The recent IGS Vocal Competition emerged as a celebration of storytelling, individuality, and the emotional resonance of music. What an extraordinary evening of splendid, varied, and immensely talented student performances!
Noteworthy recognition
In the Intermediate category, Luella emerged as a standout Winner, praised for the beautiful colours that adorned her performance. Runner-up Ivy captivated the audience by holding them in the palm of her hand, creating an emotive connection.
In the Senior category, Gemma claimed the title of Senior Winner for her exceptional blend of vocal prowess and intricate rhythms. Senior Runner-up Hunter earned recognition for his remarkable falsetto, adding a unique touch to the competition.
Culminating the night was the announcement of the Overall Competition Winner, Luella, for her exceptional artistry and captivating narrative.
Congratulations to Luella, and all the talented Competition winners and performers.
About our Adjudicator
The competition was kindly adjudicated by award-winning, Sydney based Soprano Tanith Bryce whose musical journey includes completing the Diploma of Opera program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and earning a Bachelor of Music. Her vocal prowess was further recognised with a distinction in the Licentiate of Music in voice. Tanith has graced the stage in numerous Opera Australia productions, contributing to works like “Cosi fan tutte,” “Falstaff,” and “Turandot.” Notably, she portrayed Isobel in “Pirates of Penzance” and played a key role in Opera Australia’s inaugural digital production of “Aida” in 2018.
Tanith’s notable competition achievements include being a finalist in the Australian Singing Competition Mathy Awards and winning the Canberra National Eisteddfod Aria. Her national finalist status includes the Covent Garden National Opera Studio Scholarship, the Barilla Italian Scholarship, and The German Opera Foundation Award.
Tanith shares her expertise by teaching voice privately and currently serves as a vocal instructor for Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Additionally, she has enriched the learning experiences of Conservatorium students by teaching diction in Italian, German, and French.
Beyond the notes
Tanith’s competition guidance went beyond mere musical performance, emphasising the art of storytelling through song. The evening’s participants were reminded to engage their entire being in conveying a narrative, using expression and movement as creative tools. The importance of well-lit faces, meticulous microphone technique, and genuine expression on stage was underscored.
Tanith spoke to students about the importance of vocal wellbeing and protecting one’s vocal cords. She also encouraged contestants to avoid imitation, urging them to discover their own voices and create unique instrumental embellishments, ultimately making each song their own. Performances should aim to transcend the technical and connect on a deeper level, to elicit genuine emotions from the audience. The lasting impact of a performance, rather than recall of specific details, was highlighted as the ultimate measure of success.
The IGS Vocal Competition, a testament to the dedication and vision of IGS Director of Music Darren Kuilenburg and Head of Music Performance Nate Primrose-Heaney, was a resounding success. Special gratitude is extended to our guest adjudicator Ms Tanith Bryce, and all IGS music staff, with a particular acknowledgement of Joshua Cheng, Residential Artist and IGS School Accompanist, for his generous accompaniment during rehearsals and performances.
Thank you for a wonderful evening in celebration of musical expression.
