2008 Year by year we celebrate Melba Opera Trust Contents Page 2-3 2008-09 WELCOMING THE NEW MELBA Page 4-5 2010

Page 6-7 2011 In 2008 a new philanthropic body founded on the distinguished determined to carrying forward expressed a clear objective: to grow Page 8-9 2012 history and traditions of Melba Conservatorium of Music was formed: the three commitments implicit a capital endowment that would the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust. in Dame Nellie Melba’s legacy – provide valuable scholarships Page 10-11 2013 namely to students, singing and to support the development of Dame Nellie taught at the to embody precisely the same scholarships. young Australian operatic talent Page 12 2014 Conservatorium of Music, purposes and values that sustained into perpetuity “so that another Melbourne (later renamed in her the Melba Conservatorium for 108 The existing company identity, Page 13 2015 Melba may arise”. This vision was honour) and was especially fond of years: to ensure that promising structure and independence led by then-General Manager, Page 14 2016 the institution for its nurturing and young Australian singers are of Melba Conservatorium were Amy McPartlan (now CEO Amy supportive approach. supported financially during a preserved within the new entity and Page 15-16 2017 Black) with the transition from crucial phase of their development its reimagined purpose. Following a widespread feasibility Conservatorium to Trust wisely Page 17 2018 – in this case, postgraduate training study and community ‘think-tank’, The Board, led at the time by guided by then Director, Professor as the bridge to a professional Page 18-19 2019 Melba Opera Trust was established Chair Robert G. Logie-Smith AM, Melville Waters. operatic career. The Trust was Page 20 10 Years Chair’s Launching a new era

About Melba Opera Trust On 22 July 2008 Dame Nellie to the unique link the Melba Welcome Melba Opera Trust was launched organisation shares with the Melba Opera Trust is Australia’s to a large gathering of supporters great Dame herself. “What might in the Great Hall at the National Dame Nellie have said at the premier scholarship program I am very pleased to welcome you Gallery of Victoria. It was a fitting beginning of a venture such as for promising young opera to the first of two commemorative setting for an organisation with this? Undoubtedly, she would singers and repetiteurs. editions of The Melba to celebrate big ambitions and a commitment have begun with an expression the 10-year anniversary of Driven by Dame Nellie Melba’s to artistic development into the of supreme optimism and a providing scholarships to young conviction “a beautiful voice future. Themes of opportunity determination to overcome artists. is not enough”, the program and excellence resonated in the all obstacles… and she would nurtures artistic development In this edition you will learn about speeches delivered at the launch. have hoped, humbly of course, alongside business training, the evolution and development of Then Artistic Director of Victorian that her example of personal mentoring and performance the Melba scholarship program ©Fi Mims Opera, the late Richard Gill AO, accomplishment might be experience. We are the next since 2008. In the second edition, stated: “The advent of Dame Nellie emulated by those fortunate step for artists preparing to to be published in May 2020, Melba Opera Trust is a happy enough to receive patronage from become professionals on the we will explore the impact our circumstance in expanding the the enterprise bearing her name.” programs have had on our 51 opportunities and financial support world stage. As you read this magazine I hope Performances on the evening alumni over the past decade. for young artists to make the you will agree that Melba Opera featured Melba Conservatorium Inspiring Excellence contributions we need for opera in Many of our readers will recall Trust has much to celebrate and alumnus, bass-baritone Shane Realising Potential all guises to thrive.” the decision to transition from much to look forward to as we Lowrencev, soprano Joanna Cole Forging Careers the Conservatorium to the Trust; continue to inspire excellence and Then-Chairman of Melba, Robert G. and the Victorian Opera chorus at that time the Board was fully to prepare our young artists for Logie-Smith AM, told guests Melba led by conductor Nicholas Carter. aware of the risks of entering into a career on the world stage. It is Opera Trust would not only provide MC for the evening was media unknown territory. It took a lot also a great privilege to be carrying valuable training for young opera personality Christopher Lawrence of courage and determination to forward the legacy of Dame Nellie singers, but aim to sustain such a and principle sponsor was Eastlink, make that move, but what started Melba. program “long into the future to thanks to the launch coinciding with as a hope has become a successful ensure that these opportunities are the opening of the Melba tunnel. Cover images As we move into our next decade, and enduring reality. our principal focus is on building present for generations of opera Photographers: As a special commemorative gift, all our endowment to sustain the singers to come”. David Ng, Les O’Rourke Our success is founded in strong who attended the launch received leadership and hard work based on Melba’s activities for future International soprano, Rosamund a signed copy of I Am Melba, Ann the vision of financial sustainability generations. Illing, proudly launched Melba Blainey’s biography that had been Melba Opera Trust Board and good governance. This On behalf of my colleagues on the Opera Trust by paying homage released earlier that year. Roz Zalewski-Ruskin, Chair approach has ensured our future Kate Shelmerdine, Deputy Chair Board, I thank those of you who Dmitry Danilovich, Treasurer as the pre-eminent organisation have been on this exciting journey Chris Arnold AM for the training and professional with us in our first decade. We look Kristine Neill development of Australia’s Peter Reilly forward to continuing our journey emerging opera stars. with you into the future. Melba Opera Trust ABN 96 424 419 725 We are here also because of a loyal, generous and growing community T: (03) 9944 2100 of benefactors, mentors of the www.melbaoperatrust.com.au highest calibre and talented and Design by Kerry Aker dedicated scholars. We take pride Copy and editing by Andrew Stephens, in the high standards applied to all Roz Zalewski-Ruskin Holly Cardamone, Hannah Dahlenburg, of our endeavors. Chair, Melba Opera Trust Board Amy Black and Bruce Raggatt.

The articles contained within this publication were curated and compiled from previous editions of Melba Opera Trust publications, LEADERSHIP UPDATE da capo and The Melba. The Melba Board If you would prefer not to receive this 2005-2016 Robert G. Logie-Smith AM, Chair THINKING OF THE FUTURE publication, please contact Melba 1996-2010 Arnold Mayfield, Deputy Chair & Treasurer Opera Trust. As Melba Opera Trust laid the foundation for a ground-breaking new 1999-2010 Peter Hansen development program and endowment campaign, it turned to its 2007-2011 Lewis Johnson community for guidance. Led by consultant, Helen Woods, around 1986-2012 Jenny Sutherland 60 community representatives fed into the strategic direction of the 1999-2010 Professor Mel Waters new organisation. 2006-2011 Barbara Yeoh Complementing this was a series of community events involving Executive Management supporters who had previously donated to the Amelia Joscelyne Memorial 1999-2010 Professor Melville Waters, Director Scholarship, the Alfred Ruskin Appeal and the Melba Conservatorium 2005-2019 Amy Black (nee. McPartlan), General Manager more generally. This was an event series that would turn into annual highlights in the years to follow.

2 | 2009

©Todd Rosenberg WELCOMING THE NEW MELBA

The endowment campaign This was a time of foundation All of these advances was launched with $4.3 million building for the Melba. The set the scene for the Since our first pioneer supporters of seed funding thanks to launch of the Founding development in the (46 in 2008), our community the successful sale of the Benefactors program heralded following years, creating has grown to nearly 600 strong, Conservatorium’s York Street the beginning of what would the Melba program that represented through our property in Richmond, and be a vibrant community of we know today. accumulative Melba Benefactor the two existing funds that loyal and generous supporters, Circles. In our 10th Anniversary year, would continue on the Melba as did a series of hosted the capital endowment campaign is journey: the Dame Nellie Melba Boardroom lunches to generate now sitting at just over $10 million Scholarship bequeathed by donor interest and industry thanks to the donations, pledges, Dame Nellie Melba in 1931 and understanding of the Melba’s grants, bequests and the expertise of MATCHING the Amelia Joscelyne Memorial new approach. our investment managers, JB Were. Scholarship established in 1989. MUSIC AND WINE De Bortoli and Melba Opera Trust embarked on a wonderful relationship in 2009 which The first continues today. As event sponsor for our 2009 Gala event, De Bortoli launched a new range of wines Melba in 2009 paying tribute to Dame Nellie Melba in La Bohème created by Leanne De Bortoli and Steve Scholars Webber, Chief Winemaker. The two organisations enjoy a synergy, as both value their legacies – De Bortoli being one of Victoria’s oldest family wine companies, and the Melba infusing the intentions of its namesake. Both are also strongly — motivated by helping young people Alumni Stephanie Gibson & ©Simon Pauly realise their potential: the Melba Siobhan Stagg (L to R) through our program, and De Bortoli through mentoring winemakers. Scholarship provision was a scholarships. Stephanie Gibson the hope that another Melba may loved to sing. This scholarship A decade later, La Bohème wines longstanding feature of the was awarded the Dame Nellie arise”. continues to provide opportunities remain a firm fixture at Melba Conservatorium, but the first Melba Memorial Scholarship to young singers in her memory. The Amelia Joscelyne Memorial events. scholarships awarded under the and Siobhan Stagg the Amelia Scholarship is a special award Today, Stephanie continues to banner of Dame Nellie Melba Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship. that was instituted with the Melba perform as a freelance artist in Opera Trust were a wonderful The Dame Nellie Melba Conservatorium of Music by the Australia and the UK. Siobhan milestone. Scholarship is the scholarship Joscelyne family and friends, has established an impressive In 2009, two recipients were bequeathed by Dame Nellie in following Amelia’s death. Amelia international operatic career and selected to receive funding from 1931 to provide financial support cherished her short time at the has emerged as one of Australia’s the Melba’s longest standing for a promising young singer “in Conservatorium and, above all, finest young artists.

“I know that the best of me will live” – Dame Nellie Melba When faced with a new future, Melba Opera Trust, as well as they should sing only repertoire association with Dame Nellie Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust having the direct responsibility appropriate for their age and stage Melba and of her incredible story turned to its namesake for of being Caretaker of Dame of development, always remaining of resilience, determination and inspiration. The key to keeping Nellie’s Memorial at Lilydale, has focussed on technique. strength of character. After all, her vision alive and emulating thus based the core principles what could be more inspiring than All of this underpins the Mentor, her generosity is seen in her of our program on her legacy. a woman from a then-provincial Performance and Artistic £8000 bequest, directed to After all, Dame Nellie believed town called Melbourne who went programs at the Melba that the Conservatorium in 1931 to that, alongside a beautiful voice, on to conquer the most famous continue today. We at the Melba establish a perpetual scholarship a singer must learn about the opera houses in the world? are immensely proud of our for the development of young presentation and business aspects opera singers. Her actions also of life as a professional artist. As inspired the way forward to well as personally supporting the establish a durable model of development of young singers endowed named funds, valuable financially, she also mentored and and generous bequests, and the created performance opportunities great success of annual giving. for them. She always insisted

The Melba/Tallis association is partnership forged a lasting the Melba Opera Trust program. MELBA AND one that has spanned the better friendship between the two. Janet Szepei Todd was to be its part of a century. It began when first recipient the following year. The support continued with LEADERSHIP TALLIS Sir George Tallis, theatrical the Tallis Foundation providing Since then, the Tallis Foundation entrepreneur and Managing a scholarship to the Melba and Beleura House & Garden UPDATE Director of giant entertainment Conservatorium of Music in have provided additional financial company J.C. Williamson, Founding Patrons Appointed memory of Sir George’s youngest support to the Mentor Program, collaborated with Dame Nellie Pamela, Lady Vestey son, musician and composer John hosted master classes and co- Melba to promote several highly Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM Tallis. In 2009 it was announced produced several entertaining successful opera seasons in this association would continue, Opera in the Garden performances Australia. The lucrative business with the scholarship extending to at Beleura.

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 3 2010

©Andrea Russell ©Alysa Grigoriev ©David Ng A tailored Artistic Development Program

After its first full year of operation, intensive development program. This holistic, individualised and Melba Opera Trust provided Each program is required to intensive approach has been support to seven scholarship satisfy four criteria that Melba a building block for the Melba recipients, distributing a total Opera Trust considers essential program and has been sustained of $60,000. Melba’s inaugural training tools for developing a throughout its ten years. As selection panel included Professor well-rounded performer: vocal well as helping to promote Melville Waters, Michael Leighton- tuition, intensive language independence, it encourages Jones and Suzanne Johnston. training, stagecraft/movement recipients to be accountable and professional development. for their own development With its first cohort of scholars and ensures that each artist is came the launch of a tailored Funded activities can vary from supported at their own pace while Artistic Development Program. vocal lessons and coaching, addressing their own priorities. Taken from Dame Nellie’s to performance psychology, approach of nurturing all aspects allowances for music purchases, of development and engaging the preparation of business in the “business” of singing, cards, professional headshots recipients worked with Melba and allowances for performance ©Brandon Voight management to develop their own attire.

Memories Margaret Schofield Birthday Surprise at Como Opera Scholarship for Pamela, The seven 2010 Melba Scholars Lady Vestey were introduced at a reception at Como House in South Yarra on In early 2010, Melba Opera Trust 19 May – fittingly, the date of was thrilled to visit the Yarra Valley’s Nellie Melba’s birthday (born 1861). Coombe Cottage, once Dame Nellie’s retreat and later the home of It was to be the first Meet the her beloved granddaughter and our Scholars soirée, an event which is Founding Patron, the late Pamela, now the cornerstone of our annual Lady Vestey. The reason for the activity calendar. visit? A birthday gathering, together Recipients were presented with a with a special Melba presentation. signed copy of Founding Patron On that day, in front of family Pamela, Lady Vestey’s book Melba: — and friends – including her own A Family Memoir. Jacqueline Porter, Margaret Schofield; granddaughter, The Hon. Saffron holder of the Dame Nellie Melba 2011 scholarship recipient Samuel Sakker (L to R) Foster – Pamela, Lady Vestey was Scholarship for 2010, spoke on awarded the prestigious Melba behalf of the scholars, providing Medal for her exceptional generosity insight into the program: “I have and dedication to Melba Opera Trust, been challenged, questioned and In recognition of one of it existed during her life and was Matthew was awarded the and its previous incarnation as the encouraged to work at a higher level Australia’s leading pianists, and a great supporter of singers and Australian International Opera Melba Conservatorium of Music. – now I feel inspired and excited by her achievements as a musician opera in Melbourne,” says Award to study with renowned new possibilities in my singing.” and educator, the Margaret Dr Andrew Cochrane. tenor Dennis O’Neill in Cardiff, Pamela, Lady Vestey became Patron Schofield Opera Scholarship was Wales. He is currently touring In 2010 it was awarded to of the Conservatorium in 1993 and established by her family to assist with Opera Australia. mezzo-soprano Sophie Yelland later, Founding Patron of Melba a promising early-career student who now continues her operatic In 2015, following the launch of Opera Trust. Over the years, Pamela, at the Melba Conservatorium career in the UK. Following Melba’s new opera repetiteur Lady Vestey was known for the where Margaret taught and Sophie, tenors Samuel Sakker scholarship, Andrew and Fiona marvellous garden party fundraisers accompanied for many years. and Matthew Reardon received agreed to direct the scholarship she would host at Coombe where Margaret’s children, Andrew the scholarship. Samuel was for that purpose. Since then, the students of the Conservatorium and Fiona Cochrane, decided accepted into the Jette Parker it has provided an invaluable would perform around the gardens, to continue the scholarship Young Artist Program with Royal pathway to Simon Bruckard, a tradition that she continued with Melba Opera Trust. “Our Opera House, Covent Garden Jonathan Wilson and Adam from her own grandmother. Her mother’s life was devoted to and is now enjoying a busy and McMillan. granddaughter, The Hon. Saffron music. She had a great affection successful freelance opera career Foster, would later become Melba ©Andrea Russell for the Melba Conservatorium as around Europe and the UK. Opera Trust’s Honorary Patron.

John and Elizabeth Wright-Smith program: the John & Elizabeth young singers mature, go free, had their first introduction to the Wright-Smith Scholarship. go wild, achieve their maximum Melba at a candlelight concert at potential – and be happy with Our first The first recipient was, fittingly, Domaine Chandon as part of the themselves,” John said at the baritone Nathan Lay with the 2009 Melba Festival. time. Subsequent recipients, scholarship’s launch in 2011. Brenton Spiteri, Nicholas Tolputt Melba Performances from Stephanie The purpose of the scholarship and Samuel Piper have certainly Gibson and Nathan Lay clearly was (and remains) to provide achieved that mission. made an impact, as it was from talented young singers with champions that moment that John and Liz the funding to undertake a Their pioneering spirit continued began their plans to support comprehensive operatic training in 2015, when John and Liz emerging singers. In 2010 it was program, continue their vocal became the first supporters to announced that Melba Opera development and help them to also provide endowed perpetual

Trust would receive its first create strong foundation from support to Melba’s flagship — commitment to endow fully into which to launch a successful Mentor Program. John & Liz Wright-Smith with perpetuity a scholarship in its career. “I hope we see some 2017-2019 recipient Samuel Piper

4 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years JOSCELYNE The gift of music SCHOLARSHIP

In March 2010, David Jones, living at Trinity College – opera singers and it is a great 20 YEAR opera enthusiast and Melba The University of Melbourne. pleasure to closely watch their supporter, gifted a digital piano development.” CELEBRATION At the time, David said to Melba’s Siobhan Stagg at a In a legacy that endures, 2010 reception and morning tea at Siobhan had a promising In 2018, then living in Germany, voice, passion and dedication, Siobhan contacted Melba marked the 20th anniversary of Ruskin Hall in Richmond. David the Amelia Joscelyne Memorial had purchased the Yamaha CLP- and that the piano would Opera Trust and reciprocated help her with practice at a the generosity by donating the Scholarship. The inaugural recipient 330 Clavinova Digital Piano as was Fiona Chatwin in 1990; the an auction prize at the Melba’s time when her funds were in instrument back to Melba so that limited supply. “I have been it could be a perpetual source of year before, friends and relatives of inaugural gala dinner in the Amelia Joscelyne, a young student previous November and decided fortunate to raise money for support for future scholars. a number of promising young at the Melba Conservatorium, to donate it to Siobhan who was established the scholarship in her memory. The benefaction is made up of donations large and small from a group of passionate individuals and its impact over the Melba Artists years has been profound. Amelia’s mother and Founding In 2009 Melba Opera Trust was party enjoyed a program of Patron of Melba Opera Trust, Mary- proud to launch its performance Puccini and romantic opera for a Jane Joscelyne OAM, has enjoyed initiative, Melba Artists. The birthday celebration; afternoon tea getting to the know the scholarship program was designed to and opera at St John’s Anglican recipients, many of whom stay in complement the artistic Church in Toorak with Stacey touch with letters, updates and development of scholarship Alleaume and Sophie Yelland invitations to performances. “I’d recipients by providing giving a recital to parishioners like them all to go as far as they performance experience for singers and guests; Ann Blainey, author wish to go in their singing careers to put their learning into practice. of I Am Melba, giving an insightful – its lovely to see them fulfil their Melba presentation at the Ian dreams,” she says. It also served the dual purpose of Potter Museum followed by a providing the Melba community Melba Opera Trust remains the musical recital from Trust recipient with an avenue to enjoy opera trustee for the Amelia Joscelyne Stephanie Gibson; a recital at ‘up-close’, at an event or even in Memorial Scholarship and this year, Melbourne’s Opera Society to their own home. The program has we celebrated its 30th anniversary. celebrate Christmas in July; a grown from strength to strength performance by Sophie Yelland and now provides an entrée to life at a Bastille Day luncheon at an as a freelance artist. Melba has exclusive Melbourne club and the role of guiding the experience, five Melba Scholars performing ensuring that performances are at Domaine Chandon for the prepared, rehearsed and delivered Gala Opening of the Melba to the highest standard. Festival in October. A rich 2010 performance program set the scene for years to come. Events included Fiona Jopson presenting a program of operatic delights at a private Melbourne — ©Les O’Rourke home and an exclusive dinner 2017 Scholars in performance

Opera in the Patrick and Vivian Gordon Award LEADERSHIP Garden UPDATE This Award was established The launch of Opera in the Appointed to Board Garden at Beleura House & in 2010 through a bequest 2010-2012 Fiona Menzies Garden was a highlight of the from Patrick Gordon, 2010-2011 Paul Crapper, year and continued to be a Treasurer much-anticipated event for a past teacher of Melba 2010-present Roz Zalewski-Ruskin several years to follow. Conservatorium. The Award Guests enjoyed semi-staged Professor Melville Waters retires performances set amidst the was aligned with the Dame after 11 years. Mel & Nina Waters beautiful gardens of the Tallis Nellie Melba Scholarship and award created in recognition. Estate, hosted by Director of 2010-2019 Peter Garnick, the Tallis Foundation, Anthony was inaugurally received by Managing Director. Knight OAM. ©Haydn Godony Jacqueline Porter.

2010 SCHOLARS Jacqueline Porter Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship Stephanie Gibson Dame Nellie Melba Reserve Scholarship Fiona Jopson Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship Siobhan Stagg Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Reserve Scholarship Sophie Yelland Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust Scholarship Stacey Alleaume Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust Scholarship Janet Todd Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust Scholarship ©Andrea Russell

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 5 2011

©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke Launch of the Mentor Program

2011 introduced the beginning of The program encompassed professionals – were engaged to the three-part program for which sessions on style, presentation, share their skills and experience. Melba is now renowned. Already public speaking, time management While 2011 was the launch of the in place was the tailored and and networking, stage presentation Mentor Program, it developed in intensive Artistic Development in recital, legal and accounting further years. Whilst in 2011, 50 Program and the performance concepts for freelance artists, sessions were piloted, by 2019, experience of Melba Artists. With media training, recording and 104 sessions were being delivered. the advent of the new Mentor vocal health. The philosophy remains the same, Program, scholarship recipients Audition preparation, preparing for however the breadth of syllabus were now to be supported with an agent, movement and stagecraft has expanded and there is a strong business skills and to work directly workshops were also part of the focus on involving experts with with leaders in the industry. many seminars in which experts international experience to help This provided a fully holistic in a particular field – performers, pave the way for our own scholars’ experience, nurturing all aspects of conductors, coaches, business international careers. the performer and demonstrating Melba’s philosophy for young singers to be “more than a voice”. From its outset, the Mentor Program was intended to equip scholars with practical skills and to encourage a business maturity to help drive their operatic careers. In the pilot program of 2011, initial mentors included Yvonne Kenny AM, Cheryl Barker AO, Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM and artist manager Graham Pushee. — Mentor Marko Letjona with Rebecca Gulinello; Mentor Cheryl Barker AO ©Les O’Rourke with Nathan Lay (L to R)

Dame Nellie Melba: the I Am 150th Melba

— Melba Scholars at BMW Edge; Siobhan Stagg and Janet Todd at Government House, VIC

In 2011, Melba Opera Trust was reception at Victoria’s Government proud to announce our inaugural House. As Ambassadors for the Patrons-in-Chief, His Excellency, Melba, they would go on to raise the Honourable Alex Chernov AO the profile of the organisation and QC, then-Governor of Victoria, and help support its work to carry Mrs Elizabeth Chernov. forward Dame Nellie Melba’s vision for young singers. Among the many celebrations to commemorate the 150th The Government House event How is it that since the Melba’s had opportunities to perform, anniversary of Dame Nellie’s debuted the commissioned work, inception, our young singers as well as communal and birthday on 19 May 1861, our new Nellie in Her Own Write, created have been able to replicate individual lessons, opera and Patrons-in-Chief hosted a special by Stephen McIntyre AM, a Dame Nellie’s path so closely? music history, acting and mime narration of Melba’s life told in Melba expert and author classes. Deportment classes her own words drawn from her of I Am Melba, Ann Blainey, were also important, as it was autobiography Melodies and wonders whether it could be there that students learned how Memories, and interwoven with the similarity between Mathilde to sit, walk and eat elegantly, as signature musical pieces from ©Les O’Rourke Marchesi’s “finishing school” well as how to receive guests Melba scholars Siobhan Stagg for prima donnas in Paris which and how to keep their heads in and Janet Szepei Todd. Melba attended in 1887, and any situation. the Melba Opera Trust’s own In another event, at Federation accompanying talks from author Just as Melba benefited from 21st century-version of such Square’s BMW Edge theatre, of I Am Melba, Ann Blainey, the her comprehensive period of a program. more than 300 people enjoyed a unveiling of the Melba plaque at study at École Marchesi, so too community performance of Nellie Scots Church, and an afternoon Like Melba Opera Trust, the aim have scholars over their tenure in Her Own Write featuring scholars celebration at the Athanaeum at École Marchesi was to give a with Melba Opera Trust. Thanks Angela Brun, Janet Todd, Nathan Theatre entitled Memories of brilliant finish to an already well- to the pioneering efforts of Lay and Hannah Dahlenburg. Melba. trained voice. Dame Nellie, they didn’t have to travel all the way to Paris for Other anniversary celebrations Collaborations with Australia When singers left Madame their “finishing touches”! included a special operatic Post and the Perth Mint resulted Marchesi’s care, they could performance at Richmond’s in a special edition stamp and hold their own in any opera The Melba is grateful to Ann Blainey Dame Nellie Melba Kindergarten, commemorative coin released in house in Europe and in the top for her input with this article, originally ©Janine Eastgate a series of Melba performances Nellie’s honour. ranks of European society. They published in 2008.

6 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years ©Alysa Grigoriev ©Les O’Rourke

WINE, CHEESE, Artistic Leadership ATMOSPHERE AT ASTOLAT Melba Opera Trust supporters, Peter Reilly and Linton Soderholm opened their Camberwell home Astolat for a special ‘bohemian’ community occasion. To mark the release of De Bortoli’s latest range of Melba-inspired wines, the home was temporarily transformed into Melba’s own Café Momus where guests enjoyed wine tasting of De Bortoli’s La Bohème range, matched with gourmet cheese from De Bortoli’s cheese maturation room. Each ‘Act’ of wine was similarly accompanied In 2011, the Melba announced by performance from the the appointment of Sharolyn corresponding act of the opera, Kimmorley AM as Artistic Advisor featuring Siobhan Stagg, Jacqueline (now Artistic Manager and Scholar Porter, Fiona Jopson and Janet Advisor) and Chair of the Selection Szepei Todd. Panel. Sharolyn, one of Australia’s Melba supporters have continued to finest coaches and accompanists, enjoy Peter and Linton’s hospitality considers herself fortunate to at Astolat thanks to the variety have been guided in her early of events that they have hosted years by some of the world’s best for Melba. Most recently, guests conductors and coaches during enjoyed an evening of art song with her tenure with Opera Australia. Renaissance Tours and a master Sharolyn and then General classes with Australian Heldentenor Manager, Amy Black, focused on Stuart Skelton. developing the three streams of Melba’s program: Artistic, Mentor and Performance. “It’s not enough to have a good voice; you have to be the total package,” Sharolyn states. ©Alysa Grigoriev

A national program

Humble beginnings saw the first the Artistic Advisor (now two intakes of scholars living in Artistic Manager) Sharolyn Victoria, but from the outset the Kimmorley AM who is joined LEADERSHIP aspiration was to provide a national by rotating panellists who are program for Australia’s most involved in the industry and UPDATE promising young singers. This was have international experience. Appointed to Board achieved in 2011, when for the first Often fellow panellists are 2011-2014 The late time Melba sought applications singers, conductors, coaches, Lorraine Elliott from across the country. agents or directors. 2011-present Peter Reilly The selection process had been The number of scholarships Patrons-in-chief appointed forged by this time, with applicants awarded depends entirely on HE The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC, needing to fulfil criteria around the quality of the applicants. former Governor of Victoria and age (21-28), experience, as well As we celebrate our 10th Mrs E Chernov as demonstrating outstanding anniversary, 51 scholars have potential, dedication, commitment been successful in receiving Artistic appointment and self-motivation. Melba’s support. Sharolyn Kimmorley AM The process has remained appointed Artistic Advisor and — Chair of Selection Panel consistent since. Each year, the Mentor Yvonne Kenny AM ©Les O’Rourke selection panel is chaired by and Brenton Spiteri

2011 SCHOLARS Lauren Fagan Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Siobhan Stagg Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship Samuel Sakker Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship Nathan Lay John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship Mel & Nina Waters Award Janet Todd Beleura-Tallis Opera Scholarship Hannah Dahlenburg Melba Opera Trust Scholarship Melba Opera Trust Scholarship ©Janine Eastgate ©Janine Eastgate Angela Brun

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 7 2012

©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke Founding the Harold Blair Scholarship

A landmark achievement in In 2009 the family approached 2012, Melba Opera Trust proudly Indigenous opera singer Deborah announced the establishment of Cheetham AO about the future the Harold Blair Opera Scholarship. of the John and Gwenda Lloyd Named after Australia’s first Trust. Deborah had been Indigenous opera singer, tenor associated with Melba Opera Harold Blair (1924-1976), the Trust through her opera company, scholarship’s foundation was Short Black Opera, and in 2011 to ensure promising young Melba supported the Melbourne Indigenous singers have the premiere of Deborah’s opera, opportunity to develop their Pecan Summer. On Deborah’s potential and excel. recommendation, the Lloyd Trust funds were transferred to Melba Harold Blair was born at the Opera Trust for the purpose of Cherbourg Aboriginal Reserve and establishing an Indigenous opera raised at the Purga Mission near ©NLA scholarship in Harold Blair’s Ipswich, Queensland. He received honour. little or no formal education and from the age of 16 worked as a The Melba has since continued labourer on a sugar farm. His to raise money to endow this singing ability was ‘discovered’ into the Melba Conservatorium scholarship in perpetuity with in a radio talent quest in 1945 where he completed a three-year recipients benefiting from the but, although funds were raised diploma in 1949 with honours. Melba’s staple program of artistic for voice training by a group of Following John Lloyd’s death in development, mentoring and supporters, he was denied entry 1964, Gwenda set up a fund in performance. to the Sydney and Melbourne his memory, created in the spirit In 2012, Yorta Yorta baritone Tiriki Conservatoriums because he did with which they had supported Onus was honoured to receive not have the requisite educational Harold, and it provided valuable the inaugural Harold Blair Opera qualifications. This prompted support for Indigenous education Scholarship. Following in Tiriki’s Australian composer Margaret programs. After Gwenda died a path were Wiradjuri sopranos Sutherland to call her friends, year later, it became the John and Shauntai Batzke and Georgina Hall. John and Gwenda Lloyd. The Gwenda Lloyd Trust, championed Lloyds nurtured him, taught him by the Lloyd’s children, Philip and to read and write and after much Elizabeth Lloyd, Jenny and Neville — agitation Harold was accepted Harold Blair; Dorothy Blair with ©Les O’Rourke Crew and their son David Crew. inaugural recipient Tiriki Onus (L to R)

The Ruskin Government House Opera Award honours The Ruskin family’s Patrons-in-chief His Excellency, the commitment to Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, then- opera has been long- Governor of Victoria and Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, hosted a special reception at standing, with the late Government House to honour and raise the profile of the recently established Alfred Ruskin AM Harold Blair Opera Scholarship. (1914-1996) and his Moving performances from inaugural wife Pamela being recipient Tiriki Onus, together with Short Black Opera’s Deborah tireless supporters of Cheetham AO and Toni Lalich OAM, opera, ballet and the thoroughly inspired audiences. theatre for many years. — Top: Deborah Cheetham AO with recipient Tiriki Onus in ©Les O’Rourke performance. Bottom: HE, the Honourable Alex Chernov ©Les O’Rourke AC QC & Mrs Elizabeth Chernov with Tiriki Onus

Yet Alfred had a particular teaching conservatorium at the fondness for the Melba end of 2008 and, from 2012, the Conservatorium, where he served family confirmed the Award would as Chairman of Council from become endowed in perpetuity. 1972-1996 and indeed it was Thanks to a loyal syndicate of Alfred’s foresight that saw the supporters who have joined Roz Conservatorium purchase their and Jeremy in contributing to premises in York Street Richmond, the Award, it is now recognised the subsequent sale of which as a scholarship. The community became seed-funding for Melba enjoy annual soirées featuring Opera Trust. performances from Ruskin Following his death, Alfred’s son recipients: Stacey Alleaume, Nikki Jeremy and his wife Roz Zalewski, Hill, Panayiota Kalatzis, Daniel both lawyers, made a substantial Carison and Georgina Hall. donation to the Conservatorium

in 2004, instituting the Alfred — Ruskin Memorial Award. This The late Alfred Ruskin AM; generosity continued following Roz Zalewski-Ruskin and Jeremy Ruskin with recipient ©Les O’Rourke the closure of the Melba as a Daniel Carison (L to R)

8 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke

OPERA TAKES A VILLAGE... AND A SOCIETY! In 2012, the Melba forged a new collaboration with the Opera Society of Victoria, a not-for- profit organisation committed to supporting opera in Australia. The Society is passionate about helping young opera singers access the development opportunities ©Les O’Rourke their talent deserves. It was this aspiration that connected the two organisations in 2012 and resulted in the first Opera Society Vocal Scholarship with Melba Opera Trust, awarded to tenor Robert Barbaro. Following Robert, recipients have included baritone Daniel Carison, tenor Damian Arnold and baritone Stephen Marsh. A bequest left by long-standing member of Opera Society, Eleanor Blakemore, enables the Eleanor Blakemore Opera Society Scholarship now to be offered annually along with support for the ©Les O’Rourke Mentor Program.

— The 2012 Meet the Scholars was opportunity to take her singing 2012 Scholars in performance; held for the first time at Cranlana, more seriously. “To put it in Hannah Dahlenburg; the magnificent Toorak mansion perspective, just over a year ago I Zoe Drummond (L to R) Cranlana owned by the Myer family. It was working as a Sales Manager was a fitting venue. Following a at an IT company, wondering welcome by our generous host where my dreams of becoming ‘Meets Lady Southey AC, returning an opera singer were going. Now I scholar Lauren Fagan addressed am preparing to move to London the guests. In her inspiring to study opera full time.” Since delivery, Lauren told of her then, Lauren was a young artist Lady Southey AC continues to the decision to do a business degree with Royal Opera, Covent Garden support Melba Opera Trust as a at university, and then how her and was recently selected to driving force behind the Mentor acceptance into Dame Nellie represent Australia in the Cardiff Program and has hosted many of Scholars’ Melba Opera Trust gave her the Singer of the World. our master classes at Cranlana.

©Les O’Rourke THE FIRST A new arena ‘BIG WIN’ In May 2012 the Wright-Smith family’s dressage arena was transformed into a unique operatic FOR MELBA setting for an intimate family concert to celebrate John Wright- Brenton Spiteri’s win in the Smith’s birthday. Featuring holders 2012 Herald Sun Aria, one of of the scholarship, baritone Nathan Australia’s most prestigious LEADERSHIP Lay (2011) and Brenton Spiteri singing competitions, (2012), this was to be the first represented a significant UPDATE in a series of Opera in the Arena breakthrough for the Melba – performances, with audience sizes the first time one of our scholars Appointed to Board won a national singing prize. growing with each passing year. 2012-present Dmitry Danilovich, In 2019, for the first time the Brenton awed audiences with Treasurer performance featured all of the his wonderful performances Melba scholars, marking the far- of ‘Il mio tesoro’ from Mozart’s Jenny Sutherland retires from reaching impact that John and Liz Don Giovanni and ‘Una furtiva Board after 31 years. — ©The Herald & lagrima’ from Donizetti’s L’elisir Sharolyn Kimmorley AM and 2016 have made on the entire Melba Weekly Times Pty Ltd scholars in performance program. d’amore.

2012 SCHOLARS Lauren Fagan Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship Brenton Spiteri John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Scholarship Siobhan Stagg Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Kyla Allan Melba Opera Trust Scholarship Scholarship Hannah Dahlenburg Melba Opera Trust Scholarship Stacey Alleaume Amelia Joscelyne Reserve Mel & Nina Waters Award Scholarship Janet Szepei Todd Beleura-Tallis Opera Scholarship Ruskin Opera Award Tiriki Onus Harold Blair Opera Scholarship Samuel Sakker Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship ©Les O’Rourke

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 9 2013

©Short Black Opera ©Les O’Rourke The launch of Melba’s Will

When Dame Nellie Melba died bequest program Melba’s Will. is sustained for future generations that make the Melba Opera Trust in 1931, her will emphasised the It was announced fittingly in the of exceptional young artists. program unique, outstanding and purpose of her legacy gift: it was music room at Dame Nellie’s own successful.” Patricia’s confidence The program has been to be a scholarship to support a Coombe Cottage, with a gathering in Melba led directly to her championed by benefactor Dr young singers’ development “in of about forty of the Melba’s major generous decision to establish the Patricia Armstrong-Grant OBE, the hope that another Melba may benefactors. scholarship and several generous who announced at the launch arise”. This aspiration shaped the supporters have followed her lead. The aim of Melba’s Will is to her own intention to endow values and activities of Melba encourage supporters to leave a perpetual scholarship via Opera Trust today, embodying the Melba’s Will their own legacy to Melba Opera bequest. “The Melba Mentor true impact of a legacy. Trust, by contributing to the Program, in my opinion, delivers Bequest Circle Since then, Melba Opera Trust endowment, establishing their to singers tailored knowledge Dr Patricia Armstrong-Grant OBE has built successfully on her own perpetual fund, directing and experience,” she said. “Not Michael Bertram vison by establishing endowed, support towards one of the Melba only does Melba provide the Garry A Fehring perpetual scholarships, programs – Mentor, Performance, right knowledge and experience Ian & Dale Johnson complemented by a robust Indigenous, Repetiteur – or at the right time, but this Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM annual giving program. In 2013 contributions to an existing information is provided by Ann McFarling Melba launched the capstone scholarship. The ultimate mentors of international standing. Diane Morris of any responsible organisation motivation, of course, is to ensure It is this combination of content, Mary Ryllis Clark ©Les O’Rourke striving for sustainability, its that the work of Melba Opera Trust international standard and timing Anonymous (3)

Aria Trifecta

Following Brenton Spitieri’s success from the previous year, Melba alumni again stole the Herald Sun Aria stage, taking out the trifecta: Stacey Alleaume winning ©The Herald & first place, Samuel Sakker was awarded Weekly Times Pty Ltd second and third place went to Nathan Lay. In following years, Melba winners have included Fiona Jopson (2015) and Panayiota Kalatzis (2016). Melba alumni have also enjoyed great success with winning other major singing competitions and awards around the country including the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship (formerly the McDonalds Aria), Opera Foundation for young Australians, IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, Australian International Opera Award and the Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge ©The Herald & ©The Herald & Weekly Times Pty Ltd Weekly Times Pty Ltd Foundation Bel Canto Competition.

ANNOUNCING THE REPETITEUR SCHOLARSHIP

The inaugural repetiteur scholarship, a particular art. I will be working with awarded in 2013, was made possible recipients on this.” due to a significant three-year grant The inaugural recipient of the provided by the Helen Macpherson scholarship, Amir Farid, was excited Smith Trust. It had long been a desire at the prospect of developing his skills of Melba Opera Trust to invest in the to prepare and support singers, along important role that is played by the with his language skills. Since his two repetiteur in operatic preparation. years with Melba, Amir has relocated Then CEO of Helen Macpherson Smith to USA where he is now on music ©Les O’Rourke Trust, Andrew Brookes, recognised staff at the Julliard School of Music. its value immediately: “Repetiteurs Second to receive scholarship support possess a set of performance, was Stefan Cassomenos, followed by musicianship, teaching and coaching Simon Bruckard, Jonathan Wilson and skills. We know there are excellent Adam McMillan. ©David Ng graduate pianists in Australia, but few Following the initial scholarship professional repetiteurs and a lack grant, Melba continued to raise funds of specialised training. In supporting to secure this important pathway this scholarship, we believe the Melba for aspiring opera repetiteurs in will be equipped not only to develop Kimmorley AM, has close involvement Australia. This is helped significantly a pool of talented repetiteurs, but to in the mentoring of this scholarship. by the Margaret Schofield Opera assist its singing scholars to achieve a “A repetiteur requires extra skills,” Scholarship. higher standard of performance.” she says. “You have to have all the — One of Australia’s finest coaches, and pianistic techniques and musicality, Adam McMillan with Mentor Johannes Fritzsch; Stefan Cassomenos; ©Les O’Rourke Melba’s Artistic Manager, Sharolyn but replicating an orchestral score is Kyla Allan with Amir Farid (L to R)

10 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke A Sydney debut

With the Melba program becoming having access to funds for travel Melba Opera Trust was approached increasingly national, the Melba and tuition to refine and mature an by the Trustees to administer Board focused on expanding its already evident talent. the Award after being identified events into Sydney. Melba’s Sydney as an organisation that shared During her long operatic career, debut coincided with another very similar ideas and aspirations. Dame Heather was associated important announcement: the The inaugural recipient of the with many of the world’s finest launch of the Dame Heather Begg Dame Heather Begg Memorial conductors, directors, coaches and Memorial Award. Award was Melba Conservatorium singers, and her inspiring legacy alumni, Samuel Dundas, who ©Opera Australia Created by the world-renowned led the executors of her estate, is a principal artist with Opera mezzo-soprano, this award Moffatt Oxenbould AM, Dame Australia and other state opera was established by bequest. In Heather Begg’s partner Joe Diflo companies. Subsequent recipients December 2013, friends of Dame and lawyer Katherine Grinberg, to include Janet Szepei Todd, Jeremy Heather Begg together with create a structure that would reflect Kleeman, Amina Edris, Emily supporters of Melba Opera Trust Dame Heather’s express wishes Edmonds and Lauren Fagan. gathered at Elaine, the historic and her own career as authentically Fairfax estate in Sydney, to as possible. Moffatt noted that We are proud to announce that celebrate its launch. Heather “never stopped learning, the 2019 recipient of the and dedicated all her concentration Dame Heather Begg Memorial The Award has been designed and energy to every role… she knew Award is accomplished tenor to provide funding to a suitable that the music and drama could Nicholas Jones. young singer from Australia or only come alive if she was prepared, New Zealand who has already technically secure and able to be taken successful first steps in a flexible.” This Award hopes to instill professional principal career, and — ©Edmond Choo these values in others. Dame Heather Begg DNZM OBE; ©Les O’Rourke who would benefit artistically from Janet Szepei Todd; Nicholas Jones (L to R)

An international touch Continuing a The Melba’s growing global classes and private coaching. This of these mentors, who generously the Rhinemaiden Woglinde in the family tradition network has worked in both enables scholars to gain precious share reflections from their own first installment of Wagner’s Ring, directions and 2013 was graced insights into the business of opera, career paths and provide valuable and she was also awarded first with impressive developments extend their professional networks insights to scholars understanding place in the 2013 Stuart Burrows here and abroad. As the Melba has and expand their development as of the industry. International Voice Competition in grown, scholars have garnered freelance artists. Wales. Meanwhile, Lauren Fagan The Melba’s Mentor Program increasing international successes won the 2013 Patrick Libby Prize Welsh baritone Sir Bryn Terfel CBE was designed to fill a significant at prestige competitions, opera for most improved dramatic work was the first of several guests gap that existed in the spectrum houses and educational settings. at the Guildhall School of Music from abroad in 2013, conducting of artist training in Australia, Through the Melba’s careful and Drama and was accepted a session with scholars, and he demonstrating the mission to attention to its mentor program, into the Banff Centre’s Opera was followed during the year by a inspire excellence, realise potential the organisation’s artistic integrity as Theatre program. And while master class and discussion with and forge careers. This has been ©Les O’Rourke has been bolstered considerably in Samuel Sakker performed in UK soprano Susan Bullock CBE. borne out in the continuing providing scholars with exclusive New Zealand Opera’s La traviata, Other mentors included Teddy successes of scholars abroad, and access to some of the world’s most Samuel Dale Johnson prepared to In 2013 the Hon. Saffron Foster Tahu-Rhodes, Peter Coleman- 2013 was a bountiful year: Siobhan accomplished artists, conductors take his place in the Jette Parker became Melba Opera Trust’s Wright AO, Covent Garden Director Stagg made her house debut at and repetiteurs for vocal master Young Artist Program in 2014. Honorary Patron, continuing a long Andrew Sinclair and international the Deutsche Oper Berlin singing family tradition of patronage for conductor Marko Letonja along the Melba. Saffron’s great-great- with ‘repeat performances’ grandmother, Dame Nellie Melba, from Yvonne Kenny AM, Cheryl herself acted as Patron of the Melba Barker AO, Stuart Skelton, New Conservatorium, passing the role to York director Chuck Hudson and her daughter-in-law Evie Armstrong, European repetiteur Semyon followed by her granddaughter, Rozin. Pamela, Lady Vestey. The opportunity for our scholars The announcement was to work with these experienced celebrated with a reception and artists in master class and private soirée at Coombe Cottage. Jenny coaching has become invaluable; Sutherland, also a descendant of the scholars have the chance to Dame Nellie Melba and Director of learn from the career experiences the Board for 31 years, summed up the appointment perfectly: “Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust is so privileged to have the Hon. Saffron Foster as its Patron. Saffron — 2013 Scholars with ©Les O’Rourke is a very dear, sensitive, fun-loving Susan Bullock CBE young mother of four children. She will be a great support and we are very lucky. Her patronage is music to my ears.” While residing in the UK, Saffron 2013 SCHOLARS regularly visits Australia to attend Emily Edmonds Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship Christian Gillett Beleura-Tallis Opera Scholarship and host Melba events. She has Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Robert Barbaro Opera Society Vocal Scholarship arranged several occasions at Stowell Park Estate, Lord Vestey’s Rebecca Gulinello Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Tiriki Onus Harold Blair Opera Scholarship Scholarship estate in the UK, attended Panayiota Kalatzis Ruskin Opera Award performances featuring Melba Margaret Schofield Opera Leilah Fox Mel & Nina Waters Award alumni living abroad and next year Scholarship Matthew Reardon Opera Arts Support Group Award plans to organise a Melba garden Samuel Johnson RJ Hamer Opera Scholarship party at Coombe, reminiscent of the Amir Farid Repetiteur Scholarship Brenton Spiteri John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith fundraising afternoons hosted by her grandmother and great-great ©Les O’Rourke Scholarship grandmother.

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 11 2014

©Les O’Rourke ©ROH & Mark Douet ©ROH & Clive Barda ©ROH & Neil Gillespie

INTERNATIONAL Covent DEBUT AT Garden STOWELL PARK ESTATE successes ©ROH & Stephen Cummiskey Continuing our international Jette Parker Young Artists work forays, the Melba had three alumni as salaried members of The Royal selected for 2014’s prestigious Opera for two years, during which Jette Parker Young Artists time they perform in a variety of Program at The Royal Opera. A main-stage productions, concerts coveted program that selects and recitals, as well as covering only five recipients each year, it is lead roles. They also receive widely considered to be one of the coaching in all opera disciplines, world’s best programs. including role interpretation, language and stagecraft. While Melba scholars and alumni continued to enjoy great As with the Melba’s programs, the ©Graeme Taylor success throughout Australia’s Jette Parker is very self-driven, with competitions and awards, our each young artist designing their With alumni now succeeding Covent Garden successes gave us own activities for each week. around the world, it was time for one of the strongest indicators that Like the Melba, it only selects the Melba Opera Trust to make its our program produces artists that Sydney salons international debut with a special best young opera singers. The are competitive on the world stage. event at Stowell Park Estate, Lord three artists – joined by Emily Stacey Alleaume, Jade Moffat and In order to forge ahead and Lady Vestey’s home in the From over 400 applicants Edmunds in 2015 – followed in the Matthew Reardon gave an intimate Cotswolds. worldwide, Melba alumni Lauren footsteps of Dame Nellie Melba, in the Sydney arena, in performance reminiscent of a Fagan, Samuel Dale Johnson and who made her final farewell to her 2014 Melba hosted a nineteenth-century European salon. Organised by Honorary Patron, Samuel Sakker were selected for beloved Covent Garden 88 years The Hon. Saffron Foster, the Since making our scholarship the Jette Parker program. The previously. second Sydney event at invitation-only affair had guests program national, many more enjoying canapes and Coombe Rosemont, the beautiful scholars and philanthropic Farm wines in the picturesque supporters have hailed from house and garden of gardens before a ballroom concert New South Wales and the Melba featuring Melba alumni Siobhan Margot, Lady Burell, in now holds at least three events a A MELBA MEDAL TRADITION Stagg, Emily Edmonds and Samuel year in Sydney. Woollahra. Sakker, accompanied on piano through the endowment of the by Royal Opera House’s Susanna Melba Opera Trust’s first named Stranders. scholarship, the John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship. The Vestey family has continued a long-standing and generous Now a time-honoured tradition, Science involvement with Melba Opera the Melba Medal is bestowed Trust and were key in facilitating to acknowledge and pay tribute this international debut at to exceptional generosity and and singing Stowell Park. The sense of support. The first was presented Australian pride was undeniable in 1993 to Joan Arnold OBE for her combine through the rousing finales of outstanding service as director of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and ‘Home the Melba Conservatorium from Sweet Home’. 1975 to 1986. 2014 saw the establishment of a very interesting and it matched our Visionary and generous Melba second scholarship endowment, own ideas about that crucial period Following its successful debut, supporters John and Elizabeth Since 2009 there have been the Joseph Sambrook Opera of a career when people need another occasion was hosted in Wright-Smith’s enthusiasm for 10 Melba Medals awarded: Scholarship. Established by Joe support, both in science and in 2016, and in 2020 Stowell Park Melba Opera Trust’s mission has Sambrook and Mary-Jane Gething, the arts. It’s that pre-professional Estate will be host to a black-tie 2009 Pamela, Lady Vestey been expressed in many ways the inaugural recipient of the stage, where there’s a gap following dinner in celebration of Melba over the years. It was a pleasure 2009 Alfred Ruskin AM scholarship was baritone, Jeremy university study.” Opera Trust’s 10th anniversary. for the Melba to award them the (posthumous) Kleeman. Joe and Mary-Jane knew they 13th Melba Medal at the AGM, held 2009 Stephen Bolton Both Joe and Mary-Jane had could do something to help and, at the Yarra Valley restaurant of (posthumous) our generous partners, De Bortoli extremely distinguished careers in the beginning, the intention 2009 Graham Sellars-Jones Wines. The Wright-Smiths have left in the fields of biochemistry and was to endow the scholarship their mark on every aspect of the 2009 Bill Joscelyne molecular biology. “Even though it through bequest. Ultimately, they Melba program, actively engaging (posthumous) and might seem that scientific research decided to give in their lifetimes in mentoring and supporting Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM and opera are worlds apart, you so that they could enjoy seeing scholars’ education, and regularly 2010 Prof. Mel Waters can see the same underlying the progress of their scholars and requirements of people if they’re follow their development. attending performances, as well 2012 Jenny Sutherland going to succeed,” said Mary-Jane. as hosting what has become the Following Jeremy, Shakira Tsindos 2014 John & Elizabeth “They need that inner strength and annual “Wright-Smith Opera in and Cleo Lee-McGowan were Wright-Smith drive. Nobody’s going to give that the Arena” event at their Yarra awarded the Joseph Sambrook 2015 Professors Joseph to you if you haven’t got it.” Valley property. And, of course, Opera Scholarship. All are now they have directly supported Sambrook and Mary-Jane Gething Joe and Mary-Jane’s interest continuing their studies in London scholars’ artistic development with grew from receiving The Melba at Guildhall School of Music and scholarship funding made available 2017 Robert G Logie-Smith AM magazine in the mail. “We found it the Royal College of Music.

2014 SCHOLARS LEADERSHIP Jade Moffat Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship and Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Rebecca Gulinello Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship UPDATE John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship Brenton Spiteri Appointed to Board Jeremy Kleeman Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship 2014-2016 Ross Elliott Nikki Hill Ruskin Opera Award and Mel & Nina Waters Award Alexandra Flood RJ Hamer Opera Scholarship Matthew Reardon Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship and Beleura-Tallis Opera Scholarship Shauntai Batzke Harold Blair Opera Scholarship

Stefan Cassomenos Associate Repetiteur Scholarship ©Les O’Rourke

12 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years 2015

©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke ©Paul Sirochman ©Les O’Rourke

HISTORY Mentoring REPEATS at Cranlana One of the joys of some of the newer Melba scholarships has been Lady Southey AC continued to show watching young singers following the her great generosity to the Melba footsteps of those for whom their Opera Trust by inviting scholars scholarships are named. A case in into the Myer family home on three point in 2015 was Shauntai Batzke, occasions in 2015. two-time recipient of the Harold Cranlana was a superb setting Blair Opera Scholarship, named for scholars to undertake an after Australia’s first Indigenous intensive master class and private opera singer, tenor Harold Blair. coachings with Italian soprano Daria Inspired by Harold’s story – he had Masiero, celebrated Australian great success in America – and a soprano Yvonne Kenny AM and hunger to continue her own operatic internationally celebrated tenor development abroad, Shauntai Simon O’Neill ONZM from New applied for and was accepted into Zealand. the Cantos de las Americas – a Workshop for Aspiring Artists in the A select number of guests were Vocal Arts held in New York. invited to observe scholars working with Daria and Yvonne, while The same can be said for Dame coaching from Simon culminated in Nellie Melba. It is widely known ©Jodie Hutchinson a festive end-of-year celebration. that Covent Garden in London was Dame Nellie’s “artistic home”. An emerging trend shows recipients of Melba’s scholarship following in her MENTOR footsteps: • Lauren Fagan: Guildhall School ENDOWMENT Renée Fleming of Music in London, followed by the Jette Parker Young Artists BEGINS Program then Royal Opera House and a recital series • Emily Edmonds: Jette Parker The Melba’s key point of difference Over our 10 years, Melba has A special relationship emerged Young Artists Program then Royal for opera training is our innovative enjoyed collaborations with a in 2015 with the Melbourne Opera House Mentor Program. In recognition, broad variety of partners to best Recital Centre, which partnered • Jade Moffat: Guildhall School of long-time benefactors John and support the development of our with the Melba to deliver Music then Glyndebourne Festival Elizabeth Wright-Smith enhanced scholars. performances in the Primrose Opera their already generous support, Potter Salon in the years to • Zoe Drummond: Guildhall School A particularly valued collaboration with a “leadership gift” towards follow, designed to pair current of Music in London, then English is with Melbourne Symphony the endowment of the Mentor scholars with Melba alumni. National Opera. Orchestra, regularly giving Program. They thus joined other Melba access to the world-class A collaborative partnership loyal donors providing annual artists they bring to Melbourne. with Australian National support to the program: Lady In 2015 four Melba scholars Academy of Music (ANAM) Southey AC, Tallis Foundation, worked with opera star Renée emerged in 2015 with a new Robert Salzer Foundation, Fleming in a closed master class Mentor Program session Opera Society of Victoria, setting. Other activities made to develop ensemble skills Stuart Leslie Foundation and the possible by MSO over the years between singers and pianists. Hamer Family Fund. have included industry seminars The collaboration was Their visionary commitment with international conductor Sir showcased with a chamber enabled us to enlist some of the Andrew Davis CBE and Sir Bryn music concert presented by a most highly regarded national and Terfel CBE, and master classes selection of Melba and ANAM international professionals from — with Thomas Hampson and scholars for The Australian Zoe Drummond with ©GSMD the industry as mentors. Mentor Renée Fleming Stuart Skelton. Club members.

MELBAS IN THE USA Conservatorium then Lyric Opera of Kanzas City. Patrons bringing opera into their everyday lives While many Melba alumni were In later years, alumni Rebecca Donors regularly express their joy property featuring performances from enjoying international successes in Gulinello attended the American from interacting with the Melba Zoe Drummond and Jeremy Kleeman Europe and the UK, several alumni Vocal Academy in Philadelphia and scholars, in particular as part of Jenny and David Sutherland: their pursued careers in the USA: Matthew Reardon attended Music their everyday lives. In 2015 this Golden wedding anniversary with Academy of the West to work with included a series of performances Stacey Alleaume: Music Academy of performances from Nikki Hill and Marilyn Horne. held in personal locations: the West, working with Marilyn Horne Amir Farid at Coombe. Janet Szepei Todd: Masters at Courtesy of the winning the Lady Mary-Jane Gething and Joe Roz Zalewski-Ruskin: Melba Manhattan School of Music in New Fairfax Award through the Opera Sambrook: an afternoon music Scholars involved in a private birthday York, then Opera Colorado Foundation for Young Australians, soiree in their music room dinner at Fitzroy restaurant Pinotta Shauntai Batzke: twice at Canto de alumni Zoe Drummond and Bronwyn featuring Jeremy Kleeman and The Joscelyne community: ‘behind las Americas in New York Douglass, as well as current scholar Stefan Cassomenos. the scenes’ event featuring Australian Morgan Balfour: Hawaii Performing Xenia Puskarz Thomas, have Warwick and Paulette Bisley: a soprano Emma Matthews working Arts Festival and San Francisco completed intensive study in the USA. garden soiree at their Yarra Valley with Melba Scholars in master class.

2015 SCHOLARS LEADERSHIP Jade Moffat Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship Morgan Balfour Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship UPDATE John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship Nicholas Tolputt Appointed to Board Jeremy Kleeman Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship 2014-present Kate Shelmerdine Nikki Hill Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship and Ruskin Opera Award Zoe Drummond RJ Hamer Opera Scholarship 2015-2016 Olivia Giglia Daniel Carison Opera Society Vocal Scholarship and Beleura-Tallis Opera Scholarship appointed Acting Shauntai Batzke Harold Blair Opera Scholarship and Mel & Nina Waters Award General Manager

Stefan Cassomenos Associate Repetiteur Scholarship ©Les O’Rourke

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 13 2016

A change of leadership

2016 marked a change of for me as Chair has been amazing Prior to becoming the Melba rights and responsibilities of all. leadership for Melba Opera Trust and rewarding. I love watching Chair, Roz Zalewski-Ruskin had Roz is motivated by her dedication following the retirement of long- the scholars’ progress and seeing already spent six years serving to young people attaining their standing Chair, Robert G. Logie them achieve their dreams, on the Board as Deputy Chair. A full potential. Her love of opera is Smith AM and the appointment of both locally and internationally. retired lawyer with qualifications in deep: “Opera tells a story like no Roz Zalewski-Ruskin. I am particularly proud of the professional ethics and business other dramatic platform. Opera Mentor Program, in which we governance, Roz’s vision for the Rob was awarded the prestigious feeds my soul. The young people have acknowledged international Melba has been inspiring. Her Melba Medal for his sterling I meet through Melba inspire me industry leaders work with our focus is on implementing best leadership and vision of Melba with their passion, intelligence, scholars. The achievements of our practice with contemporary Opera Trust from 2005-2016. When determination and sophistication.” reflecting on his legacy to Melba alumni reflect the effectiveness of governance structures that Opera Trust, Rob said “the journey this approach.” acknowledge and respect the

A MELBA PAULETTE BISLEY PILGRIMAGE World OPERA SCHOLARSHIP The Melba’s fifth fully endowed As part of Melba Opera Trust’s scholarship was announced in commitment to championing Class 2016, thanks to the wonderful and Dame Nellie Melba’s legacy, in long-term generosity of Paulette 2016 the program launched its and Warwick Bisley. They have inaugural Melba Pilgrimage – a nurtured life-long passions for chance for scholars to learn Mentors music and the arts and Paulette’s more about the namesake whose mother was an accomplished memory they are championing. It was a great pleasure to add singer. They were introduced to the The Pilgrimage took scholars to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH Melba by attending one of our first Melba’s beloved Yarra Valley where DBE AC and Dame Felicity Lott Boardroom lunches in 2009. DBE FRAM FRCM to the Melba’s they visited her Memorial at Lilydale Their decision to endow a exceptional line up of Melba Lawn Cemetery and enjoyed a talk perpetual scholarship reflects mentors in 2016. from a local Melba expert. Following Paulette’s passion for opera. It this, scholars visited Melba’s home, British soprano Dame Felicity Lott pays tribute to her mother and Coombe – The Melba Estate for a gave a master class at Beleura was born from a desire to help private tour of Melba’s home. ©Daniele Martinie House & Garden. Among the ensure the future for young Following years included a visit audience was Anthony Knight OAM, Australian opera singers. The to Yarra Ranges Museum to view Director of the Tallis Foundation, inaugural Paulette Bisley Opera with John Tallis’ hope that the Kanawa Foundation more than ten Melba artefacts and a drive on which generously supports the Scholarship recipient was awarded Foundation can help young people, years ago, Dame Kiri is passionate the Melba Highway to enjoy the Mentor Program. He found it to baritone, Daniel Carison, to and what better way than through about assisting young singers hospitality of Melba partners, De fascinating to see how a master be followed in 2018 by baritone expert mentoring.” with financial support, judicious Bortoli wines. class works: “I suspect there is no Stephen Marsh. mentoring and career assistance. better way to perfect something Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE She generously imparted than being guided by a master in AC was hosted by Lady Southey significant knowledge with our the field – an experienced person AC for a master class at Cranlana. scholars. at the peak of their career and It was an enlightening opportunity somebody who has given and for the singers involved, who achieved so much…We are very received wonderful “industry — happy to be part of the Mentor truths” and helpful technical Mentor Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC Program, particularly as it accords support. Having created the Kiri Te with Timothy Newton Return to Stowell Park Estate A performance A reprise of the hugely successful for the evening, a piece designed event held two years earlier, Lord especially for Melba by Cartier. for the Governor and Lady Vestey, alongside our Lauren became the first person to Honourary Patron, The Hon. wear it since Dame Nellie herself Recipient of the Harold Blair Opera Saffron Foster, generously opened and was later involved in modelling Scholarship, Shauntai Batzke, was their Cotswolds estate, Stowell the jewellery ahead of a recent honoured to sing at the inauguration Park, to host An Evening of Opera, Cartier exhibition. of the 29th Governor of Victoria, featuring Melba alumni, Lauren Her Excellency, the Honourable Raising more than $10,000 in ticket Fagan, Jade Moffat and Samuel Linda Dessau AC. Shauntai sang sales and donations, the event Sakker and acclaimed Australian the Governor’s favourite aria ‘O mio supported the continuation of the vocal coach, Linnhe Robertson, on babbino caro’ from Gianni Schicchi. Dame Nellie Melba scholarship. piano. Melba’s legacy lives on, in no The Governor and her husband, Lady Vestey presented Lauren with small part thanks to the continued Mr Tony Howard AM QC later became “Granny Melba’s” necklace to wear generosity of the Vestey family. Patrons-In-Chief of Melba Opera Trust.

2016 SCHOLARS LEADERSHIP Zoe Drummond Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship and Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Bronwyn Douglass Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship UPDATE Robert G Logie-Smith AM retires Nicholas Tolputt John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship as Chair of Board Shakira Tsindos Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship Roz Zalewski-Ruskin appointed Daniel Carison Paulette Bisley Opera Scholarship and Ruskin Opera Award as Chair of Board Michael Petrucelli RJ & AF Hamer Opera Scholarship Patrons-in-Chief announced Timothy Newton Stuart Leslie Opera Scholarship HE the Honourable Linda Dessau Jonathan Wilson Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship AC, Governor of Victoria & Mr Simon Bruckard Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship Howard AM QC

14 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years 2017

Meeting the scholars, in style

The highlight of any new year is with a stunning program delivered introducing our new scholars. by current scholars and Sharolyn In 2017 we did this in grand Kimmorley AM at the piano. fashion, at three of Australia’s A feature of all three events was a most historic locations. scholar address, delivered by The first coincided with a visit from Zoe Drummond: Melba’s great-great granddaughter “It is a wonderful thing to have and our Honourary Patron, The people on your side in life – to give Hon. Saffron Foster and featured you advice, cheer you on, guide your an intimate soiree for supporters way. For three consecutive years, I in Melba’s music room at Coombe. have had the unwavering support of For the singers, the greatest thrill this amazingly unique organisation, was to perform in the same room Melba Opera Trust. In such a fierce where Nellie sang. industry, I feel so fortunate to have The second was at Government been taken under Nellie Melba’s House Victoria, where Patron- wing. With a Melba scholarship, I In-Chief, Her Excellency, the have the time, resources, energy Honourable Linda Dessau AC, and direction to really fine-tune my Governor of Victoria and Mr own singing business. Anthony Howard AM QC, launched “Though for me, what makes Melba the year’s scholarship program so particularly special is the people. with a beautiful morning reception. — The team in the Melba Opera go above and beyond to help. The scholars. Each of us is on our own 2017 Scholars with HE, the Honourable Finally, scholars were introduced to Trust office – forever shaping the patrons and supporters will always journey, bringing new attributes to Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria & Mr Anthony Howard AM QC Sydney with a reception at Kirribilli program with our best interests put a smile on your face. They are the table each year. We learn from House. Against the backdrop of at heart. The mentors we meet warm, enthusiastic and genuinely one another, inspire one another expansive gardens and a stunning are the best in their fields, always interested in our developmental and from what I can see, these will harbour view, the house came alive passionate, informed and willing to paths. And of course, our fellow be lifelong friendships.”

Celebrating the Making mentoring possible Melba Circle Among the many exciting a contributory fund, with the hope In September 2017, initiatives launched over the past others in the Melba community decade, a passion for developing would be inspired to become Melba Opera Trust young careers lies at the core. involved. Peter also recognised the launched its inaugural Board Director Peter Reilly helped fund would be a vehicle for donors further this aim by establishing who would like to support the Melba Circle celebration. the Reilly & Logie-Smith Mentor Mentor Program specifically – the Hosted by Deputy Endowment. only one of its kind in Australia and a linchpin of Melba Opera Trust. Chair Kate Shelmerdine Peter believes our Mentor Program’s unique structure and “The key to the program is that it at Cranlana, the the resources it provides are goes beyond singing. It supports occasion celebrated the the secret ingredient behind the the whole singer and helps them to program’s success. As Melba develop, not only professionally but generosity of our Melba Opera Trust prepared to farewell also personally... anyone involved Circle donors with retiring Chair, Robert G. Logie- in business understands that you Smith AM at the end of 2016, need to work on ALL aspects of a a performance and a Peter held an event at his home, career to be successful.” reception featuring Astolat, and announced his Peter’s benefaction reflects a deep $500,000 pledge to endow a fund Melba scholars. desire to help ensure the Mentor in appreciation for Rob and his wife Program is fully endowed so that Sue’s legacy. The event remains a its activities can be preserved for The endowment, aligned to the future generations of Australian highlight in our annual Mentor Program, was designed as artists. ©Les O’Rourke activities calendar.

being grouped into seven key Business Development streams with sessions spread Accounting, legal, philanthropic Skills throughout the year: grant writing, negotiation etc. Presentation Artistic Development Public speaking, media coaching, for life Master classes, private coaching style, etiquette etc. Among our many achievements with practising mentors has been the refining of our Audition Preparation Languages Mentor Program over time, Mock audition processes, working Regular conversational language including a full review in 2016 for with agents classes, diction coaching implementation in 2017. As part This approach ensures the of the process, Melba Opera Trust Stagecraft/Movement development of the whole went to industry and alumni to Working with directors, acting performer, complementing learn how the structure of the classes, movement workshops the scholars’ individual Artistic program could best reflect the Wellbeing Development Programs. Sessions needs of the global industry. Vocal health, time management, incorporating foreign etiquette, The outcome was a new approach conflict resolution, access to auditioning in different countries ©Pier Carthew to the program, with sessions performance psychologists and visa familiarity were also added.

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 15 2017

©Fiona Susanto ©Fiona Susanto ©Les O’Rourke ©Les O’Rourke Fostering ‘Behind the scenes’ reciprocity with Yvonne Kenny AM

A Sydney master class conducted An intimate group of Sydney by celebrated Australian soprano supporters was invited to observe Yvonne Kenny AM with Sharolyn the “sacred space” of a master Kimmorley AM at the piano was a class. Three Melba scholars - highlight of the year, generously Bronwyn Douglass, Daniel Carison hosted by Josephine Sukkar AM and Damian Arnold - refined and Tony Sukkar AM in their home their arias with Yvonne, who was in Bellevue Hill. described by one supporter as a “truly sparkling in her presence, yet so focussed on each scholar’s performance”. Bronwyn summed up the challenges of master classes succinctly as very valuable ©Les O’Rourke exercises for both singers and audience: “They can be more daunting than live performance “Once a Melba, always a Melba” is a in many ways, because you are saying that has been a building block performing arias you are still of the Melba community since its working on… you fully expect inception, referring to the reciprocal it to be picked apart by the relationships that have evolved over teacher.” time between Melba scholars, alumni and mentors. These ‘behind the scenes’ experiences are featured events for Learning from others who have Melba donors and allow supporters traipsed the path before has been to access the inner workings of the a focus of the Melba approach and, program, understand the level of with so many alumni now treading preparation that is required by the the boards, it has become a feature artist and see first-hand the benefit of our program. ©Ben Symons of their support. Alumni are increasingly invited to be involved in the Mentor Program to deliver candid industry chats about their own experiences and are always very generous with sharing their contacts. With alumni spread around the globe, scholars are encouraged to reach out to their alumni contacts as a way to establish their own international connections. Where possible, we also actively program alumni in performance ©David Ng with current scholars as another layer of mentoring. In 2017, the Melba delivered the annual opera night for The Australian Club, with performances by then current scholar Damian Arnold, alumna Stacey Alleaume and Melba Mentors, Peter Coleman-Wright AO and Cheryl Barker AO. Damian commented, “Having the opportunity to work with artists who are further along their respective journeys really motivates me to work on my craft.” Stacey agreed, reflecting that the experience of performing with professional singers when she was younger “encouraged me to want to excel further and gave me inspiration, as well as goals and direction – it still has the same effect!” As with many fellow alumni, Stacey regularly ©Les O’Rourke features in the Mentor Program. ©Ben Symons

2017 SCHOLARS LEADERSHIP Zoe Drummond Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship and Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Bronwyn Douglass Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship UPDATE Samuel Piper John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship Appointed to Board Cleo Lee-McGowan Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship 2017-present Chris Arnold AM Daniel Carison Paulette Bisley Opera Scholarship and Ruskin Opera Award Georgina Hall Harold Blair Opera Scholarship and Mel & Nina Waters Award Damian Arnold Eleanor Blakemore Opera Society Scholarship Jonathan Wilson Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship

16 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years 2018

©Les O’Rourke ©David Ng ©Les O’Rourke ©David Ng ©David Ng

ANNIE MCFARLING Meeting OPERA SCHOLARSHIP the While Annie McFarling’s scholars strong connection with Melba Opera Trust in concert extends back many years, For the first time, this year’s Melbourne Meet The Scholars it is the present and the was programmed as a large- future that have become scale concert performance at Deakin Edge. All donors who had especially meaningful contributed to Melba since its for her, thanks to the inception were invited, along with establishment of a top industry organisations. Another first for the Melba was scholarship in her name. incorporating an artistic director, The Annie McFarling Opera Stuart Maunder AM, and a musical Scholarship pioneers a new director, Sharolyn Kimmorley structure of giving which enables AM, into the preparation. The Melba patrons to see and enjoy sophistication of the performance the fruits of their endowed paved the way for what was support in their lifetime. to become a review of the Performance Program and the The majority of Melba greater involvement of directors in endowments have in the past ©David Ng the artistic process. been established with a donation or bequest of $500,000. The new structure underpinning the Annie McFarling Opera Scholarship includes an annual RYMAN HEALTHCARE cash donation, supplemented by a bequest. OPERA SCHOLARSHIP Annie McFarling had been Ryman Healthcare’s announcement This endowment was announced considering a straightforward of an endowed scholarship with at the Meet the Scholars concert bequest to the Melba, but Melba Opera Trust has significantly at Deakin Edge, Federation Square regretted a bequest would mean deepened the connection between with the Ryman Healthcare Opera she would not have been able to our two organisations, which began Scholarship being offered for the witness the scholarship’s positive when Ryman Healthcare sought to first time in 2019 to Samuel Piper. effects. “The Melba looked into name one of its retirement villages it, they came back with the really The Nellie Melba Retirement after Dame Nellie. David King, good news that I could start Village in Brandon Park made its Ryman Healthcare’s Corporate mine now.” debut in August 2018. Since then Affairs Manager, says the careful Melba Opera Trust has proudly Fleuranne Brockway was the and thoughtful naming of villages ©Les O’Rourke been involved in delivering four proud inaugural recipient, followed has been a crucial part of the performances at the village and in 2019 by Tessa Hayward. company’s ethos, helping to give looks forward to many more. village communities a strong sense — of character. Inaugural recipient Masters at work Fleuranne Brockway with Annie McFarling In 2018 three of the many great For Stuart, being hosted by Peter mentors we have hosted brought Reilly and Linton Soderholm at their skills to our scholars: their home Astolat helped the New Zealand’s Simon O’Neill classes go brilliantly. Stuart says he ONZM, Sydney-born renowned is always impressed with the Melba Heldentenor Stuart Skelton scholars’ level of preparation, and one of the world’s foremost attention to detail and their desire baritones, Thomas Hampson. to improve. Simon’s master class brought back Hampson has an opera repertoire to him memories of some of the of more than eighty roles, has sung highlights of his own illustrious in all the major opera houses of career so far, including a master the world and has a discography class he once did with a man he of more than 170 albums. It was a describes as “the master himself”, privilege for scholars to spend four Luciano Pavarotti, at New York’s hours learning from someone with ©David Ng Juilliard Opera Centre. such experience. ©Ryman Healthcare

LEADERSHIP 2018 SCHOLARS Jessica Harper Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship and Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award UPDATE Paull-Anthony Keightley Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship Appointed to Board Samuel Piper John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship Inaugural interstate Director: Cleo Lee-McGowan Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship 2018-present Kris Neill Stephen Marsh Paulette Bisley Opera Scholarship Eleanor Blakemore Opera Society Scholarship Fleuranne Brockway Ruskin Opera Scholarship and Annie McFarling Opera Scholarship Adam McMillan Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship and Mel & Nina Waters Award ©Pier Carthew

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 17 2019

©David Ng ©David Ng ©Michelle Grace Hunder SCHOLAR UPDATES

Georgina Hall – soprano Tessa Hayward – soprano Stephen Marsh – baritone Cleo Lee-McGowan – soprano Adam McMillan – repetiteur Harold Blair Opera Scholarship Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship Paulette Bisley Opera Scholarship Joseph Sambrook Opera Margaret Schofield Opera Ruskin Opera Scholarship Annie McFarling Opera Scholarship Eleanor Blakemore Opera Society Scholarship Scholarship Working with Teresa Desmarchelier, Patrick & Vivian Gordon Award Scholarship This year I was thrilled to make my Mel & Nina Waters Award I have made great strides in French It’s been a wonderfully insightful This year I have had some debut with the Sydney Symphony This year I have gained experience and Italian language. This year, a and rewarding year with the Melba fantastic opportunities to grow. Orchestra as Niece 2 in Peter working professionally in a performance highlight was singing program. The privilege of working I have been part of several Grimes, singing alongside Melba number of projects. I had the in the Kaurna language aboard the with such incredible mentors, productions such as Parsifal, mentors Stuart Skelton and pleasure of working as repetiteur Cunard Queen Elizabeth with the conductors, singers and coaches Alice Through the Opera Glass Deborah Humble. I am looking and orchestral keyboardist for Australian Dance Theatre. Next has been invaluable and I have and the Heroic Bel Canto gala forward to joining the SSO again in Victorian Opera’s Alice Through the year, I am thrilled to be contracted learnt so much. I particularly loved concert, alongside artists such their 2020 season as a soloist in Opera Glass and Stonnington’s La to perform all over Italy and working on some challenging as Peter Rose, Jessica Pratt and Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem. In bohème. I have also continued to Switzerland, an engagement made ensemble repertoire with renowned Daniela Barcellona. The highlight July, I was honoured to have been work with Opera Scholars Australia possible through connections I have conductor, Johannes Fritzsch. I’ve of the year for me was the latest named the winner of the Sydney throughout the year. I enjoyed made in my two years with Melba. really appreciated the opportunity production I took part in which was Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship, and travelling to Adelaide in September it has provided to focus on certain The Selfish Giant with Victorian a prizewinner in the finals of the to compete for the Geoffrey areas of my art with more language, Opera in October. I will also be JSRB Bel Canto Award with Melba Parsons Award for collaborative musical, acting and performance venturing to Europe in December alumni Zoe Drummond and Damian pianists. All of these professional experience. I have challenged myself to undertake auditions and explore Arnold. I am excited to have just endeavours have been possible with new repertoire and roles which the international operatic arena. relocated to London to commence as a result of my training with the I plan on performing in concerts, my studies at the Guildhall School mentors at Melba Opera Trust. competitions and auditions. For the of Music and Drama. remainder of 2019, I am focusing on continuing my development whilst planning an audition and study trip to Europe next year.

Honouring an extraordinary woman

The Amelia Joscelyne Memorial recipient Paull-Anthony Keightley words from alumni who are now Scholarship is a cornerstone of with scholar Adam McMillan. carrying forward their careers Melba Opera Trust’s program. It around the world. Superb This year, the community again has provided precious support to performances were delivered gathered to mark the Amelia’s 27 gifted young singers thanks to from Amelia alumni Bronwyn 30-year anniversary. It was the vibrant community of more Douglass, Morgan Balfour, Fiona an evening of sentiment and than 400 supporters who make Jopson and fellow Melba alumni Samuel Piper – baritone Xenia Puskarz Thomas – memories showcasing a short the scholarship possible. Brenton Spiteri and Amir Farid. John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith mezzo-soprano video encapsulating the journey Scholarship Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Over the past two years, there of the scholarship and heartfelt Ryman Healthcare Opera Scholarship Scholarship have been two major celebrations This year, like any other, has offered This year I have been working on associated with the scholarship. a great range of professional stagecraft, singing, languages and In July 2018 a huge crowd challenges and opportunities. business skills. Through the mentor gathered at South Melbourne Most recently, I performed with blocks, the Melba program has Town Hall for a concert in honour Victorian Opera for the first time in really challenged me in all of these of Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM, their Heroic Bel Canto gala concert areas and particularly inspired Amelia’s mother and Founding at Hamer Hall. I’m excited to have me to raise the expectations of Patron of Melba Opera Trust. just relocated to Italy, where I am my work and my capabilities. I Siobhan Stagg, an Amelia undertaking an intensive, year- have been preparing four full roles Joscelyne Memorial Scholar from long study of core Italian baritone for my impending New York trip, 2009-12, has long had a close repertoire and the Italian language. I through the Opera Foundation for relationship with Mary-Jane, and would also like to extend my deepest young Australians Lady Fairfax New she wanted to integrate somehow thanks to John and Liz for their York Scholarship. In addition, I have this much-loved woman into ongoing support these past three just performed the role of Ramiro her performance. “Mary-Jane years and to all at Melba Opera Trust from Mozart’s La finta giardiniera beamed the whole way through,” for their tireless work in supporting under the baton of Melba mentor Siobhan recalled. “It was the our career development. Johannes Fritzsch. perfect example of Mary-Jane’s generosity of spirit and quest to share joy with those around her.” Siobhan was one of many celebrating Mary-Jane and the legacy of Amelia’s scholarship including fellow alumna Fiona ©David Ng Jopson (2010) and the 2018

18 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years ©David Ng ©David Ng ©David Ng THE NEXT 10 YEARS

A strength of a milestone is that it awards, as well as being staple sustain the activities of Melba I hope that our loyal community encourages us to take a moment cast members in opera companies forever. We started with $4.3 of benefactors will continue to be and reflect on the journey. For a across the country. When not million and now, thanks to the involved as we commit to our next decade, Melba Opera Trust has three but four of our Melbas were donations, pledges, grants, decade of providing the highest provided some of Australia’s most accepted into the coveted Jette bequests and the expertise of standard of international training valuable scholarship support for Parker Young Artist Program at our investment managers, JB for our promising Australian exceptional young opera singers Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Were, our endowment is currently singers and repetiteurs ‘so that and repetiteurs. As we gathered in it signified that our scholars were forecast at just over $10 million. another Melba may arise’. Thank 2008 in the Great Hall at the NGV also competitive internationally. you for believing in us! Thanks to the faith, commitment for our launch, it was impossible Our scholarship journey started and support of all within our Melba to imagine the future of this with two scholars and over ten community, what began in 2008 as unique program and the scale of years we have proudly nurtured 51 a promise has become a stunning the impact it would have on opera LEADERSHIP emerging careers. As we look at legacy of support for opera in within this country and the world. our long list of alumni, close to 90 Australia. We are exceptionally UPDATE Certainly in 2008 we hoped and per cent now enjoy thriving careers grateful for every gesture of support Amy Black appointed as CEO dreamed for global success stories in the industry. Our scholars’ that has been provided to Melba. and Director of the Board. but, more importantly, we actively Amy Black successes instilled a baseline of The successes of our alumni are the Olivia Giglia appointed as and purposely worked towards excellence that has continued to direct outcome of that support. Director of Operations and pioneering an entirely fresh and drive our program development Now that our method is proven, Company Secretary innovative approach to training and has resulted in our alumni Spiteri became the first Melba to the mission remains – to ensure Sharolyn Kimmorley AM and developing young artists to working around the world, an win the Herald Sun Aria, followed by our world-class program is appointed as Artistic Manager support our vision ‘that another enormous achievement for a small, Stacey Alleaume and Lauren Fagan preserved for future generations. & Scholar Advisor Melba may arise…’ independent arts organisation. receiving first and second place We’re still a long way from the Melba Opera Trust moved to The first demonstrable indications at the Sydney Aria. We began to We started this journey with an endowment sustaining our new home in the Melbourne that our program was having the expect to see Melbas represented ambitious objective – to build a activities, and we remain focused Arts Precinct. desired impact came when Brenton in Australia’s leading singing capital endowment that would on establishing a secure future.

PATRON IN CHIEF Kevin & Margaret Collecutt John Kiely & the late Lorraine Elliott Shirley Fong Liz Nield MENTOR PROGRAM HE the Honourable Linda Dessau Val Diamond & John Funder AC Kathryn Kings William J Forrest AM Ms Rosemary Norbury AC, Governor of Victoria & Ian Dickson & Reg Holloway Dr Peter A Kingsbury The Hon Saffron Foster Stephen O’Meara QC & MADE POSSIBLE BY: Mr Anthony Howard AM QC Dr Helen M Ferguson Julie Lidgett Jenny Fullard Kate Galvin FOUNDING PATRONS Nance Grant AM MBE & Ian Harris Peter Mander & Walter van Peter Garnick Jocelyn & the late John O’Neil Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM John & Jo Grigg Nieuwkuyk OAM Christina Gebhardt & Sarah Patterson The late Pamela, Lady Vestey Hon Peter Heerey AM QC & Suzanne Maple-Brown the late Peter Gebhardt Joan Pigdon HONOURARY PATRON Mrs Sally Heerey Mary-Ruth & Peter McLennan Annie Gibson Roger & Catherine Poole The Hon. Saffron Foster Hans & Petra Henkell Margaret & the late Patrick Mills Dr R & Ms K H Grinberg The late Joy Potter IMPRESARIO Margaret & Trevor Holborow Susan Morgan Elisabeth Guinness Ms Georgia Bassingthwaighte & • John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith ($500,000 and above) Gill & Giles Hunt Diane & Tim Morris Hugh Hallard Mr Andrew Powell • Reilly & Logie-Smith Mentor Endowment Warwick & Paulette Bisley Dr Alastair Jackson AM The late Dame Elisabeth The Hon Justice Hartley Hansen Clare & David Pullar • Lady Southey AC Mary-Jane Gething & the late Suzanne Kirkham Murdoch AC; DBE QC & Mrs Rosalind Hansen Kenneth R Reed AM • Tallis Foundation Joseph Sambrook Elizabeth Lithgow Geoffrey Norris Dr Martin & Jacqui Higgs Greg J Reinhardt AM John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Robert G Logie-Smith AM & Miki Oikawa Her Hon Judge Frances Hogan Janice Roberts & Achim Leistner PATRON Sue Logie-Smith The late Nancy Petersen & Robert Hook Alexander & Rosemary Roche ($250,000 – $499,999) Patricia McKenzie daughter, Dale Rosemary & David Houseman Tom & Elizabeth Romanowski Peter Reilly & Linton Soderholm The Family of the late Jack McLeish Tony & Elizabeth Rayward Dr Sam Howes & the late Dr Paul & Gay Rosen Philanthropic Partners Roz Zalewski-Ruskin & The Hon Justice John & Aubrey Schrader Margaret Howes Margaret S Ross AM Jeremy Ruskin QC Mrs Judith Middleton Graham Sellars-Jones Penelope Hughes Mr Nick Ruskin & Dr Annette Shiell GRAND CIRCLE Graeme Parncutt Richard Stanley QC & Sue Stanley Alison Hyams Susan Santoro ($100,000 – $249,999) Helen Paterson Gillian Storey AM The late Phillip D Isaacs OAM Graham & Lorraine Schmidt Charles Allen AO & Jocelyn Allen Lady Potter AC CMRI The Lord & Lady Vestey Cynthia Jackson AM Dr David Scott AM & Dr Lyndal Scott Janet Calvert-Jones AO & Judith Robinson & the late Prof Mel & Nina Waters Barry & Prue Johnson Penelope Seidler AM John Calvert-Jones AM Michael Robinson AO Cameron Wenck Lewis & Paula Johnson The Hon Justice Melanie Sloss SC A/Prof Andrew Cochrane Margot & Warwick Ross Paul Worthington William M.P. Jones Prof Richard Smallwood AO & Dr Fiona Cochrane Phillip & Susan Schudmak Anonymous (2) Grace & the late George Kass Carol Smallwood Joseph Diflo John E Smith MELBA CIRCLE Julia King Smedley Family Diana Gibson AO Jennifer & David Sutherland ($1,000 – $4,999) Lesley King Russell & Margaret Smith The late Lady April Hamer Dr Michael Troy C A Alston Anthony Knight OAM & Barbara Soulie Peter Laver AM & Anne Laver Michael & Cathryn Wheelahan Dr Patricia Armstrong-Grant OBE Beverly Knight Lyn Stephenson David & Sallie Prior MAESTRO CIRCLE Robbie S. Barker Peter Kolliner OAM & Jo Strutt Andrew Sisson AO ($5,000 – $9,999) The Beale Family Barbara Kolliner Swindel-Hurst Family Trust • Tallis Foundation DRESS CIRCLE Philip Bacon AM Judy & Michael Begg Lynne Landy & John Landy AC MBE Hugh & Elizabeth Taylor • Cochrane Schofield Fund ($50,000 – $99,999) The Hon Justice David Beach & Elizabeth Beischer Joy Laurence Rob & Ruth Thomas Andrew & Victoria Fox-Smith Marea Beach Simon Bell & Jennifer Coghlan-Bell Deirdre & The late Hon Justice Rob Thomas AO Peter Griffin AM & Terry Swan Marc Besen AC & Eva Besen AO Kenneth Betts Leo Lazarus Dr George Tippett AM Peter Hansen OAM & Dr Dianne & Lino Bresciani, Youth Ann Blainey Valerie & Dr Roger Le Maitre Sylvia Urbach Neroli Hansen Music Foundation of Australia Chris Blanden QC John & Erin Lidgerwood Messrs Grant Johnson & Professional Support Ann & the late Ian McFarling Elizabeth Brown Caroline Brain Janet Limb AO Steven Wharton GALLERY CIRCLE The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC & Jonathan & Anne Breadmore Norma Lithgow Alexander G. White ($25,000 – $49,999) Elizabeth Chernov H & J Burger Dr Bruce & the late Dianne Livett Christine Williams James & Judith Beattie Sandy Clark & Marie McDonald The Hon Justice David Byrne & Colin Lovitt QC & Margaret Lovitt James & Clytie Williams Ernest Dawes OAM OBE & Catherine & Mark Clisby Jenni Harris Noreen Maher Helen Woods & Lewis Rowell Nola Dawes Jillian Cobcroft Adrienne & The late Ross Cameron Probus Club of Melbourne Inc. Barbara Yeoh AM Rose Downer & John Downer AM Ann Cole J S Chambers Foundation Marin Charitable Trust Anonymous (17) Frank & Judith Firkin Rosie Cunningham Mitchell Chipman David & Jane Martin FRIENDS OF THE MELBA Louise M. Gourlay OAM David Curtain QC & Sally Curtain Janet Clark & the late Barbara Mayes (All gifts up to $999) Dale & Ian Johnson Jane Douglass AM John Clark AM Denys & Ingeborg McCullough Melba Opera Trust also appreciates David Jones Sir Andrew & Lady Fairley Foundation Libby Colenso Ian McDonald the generosity of nearly 250 Friends Tom & Ruth O’Dea Catherine & the late Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins Dr Sue McNicol QC of the Melba. Kate & Stephen Shelmerdine Roger Freeman Caroline & Glenn Crane Ross McPherson AM MELBA’S WILL Anita Simon Fleur Gibbs Mr John Craven Dr Bryan Mendelson & BEQUEST CIRCLE Lady Southey AC Peter & Elizabeth Goodman Shaneen Crouch & the late Mrs Debora Mendelson Dr Patricia Armstrong-Grant OBE Event Partners Anonymous (1) Christine Hughes Michael J Crouch AO Fiona Menzies Michael Bertram BALCONY CIRCLE Darvell Hutchinson AM & Charles Curran AC & Eva Curran James Mighell SC Garry A Fehring ($10,000 – $24,999) Barbara Hutchinson Mrs David Darling Michael & the late Judy Morrison Ian & Dale Johnson Jim Allen OAM Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM Arthur Day AM & Hilary Day Kristin Moses Mary-Jane Joscelyne OAM Judy Allen Anne Kantor AO & the late Ros & John Dowling Dr Kenneth Muirden AO & Ann McFarling The late Betty Amsden AO Dr Milan Kantor OAM Terry & Linda Elliott Lesley Muirden Diane Morris Chris Arnold AM & Margot Costanzo Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC & Jack & Vivian Fajgenbaum Kris Neill Mary Ryllis Clark Peter & Jan Clark June Keon-Cohen Barbara Fleischer Margaret Nevett Anonymous (3) Recognised support as of 21.10.2019

Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years | 19 Kyla Allan 2012 Zoe Drummond 2015–2017 Samuel Johnson 2013 Samuel Piper 2017–2019 Melba Scholars Stacey Alleaume 2010, 2012 Emily Edmonds 2013 Fiona Jopson 2010 Jacqueline Porter 2010 Damian Arnold 2017 Lauren Fagan 2011–2012 Panayiota Kalatzis 2013 Xenia Puskarz Thomas 2019 and Alumni Morgan Balfour 2015 Amir Farid 2013 Paull-Anthony Keightley 2018 Matthew Reardon 2013–2014 Roberto Barbaro 2013 Alexandra Flood 2014 Jeremy Kleeman 2014–2015 Samuel Sakker 2011–2012 2009-2019 Shauntai Batzke 2014–2015 Leilah Fox 2013 Nathan Lay 2011 Brenton Spiteri 2012–2014 Fleuranne Brockway 2018 Stephanie Gibson 2009–2010 Cleo Lee-McGowan 2017–2019 Siobhan Stagg 2009–2012 Simon Bruckard 2016 Christian Gillett 2013 Stephen Marsh 2018–2019 Janet Szepei Todd 2010–2012 Angela Brun 2011 Rebecca Gulinello 2013–2014 Adam McMillan 2018–2019 Nicholas Tolputt 2015–2016 Daniel Carison 2015–2017 Georgina Hall 2017, 2019 Jade Moffat 2014–2015 Shakira Tsindos 2016 Stefan Cassomenos 2014–2015 Jessica Harper 2018 Timothy Newton 2016 Jonathan Wilson 2016–2017 Hannah Dahlenburg 2011–2012 Tessa Hayward 2019 Tiriki Onus 2012–2013 Sophie Yelland 2010 Bronwyn Douglass 2016–2017 Nikki Hill 2014–2015 Michael Petruccelli 2016

Greg Holdaway (movement) Jenny Thirtle (movement) Jenny Mate (business) 10 Years of Chuck Hudson (director) Guillaume Tourniaire (conductor) Sharron McBeth (presentation) Lindy Hume (director) James Wright (director) Nicky McCartney (wellbeing) 10 Years of Mentoring Liane Keegan (singer) Deborah Humble (singer) Jo McEniery (business) Artistic Development Yvonne Kenny AM (singer) Wendy Milner (business) Leadership David Aronson (coach) Andrew Keshan (stage make-up) Professional Skills Wes Mudge (business) Matthew Barclay (director) Sharolyn Kimmorley AM (coach) Ken MacKenzie-Forbes AM Kris Neill (business) 2019 Melba Board Cheryl Barker AO (singer) Dr David Kram (conductor) (business) Mairi Nicolson (presentation) Siro Battaglin (coach) Prof Michael Lanskoi (coach) Dr Campbell Thompson Diem Ngo (business) Roz Zalewski-Ruskin, Chair Judy Bellingham (breathing) Yvette Lee (movement) (wellbeing) Paul Noonan (business) Kate Shelmerdine, Deputy Chair Tanja Binggeli (language) Marko Letonja (conductor) Graham Abbott (presentation) Monica O’Brien (wellbeing) Dmitry Danilovic, Treasurer Susan Bullock CBE (singer) Mary Li (movement) Dr Patricia Armstrong-Grant OBE Tim Patston (wellbeing) Chris Arnold AM Jak Callick (movement) Dame Felicity Lott DBE FRAM (business) Slavko Periac (business) Amy Black Peter Coleman-Wright AO (singer) FRCM (singer) Antoinette Bekos (presentation) Dr Debbie Phyland (wellbeing) Kris Neill Constantine Costi (director) Jenny Lovell (actor) Linda Britten (presentation) Graham Pushee (business) Peter Reilly Sir Andrew Davis CBE (conductor) Jennifer Marten-Smith (coach) Julian Burak (presentation) Virginia Read (presentation) Prof Lynne Dawson MIL, FRNCM Daria Masiero (singer) Geraldine Cook (presentation) Stephen Richardson (business) 2009–2019 (singer) Emma Matthews (singer) Lani Corbett (business) Mark Roberts (business) Retired Directors Teresa Desmarchelier (language) Stuart Maunder OAM (director) Charles Cunningham (business) Leah Shmerling (wellbeing) The late Fra’ Richard Divall AO OBE Cameron Menzies (director) Suzanne Dekyvere (presentation) Shane Simpson (business) Paul Crapper (conductor) Dr Richard Mills AM (conductor) Bernard Despasquale (business) Diane Steller (business) The late Lorraine Elliott Giuseppe D’Orazzi (language) Patrick Nolan (director) Catrionadh Dobson (business) Anthony Stockley (business) Ross Elliott Asher Fisch (conductor) Dennis O’Neill CBE (singer) Joe Eapen (business) Meaghan Sullivan (wellbeing) Peter Garnick Renée Fleming (singer) Simon O’Neill ONZM (singer) Jenifer Eddy OAM (business) Peter Taplin (business) Lewis Johnson Johannes Fritzsch (conductor) Moffatt Oxenbould AM (director) Naomi Eyers (wellbeing) Cecellia Telkes (presentation) Robert G. Logie-Smith AM Lisa Gasteen AO (singer) Valéria Palmieri (language) Judith Field (presentation) Lyndon Terracini AM (business) Arnold Mayfield Nathan Gilkes (director) Denis Passalent (language) Peter Garnick (business) Richard Thomas (business) Fiona Menzies Julia Grace (actor) A/Prof Merlin Quaife AM (singer) Craig Hassall (business) Patrick Togher (business) Jenny Sutherland Nance Grant MBE (singer) Semyon Rozin (coach) Dr Karen Hill (wellbeing) Dr Tim van Gelder (business) Professor Melville Waters Sylvia Greenberg (singer) Neil Semer (coach) Rhonda Hirst (business) Ron Vermeulen (business) Barbara Yeoh Jonathan Grieves-Smith Andrew Sinclair (director) David Hobson (business) Katija Vlatkovich (business) (conductor) Alexandra Sherman (singer) Sam Hunt (business) Andrew Wallace-Smith Hugh Halliday (director) Stuart Skelton (singer) Dr Phil Jauncey (wellbeing) (presentation) Thomas Hampson (singer) Andrew Strano (singer) Daniel Johnson (business) David Ward (business) The late Eileen Hannan AM Anna Sweeney (director) Trudy Johnston (business) Derek Welton (business) (singer) Marie-Claire Szekely OAM Corinne Jones (presentation) James Williams (business) Brendan Hanson (director) (language) Prof Diana Kenny (wellbeing) Susie Wilson (business) Tim Harbour (movement) Teddy Tahu Rhodes (singer) Alexandra Kinloch (business) Glen Winslade (business) Dr Erin Helyard (conductor) Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE Chong Lim (business) Helen Woods (business) Roxanne Hislop (singer) AC (singer) L’Oreal Cosmetics (presentation)

20 | Special Edition Celebrating 10 Years