THE RICHARD DIVALL PROGRAM

The Richard Divall Artists Program was created to honour the memory of one of Australia’s most lauded conductors, Maestro Richard Divall, supported by a generous bequest made by Melbourne born international soprano, Sylvia Fisher. Upon her death, Sylvia Fisher made this bequest to ensure the continuing support of the development of new artists of operatic excellence in her hometown, Melbourne. Before Maestro Divall’s death in early 2017, he was closely involved in the planning and creation of this program in collaboration with Melbourne Opera.

Managed by a committee of professional opera artists through Melbourne Opera, The Richard Divall Program aims to develop singers of great potential to a performance-ready standard. It will focus on providing opportunities for emerging opera singers to experience the pressure of intensive role preparation, rehearsal and performance in a professional setting whilst continuing artistic development with tailored high quality coaching, workshops, master classes and mentoring.

• Financial assistance with artistic development expenses.
• Opportunities to perform and understudy main stage roles in a professional environment.
• High level coaching for roles being performed and understudied as well as general repertoire.
• Professional rehearsal conditions.
• Exclusive opportunities to participate in master classes with visiting artists, conductors and directors.
• Weekly language classes (Italian at IIC, German at Goethe Institute).
• Specific instruction in role preparation, & stagecraft (16th street actors studio & guest professionals).
• Professional practice instruction.
• Mentoring from senior colleagues.
• Performance opportunities.

The Richard Divall Program provides emerging and developing artists with practical and essential performance and industry experience along with tailored language study, drama and movement classes, masterclasses with leading international artists and provides financial support for singing lessons and coaching.

The Program is so grateful for all the support it receives from principal supporters the Sylvia Fisher Fund and the Ian Potter Foundation, Friends of Melbourne Opera, the Mietta Foundation and Allan Myers AC and Maria Myers AC. Every cent donated contributes to Melbourne Opera providing this essential program. If you are interested in finding out more, becoming a one-off donor or a major ongoing supporter of the programme please contact Melbourne Opera Company Manager – Robbie McPhee on (03) 9600 2488 or by email: info@melbourneopera.com.

Suzanne Chaundy
suzanne@melbourneopera.com

• Raymond Lawrence (Head of Music)
• Greg Hocking AM
• Margaret Haggart
• Geoffrey Harris and Roger Howell.