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Pacific Opera Studio has been preparing and developing the next generation of Australian opera singers since 2009. With over 300 participants since its inception, Pacific Opera Studio has a proud history of training singers who go on to professional work in Australia & Internationally.
Pacific Opera Studio bridges the gap between tertiary education and gaining professional work within an opera company.
Led by Artistic Directors Peter Coleman-Wright AO, Cheryl Barker AO and Musical Director Bradley Gilchrist the program has grown to include concerts, recitals, oratorio, masterclasses and performing roles in fully staged works.
The program relies solely on its charitable supporters and Circle of Friends.
Pacific Opera Studio International Scholarship Recepients
Pacific Opera Studio Artistic Directors, Peter Coleman-Wright AO and Cheryl Barker AO, have announced the winner of the inaugural Pacific Opera Studio International Scholarship in memory of Taryn Fiebig. The $50,000 Scholarship was awarded to Soprano, Sophie Mohler, who is a graduate of the 2024 Pacific Opera Studio Young Artists’ Program. Sophie also holds a Master of Musical Studies (Opera Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium.
The scholarship will enable Sophie to travel to the UK where she will be engaged by Diva Opera UK to perform a role with them during tours of the UK and South Africa. The scholarship will also fund a study plan and professional development to be undertaken whilst Sophie is in the UK and Europe. It will also pay for flights and visas as well as a contribution to living expenses.
A Judges’ Award of $20,000 was also awarded to Mezzo Soprano, Elizabeth Cooper. Elizabeth is a graduate of the 2022 and 2023 Pacific Opera Studio Young Artists’ program. Elizabeth also holds a Masters of Musical Studies (Opera Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium. The Award will allow Elizabeth to study and audition overseas.
The Biennial Pacific Opera Studio International Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Pacific Opera Studio Board member, Loz Copley. The Scholarship honours the life and legacy of much loved and acclaimed Australian soprano, Taryn Fiebig, who died from ovarian cancer in March 2021. Taryn was made aware of the scholarship before she died by Loz. This was her response…
“I am so honoured and moved that you would set this up, and for something that I am so dedicated to...I am beyond moved and this gesture really makes my life seem worthwhile…Thank you for allowing me to continue in the hearts and minds of young artists.”
The Scholarship was judged by a panel which included Taryn’s husband, Jud Arthur, Peter Coleman-Wright AO, Cheryl Barker AO and Pacific Opera Studio Music Director, Bradley Gilchrist.
Taryn was a patron of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. A fundraising concert by the two award winners will be given in Sydney and Melbourne in late 2025.