Inaugural Laurie Coon Foundation scholarship announcement
Posted on 26 June 2008
Young Gisborne-born lyric soprano Claire Egan has been named as the inaugural winner of a scholarship which will enable her to attend the prestigious Cardiff International Academy of Voice.
The $10,000 Laurie Coon Foundation Scholarship in Singing is presented by the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. Only 15 emerging singers from around the world are offered positions on the programme each year which includes the opportunity to be mentored by world class teachers, singers, conductors and singing coaches on a daily basis.
Announcing the result Dame Catherine Tizard, Deputy Chair of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, said that the applicant standard had been very high. "The judging panel was very impressed with Claire's artistic integrity and the quality of her voice - she obviously best met the criteria of the award. It was a particular pleasure for both Foundations to provide the opportunity for a young singer as talented as Claire to attend this very special programme which will undoubtedly provide a major boost for her focus on achieving an operatic career at the highest level" said Dame Catherine.
Claire who recently made the finals of the McDonald Aria competition at the Sydney Opera House on July 13 said she was honoured to be the first recipient of the scholarship. "I am very excited that my name will be associated with both Foundations and the backing of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa means more to me than the money. On a practical level the scholarship will provide me with the unique opportunity of attending the Cardiff Academy. It is a dream come true as well as a wonderful encouragement to continue my great passion of opera" she said.
Further information:
Claire Egan
61 3 415 534 853
Paul Gleeson
Foundation Administrator
(09) 5349398
(021) 944534