Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Richard Wagner Society (VIC) is once again able to offer a Young Artist Award for attendance of the 2020 Bayreuth Festival. The award is for a young Australian person, under 35 years old (as at 20 June 2020), studying to be a singer or in another operatic métier (e.g. director, conductor, musician, designer) who would benefit from the experience and hopefully be involved in Wagner productions in the future. This is a fantastic opportunity for the young artist to experience first class productions of Wagnerian works at Wagner’s Bayreuth Festspielhaus, and an opportunity to meet some of the artists and network with industry people and opera aficionados.

The award consists of tickets to Tannhäuser and the Ring Cycle from 23 August to 30 August 2020, accommodation, a daily stipend and allowance to contribute towards travel costs.

Applicants have been asked tosend in a résumé of training and experiences, a photo for reference, and a cover letter stating why they would like to win this award, how they feel it would be relevant to their careers, and why they should be chosen for the award. 

Applications are now closed and are being reviewed by a panel, approved by the Society’s Executive, consisting of industry experts including opera directors and vocal coaches.  Judging will be based on the artist’s current skills, the potential to make a career in opera, demonstration of artistic aptitude and willingness to learn and make the best of this opportunity. 

The winner of the award will be expected to write an article about the experience for the Society’s November 2020 Newsletter, Wagner News, and if possible, attend a Society event to speak about the opportunity.

Past winners of this award have been Greg Eldridge, opera director (2018) and Sophie Burns, mezzo soprano (2019)