Pacific Opera Studio International Scholarship
In Memory of Taryn Fiebig
This award, generously funded by Loz Copley, honours the life and legacy of one of Australia's most beloved artists.
This award provides an Alumni of Pacific Opera Studio the opportunity to receive a scholarship that is valued at $50,000. This scholarship will pay for them to travel to the UK where they will be professionally engaged with Diva Opera UK and perform a role with them. The scholarship will also fund them to take on a study plan and professional development while in the UK and Europe- while also paying for flights, visas and a small stipend for living expenses.
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In 2024, Pacific Opera Studio Artistic Directors, Peter Coleman-Wright AO and Cheryl Barker AO, 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 enabled Sophie to travel to the UK where she was engaged by Diva Opera UK to perform a role with them during tours of the UK and South Africa. The scholarship also funded a study plan and professional development undertaken whilst Sophie was in the UK and Europe. It also paid 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 allowed 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 was given in Sydney and Melbourne in late 2025.
Look out for details on the 2026 award later this year.
