ASC turns 30 in 2011

Australia’s richest classical and opera singing competition celebrates its 30th birthday!

Launched in 1982 by His Excellency The Right Honourable Sir Zelman Cowen, then Governor-General of Australia, the Australian Singing Competition (ASC) has enjoyed the patronage of five Governors-General.

In 1982 the $30,000 Marianne Mathy Scholarship was the only prize offered — an unprecedented amount at that time. In 2010 more than 30 Scholarships, Prizes and Opportunities were distributed, valued in excess of $200,000, including The Marianne Mathy Scholarship, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Award, Royal Northern College of Music Award, the Mozart Opera Institute Award, the Handa Prize, the Foster Award and others…

The awards are offered to recognise and encourage exceptional young classical singers, with continuing efforts being made to attract additional scholarships and prizes. Many organisations and individuals (both in Australia and overseas) have enabled the competition to develop and grow.

Over 2,000 singers have participated in the ASC and have had the benefit of being heard and interviewed by notable professionals from the Australian and international classical and operatic singing and music fraternity. The majority of our winners are pursuing careers in Australia and overseas and have shared in over $2 million worth of prize and career opportunities.

Our 30th birthday is shaping up to be our best year ever! Entries will be opening in March 2011 and we look forward to working once again with our many friends around the globe as well as announcing some exciting new developments that are in the pipeline.

07-Feb-2011