Australia’s future opera stars to study in Melbourne
20 Dec 2011 - Eight of the country's best and brightest opera singers have been selected for a new National Graduate Opera Program that will run next year as part of a collaboration between the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne and Victorian Opera. The new National Graduate Opera Program that will train artists for the world stage will see participants undertake an intensive, two-year course that covers all aspects of opera. Graduates will receive a Master of Music (Opera Performance) degree from the University of Melbourne. Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu said the program, which is supported by the Victorian Coalition Government as part of its $24 million commitment to the VCA, is world-leading. "This is a ground-breaking partnership between a professional opera company and an elite arts training institution that offers an unparalleled opportunity for our brightest young talent," Mr Baillieu said. "Not only will it provide the participants with rigorous training but it also offers important professional pathways and on-the-job experience. "I congratulate this first intake of students who represent the cream of Australia's emerging operatic talent." - Victorian Opera's Music Director, Richard Gill, said the competition for the program was very strong.
