NSW, Soprano, 24

The five singers chosen for the Finals Concert will participate in a MasterClass on Thursday 12 September. The MasterClass is an opportunity to receive expert tuition in a relaxed, interactive, professional environment from Emma Matthews, who is set to reprise her role as Violetta later this month in Opera Australia's La Traviata.

The Finalists will compete in the IFAC Australian Singing Competition Finals Concert in the Verbruggen Hall at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Saturday 28 September at 7.00pm.

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