Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Classical Voice student Erin Strle has been awarded the inaugural Taryn Fiebig Award, thanks to the generous support of The Humanity Foundation.
This prestigious new award was created in honour of the late Australian soprano, Taryn Fiebig.
Worth $10,000, the award celebrates Fiebig's memory and legacy by giving a deserving WAAPA student the opportunity to undertake activities to benefit their professional development.
Perth-born Fiebig was one of Australia's leading sopranos, famed for her dazzling voice, versatility, charisma and radiant stage presence. A winner of two Helpmann Awards, she was a principal soprano at Opera Australia and performed regularly with Pinchgut Opera.
Based on an online audition and study program proposal, six finalists were selected from WAAPA's Classical Voice and Music Theatre programs.
Accompanied by associate artist Tommaso Pollio on piano, the finalists performed music ranging from Mozart to Sondheim in front of an appreciative audience, including members of the Fiebig family.
The judging panel included Talya Masel, Director of the Humanity Foundation; Iain Grandage, Perth Festival Artistic Director; soprano Sara Macliver; and Professor David Shirley, Executive Dean of WAAPA.
Third Year Bachelor of Music student Erin Strle took out the award with her rendition of Mozart’s Padre, germani, addio! from Idomeneo.
Erin said being named winner of the inaugural Taryn Fiebig Award was a great honour.
"Taryn was a phenomenally talented and inspiring artist, and I am so grateful to the Humanity Foundation for this opportunity," she said.
Erin said she planned to use her prize money to further her studies interstate.
"I am planning a trip to Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra at the end of this year to work with some incredible professionals and coaches in the arts industry in order to further my language, movement and voice skills," she said.
WAAPA's Head of Classical Voice Emma Matthews, who is also a highly acclaimed soprano, said Erin was a very worthy winner.
"Erin is a gorgeous young soprano who demonstrated musicianship, characterisation and beauty of tone along with an excellent study plan," she said.
"I think Taryn would've loved the evening and am so proud of all the finalists, who all sang and performed beautifully."
