Youth Development Talent of Tomorrow – Young Sopranos Meet sopranos Rhian Saunders and Rachael Fullston, two artists selected by Fine Music Young Performer adjudicators to feature as Emerging Young Artists in December broadcasts. Winner of the prestigious Australian Entertainers ‘MO’ Award in 2010, Rhian Saunders is studying for a Bachelor of Music, performance major, at Sydney’s Australian Institute of Music. Under the guidance of celebrated Armenian Bel Canto performer of 35-years, Arax Mansourian, Rhian has continued her vocal training over the last five years and followed her passion - singing classical and operatic repertoire in the Bel Canto style.
Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and Ruth in Ruddigore. She has a Bachelor of Music Theatre from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music and her singing development continues under the direction of musicologist and mezzosoprano Dr Prudence E Dunstone, pianist Maryleigh Hand and répétiteur Ingrid Sakurovs. Over the last two years Rachael has performed in the chorus - and was chorus captain - in Pacific Opera’s Hansel and Gretel and The Magic Flute - under the guidance of noted artistic director Christine Douglas.
Edith Lam
Rhian received a scholarship to sing a major role in the ‘Opera Boot Camp - Overboard’ production with Simon Kenway and Wendy Dixon. Her performance roles have included ‘Queen of the Night’ in the Australian Institute of Music’s production of The Magic Flute, ‘Dido’ in Dido and Aeneas and ‘1st Lady’ in The Magic Flute with Tim Collins Productions.
In 2013, for the first time, the Young Performer Awards will be open pipe organists - a long overdue inclusion says Judy Deacon: ‘The standards in the Organ Music Society of Sydney competition were particularly high this year and that convinced us that pipe organ entries would be a great, and probably long overdue, addition. We’re fortunate that Sydney has several very good venues where our concert-goers can look forward to hearing brilliant and, to many, unfamiliar works. Music written for the organ is extensive and beautiful – including Australian works which are mandatory in competitors’ repertoire.’
A soloist at many major events, she has also led national anthems and performed at the Duke of Edinburgh Youth Talent Concert for His Royal Highness, Prince Edward. This year Rhian won the Sydney Eisteddfod Joan Sutherland Memorial Scholarship Award (for 17-20 years) along with other wins at Penrith, Orange, Ryde and St George Eisteddfods.
Rhian Saunders
A classically trained soprano, Rachael Fullston has sung in the roles of Fiametta in The Gondoliers and Aldonza in Man of La Mancha - both with the Rockdale Opera Company. Rachael’s talent has taken her around the world - as a singer and dancer on-board the Olsen Cruise liner MS Balmoral. Other credits include - Phyllis in Iolanthe, Yum Yum in The Mikado,
Pipe Organ - A New Feature
Rachael Fullston 2012 Wrap Up
YOUTH BROADCASTS
Youth innovations this year included collaboration with the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra to offer a soloist concert performance to the winner of the Young Performer Award. In November the 2011 state and national winner - violinist Anna Da Silva Chen - became the first to benefit and made the most of her opportunity receiving a lengthy standing ovation. ‘Her fingers moved like lightening, she’s so virtuosic and very musical,’ said Youth Development Manager Judy Deacon, ‘Her performance captivated the audience in every aspect. It was magical.’
1pm Wednesday 12 December Andrew Bukenya presents highlights from the Sydney Eisteddfod Alf and Pearl Pollard Memorial Awards.
Next year, the state winner, pianist Bo An Lu, gets his opportunity to perform with the orchestra. Young performers benefited from financial patronage of the Family Frank Foundation, the Sydney Conservatorium Association and the NSW Doctors Orchestra. Ongoing partnerships with the Sydney Eisteddfod, the IFAC Australian Singing Competition and the Organ Music Society of Sydney contribute to the support and exposure of emerging artists.
1pm Wednesday 26 December - David Nutting presents Emerging Young Artists Rhian Saunders and Rachael Fullston and selections from the Younger/Even Younger Performers. Recorded by Greg Ghavalas and Greg Simmons at St Catherine’s School, Waverley. Coming Up 2pm Sunday 2 December - Steven Hillinger conducts the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra in their final concert for 2012 - The Family Concert at Sydney Girls High School cnr Myrtle St and Pacific Highway. www.nsso.org.au Further information – contact Judy Deacon yd@finemusicfm.com fineMusic FM 102.5
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