Eden Shifroni wins prestigious opera award
‘I’m deeply grateful because this feels like the perfect next step for me. The stars seemed to align in just the right way’
Eden Shifroni acknowledges that moving across the world is daunting, but if it’s for something you love, it can definitely be done. In fact, it’s what she will be doing later this year as the recipient of the Alastair Jackson International Opera Award (AJIOA) – the most valuable opera award in Australia.
Shifroni, who told The AJN in a 2023 interview that her passion for music was ignited at a young age, is quickly establishing herself as one of Australia’s leading young sopranos.
As recipient, two years of tuition and living expenses have been awarded to Shifroni to support her study at the Royal College of Music Opera Studio in London.
She said moving across the world is a “necessary leap for an Australian singer aspiring to make it on the international stage”.
Shifroni told The AJN that she was originally interested in jazz. In fact, when she applied for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, she auditioned for both the jazz and classical voice courses. But ultimately, it was opera that won her heart.
“I feel grateful to have had a musical education as part of my school life. Even though I did not study any opera really at school, the exposure to different art forms and my involvement in the school orchestra, jazz band and choirs was when the seeds of my musical curiosity were planted,” the Moriah College alumnus said. “I strongly believe in the value of an arts education. That school age is when curiosity is sparked and a perfect time to start absorbing different art forms.”
It was a teacher at the Conservatorium who convinced her to follow the opera path.
“For me, what drew me most to opera and inspired me was the way in which it was an art form where all art forms meet. Music, drama, literature, architecture and set, fine art, costume, dance, lighting and history.”
In 2024, Shifroni was awarded the Marianne Mathy Scholarship at the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, the JSRB Foundation Award at the Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award Finals and now adds a third prestigious award to her CV.
The Royal College of Music’s Opera Studio, where Shifroni will study, is one of the world’s leading training centres for opera and many of the world’s finest singers have passed through its doors.
“Eden stood out from a strong field,” Royal College of Music’s Head of Vocal & Opera, Nicholas Sears said. “In terms of sheer vocal quality, artistry and musicality, proving herself to be the most fitting recipient of Alastair’s wonderful generosity and the aspirations of the Royal College of Music/Melba Opera Trust partnership. And we all look forward to working with Eden to provide this outstandingly talented young artist with the best preparation for her future professional career.”
The Royal College of Music’s postgraduate opera program represents a significant next step for Shifroni, who has already completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Sydney Conservatorium and is about to embark on her second year as a Melba Artist.
While the calibre of training at the Royal College of Music is extremely high, the opportunity to perform roles on stage is also a huge drawcard. Not only do the opera program’s students learn roles through professionally staged productions, but the Royal College of Music’s location in London ensures those performances can be seen by directors and artists’ managers from the UK and Europe.
For a singer whose dreams include singing Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier at the Vienna State Opera, this award represents a major stepping stone for Shifroni.
“I was absolutely shocked when they offered me the award,” Shifroni said. “I’m deeply grateful because this feels like the perfect next step for me. The stars seemed to align in just the right way, and I owe so much to the support of Melba and the transformative power of their holistic approach to personal and professional development.”
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