The Opera Foundation for young Australians Awards
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Welcome
The Opera Foundation for young Australians is a non-profit arts organisation that has supported the professional development and pursuit of excellence for young Australians in the field of opera for 60 years.
It was founded by Lady Mary Fairfax AC OBE in 1963 who saw an opportunity to help and inspire young Australian opera artists by providing ‘make or break’ learning opportunities in the best opera houses and centres around the world.
The Opera Foundation for young Australians is able to open doors to the stages of major opera houses and supports the artists in this process. This is the Foundation’s point of difference from other arts funding bodies. A reason for being which is as relevant today as what it was at inception.
Michael Dimovski – Tenor
Michael Byrne Vienna State Opera Award
Michael will join the Vienna State Opera with coaching, covering and performance opportunities for a period of four months commencing in March 2027.
To be announced
Deutsche Oper Berlin Award
The Winner will join the Deutsche Oper Berlin Ensemble for in their 2027 /2028 Season as Stipendiat and receives an opportunity for German Language Lessons at the Goethe-Institut.
Henry Wright – Baritone
American Institute of Musical Studies Award
Henry attended the six-week Summer School held in Graz, Austria in July 2026.
Esther Greswell – Mezzo-Soprano
Lady Galleghan London Award
Esther will join the Chorus of ‘A Masked Ball’ at Opera Holland Park and the Award includes the opportunity of an Audition and Consultation with Diva Opera, Tait Memorial Trust performance and Coachings with the National Opera Studio London.
Claudia Osborne – Director
Berlin Music Opera Award
Claudia will work with the design team on productions at the Deutsche Oper Berlin in their 2026 /2027 Season.
Chelsea Burns – Soprano
Lady Fairfax La Scala Opera Award
Chelsea will join Teatro alla Scala, Milan with covering, performance opportunities and coachings for a period of four months commencing in March 2027 and will receive Italian Language Lessons.
