AUSTRALIA'S RICHEST OPERA PRIZE!

More Than Opera Limited will organise the eighth German-Australian Opera Grant (GAOG) competition in November 2009. 

‘GAOG is the largest opera prize for emerging professional talent in Australia and this year the grant is bigger than ever.” according to Dr David Kram, General Manager and Creative Director of More Than Opera Limited.

First prize includes a one-year employment contract at a major German opera house, a two month German language tuition, a living allowance plus travel representing a grant of approximately $65,000. There are four prizes in all.

Grants are awarded to outstanding Australian opera singers in the early stages of their professional life with operatic stage experience.

GAOG is sponsored by the German-Australian Community and the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden, Germany. Mr Hans Henkell, of Henkell Brothers in Fitzroy, made the initial contact with the Wiesbaden State Theatre. “Wiesbaden is an ideal place to start one’s career. It is an elegant, friendly, medium-sized town, within easy reach of major European cities. The artistic leaders of the Opera House, home to the International May Festival, were very keen to foster links with opera in Australia.” he recalls.

Twelve Candidates (6 male & 6 female voices), with stage experience have been selected, for the semi-finals on 13th November 2009 at Melba Hall, University of Melbourne in Parkville.

Four Finalists (2 male & 2 female voices) will then be chosen to perform at the Opera Finale, the finalists concert, on 14th November 2009 at BMW Edge in Federation Square, Melbourne.

Dr. Kram, Victorian College of the Arts and University of Melbourne, is enthusiastic about the award “This grant is a breakthrough compared to other awards for emerging singers in Australia. It is a subsidised employment contract, providing the opportunity to sing lead roles in an opera house that has an extensive repertoire, including Wagner’s Ring Cycle. The company is an ideal launching pad to the very top international opera theatres!”

Media contact for further information or interviews:
Nicole Ritzdorf (03) 9417 4144, nicole.ritzdorf@mto-gaog.com or Dr. David Kram on 0412 114 725