IFAC Australian Singing Competition Welcomes Ten Singers to Semi-Finals Concert & Masterclass, Oct 10 & 11

The IFAC Australian Singing Competition is regarded as the country's richest and most prestigious singing competition that aims to identify and encourage talented, young classical singers. This year the ASC received a record number of entries from aspiring performers vying for a vast range of coveted prizes and opportunities valued at over $200,000.

The competition is open to classical and opera singers under the age of 26. The ten semi-finalists will perform today, 10 October in the Semi-Finals Concert at the Independent Theatre, North Sydney. From the ten semi-finalists only five will be selected to perform at the Sydney Opera House in the Finals Concert on 25 October 2012.

Singers from around Australia and New Zealand auditioned at the Heats in front of National Adjudicator, internationally acclaimed opera singer Jeffrey Black and local adjudicators. Jeffrey Black has a strong connection to the ASC, having been a finalist in the inaugural 1982 competition and the winner of the 'Marianne Mathy Scholarship' in 1983 at the age of only 19. Jeffrey now lives in London but hails from Brisbane.

Now in its 31st 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:

Thomas Atkins, New Zealand, Tenor, 21
Charlotte Betts-Dean, Victoria, Mezzo Soprano, 21
Amy Corkery, NSW, Soprano, 24
Anna Dowsley, NSW, Mezzo Soprano, 24
Jeremy Kleeman, Victoria, Bass Baritone, 21
Alexander Knight, NSW, Baritone 22
Jenny Liu, NSW, Soprano, 23
Tabatha McFadyen, Queensland, Soprano, 21
Kathryn Radcliffe, Victoria, Soprano, 25
Daniel Todd, Victoria, Tenor, 24

The five singers chosen for the Finals Concert will have the opportunity to participate in a Masterclass on Thursday 11 October. The MasterClass is an opportunity to receive expert tuition in a relaxed, interactive, professional environment from one of Australia's seasoned performers.

The finalists then compete in the IFAC Australian Singing Competition Finals Concert at Sydney Opera House on Thursday 25 October at 7.00pm.

SEMI-FINALS CONCERT - Wednesday 10 October 7.00pm

MASTERCLASS – Thursday 11 October 11.00am

The concert and master class will take place at the Independent Theatre located at 269 Miller Street, North Sydney. Ticket prices are Semi-finals only $30.00; Semi-finals & Masterclass $35.00; Group tickets 10+ Semi-finals only $25.00; Group tickets 10+ Semi & Masterclass $28.00

For booking information visit www.theindependent.org.au or call 1300 302 604

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