Photo: Dr David Kram AM, photo by Heidi Victoria.

I was invited by Dr David Kram AM to attend the finals of the 22nd German-Australian Opera Grant at The Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne held on the 15 November.

A vital event with a big audience. I was surprised when David, who was Head of Opera at the Victorian College of Arts paid me a public tribute for my former role as Dean of Music. 

GAOG is the largest opera grant for emerging professional talent in Australia. The first grant includes a one-year employment contract at a major German opera house, a monthly living allowance, a cash prize, a German language course, one-months internship at the theatre prior to the official start plus travel. 

In addition to the main grant, singers have the opportunity to be considered for the MTO Grant - Developing Artist $4000, the Audience Award $3000 and Encouragement Grant(s) $2000.

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.

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. The company is an ideal launching pad to the very top international opera theatres!

The Grant has already launched some very successful careers of young Australian opera singers, who now perform on the international stage. Many of the former Grantees secured full time employment contracts with renowned opera houses after their initial year at the state theatre in Wiesbaden. Some have also returned to great acclaim as guest singers in significant roles with Opera Australia, Victorian Opera and Melbourne Opera Company.

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