McCusker Recital Hall.
Exceptional talent and achievement across music, performance and design have been celebrated at a series of award ceremonies at Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Three major donor-supported awards were presented during August, recognising WAAPA students who have demonstrated outstanding artistry, creativity and commitment to their craft.
For the recipients, the awards provide more than recognition of their achievements to date - they offer valuable opportunities to further develop their skills, gain new experiences and take the next steps towards professional careers in the arts.
"These awards not only recognise the excellence our students have achieved but also help them to establish strong foundations for the future," WAAPA Executive Dean Professor David Shirley said.
"The generosity of our donors means these artists have the chance to further develop their craft, transition into professional life and contribute to the performing arts industry as well as the broader community. We are enormously grateful to the donors who share our belief in their potential."
Celebrating emerging musical talent
The Richard Gill Award, presented for the first time this year in the McCusker Recital Hall at ECU City Campus, showcased the talent of finalists from across WAAPA's instrumental and vocal areas.
The award honours Richard Gill, founder of WAAPA's Classical Music course, and was supported by Alan and Delys Newman.
Flautist Flynn Throssell received first prize and $2,500, while pianist Mac Anthony and vocalist Sienna Freeman each received a $500 runner-up prize.
The performances provided students with an opportunity to showcase their abilities before an audience and further establish themselves as emerging professional musicians.
Left to right: Associate Professor Jonathan Paget, Richard Gill Awards Finalists: Otto Gibbs, Mark Schaap, Mia Thomas, Mac Anthony, Sienna Freeman, Flynn Throssell, and Professor David Shirley.
Supporting the next generation of performers
Classical Voice student Adam Lynch and Musical Theatre student Molly Andris were each awarded $10,000 through the Taryn Fiebig Award.
Established by The Humanity Foundation in honour of one of Australia's leading sopranos, the award supports emerging artists who demonstrate the ability to create powerful performances through voice and drama.
Adam and Molly will use the awards to undertake study trips designed to broaden their experience and develop their craft. They will also share their experiences and learnings with their WAAPA peers when they return.
Left to right: Taryn Fiebig Awards finalists: Thu Tran Nguyen, Ashton Birks, Molly Andris, Adam Lynch, Charlotte Barnard, Kate Temme.
Launching professional careers
Now in its fifth year, the Peter Hurford Award for Excellence recognises WAAPA students across performance, design and composition for their commitment, creativity and artistry.
This year, Lighting student Katharina Brieden, Dance Honours student Megan Lamb and Jazz Trumpet student Jonah Golds each received $10,000 to support the next stage of their professional careers.
The awards are supported by ECU teaching alumnus and long-time WAAPA supporter Peter Hurford.
Peter Hurford, Peter Hurford Awards winners
Professor Shirley said the recipients demonstrated the creativity and dedication that would help shape their future careers.
"We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these talented students and to see them taking the next steps towards becoming the artists, designers and performers of the future," he said.
The awards are made possible through the generosity of ECU and WAAPA donors, whose support provides students with opportunities to pursue further study, broaden their professional experience and develop their artistic practice.
"We are enormously grateful to the donors who share our belief in the potential of our students and who help create opportunities for the next generation of artists," Professor Shirley said.
Through these awards, the artistic legacies of Richard Gill and Taryn Fiebig will continue to inspire and support emerging talent, while recipients of the Peter Hurford Award are given a valuable foundation from which to launch their professional careers.
