IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition - ASC

01/10/2025

Sidra Nissen took top honours at the 2025 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition. Her compelling rendition of Ravel's Kaddish is worth a read—check out the article to learn more about her moving performance.

Sidra Nissen wins the Australian Singing Competition with her moving rendition of Kaddish, showcasing her unique talent.

30/09/2025

🎭Get your applications in for the 2025 Opera Awards! Entries close 17 October

👉 All the details and how to enter:
https://operawards.org/how-to-enter/

29/09/2025

🎉 Proud moment! Check out this wonderful feature in Limelight on Sidra Nissen winning the 2025 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, and all of our other amazing prize winners!

The 23-year-old Victorian mezzo-soprano takes home the prestigious Marianne Mathy Scholarship along with additional prizes.

26/09/2025

We are excited to announce that mezzo soprano Sidra Nissen has won the 2025 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
Sidra gave a standout performance singing 'Smanie implacabili' from Mozart's Così fan tutte, and 'Kaddish' from Deux mélodies hébraïques by Ravel. In addition to the Mathy, Sidra won the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute (CVAI) Montreal Scholarship, and the Opera Australia Finalist Audition Prize. Read more about the ASC Finals Concert, and the prizes awarded here: https://createsend.com/t/j-5F908E22F3104A3A2540EF23F30FEDED

23/09/2025

Thank you to Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, for the kind words of support to this year’s finalists in the 2025 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.

Your encouragement means a great deal to all involved and adds immense value to this prestigious event.

10/09/2025

Peek behind the curtain!

Watch our fabulous five finalists at the 2025 Masterclass led by acclaimed international Baritone and ASC National Adjudicator, Jeffrey Black.

The 2025 MasterClass in Opera and Classical Singing was held at The Opera Centre on Monday 18 August 2025. The MasterClass is sponsored by MOST® and features...

10/09/2025

Only 15 days to go until the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition Finals!

Did you miss the Semi- Finals Concert? 🎥 Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Catch up on all the operatic action, relive the magic, and see how our five brilliant finalists emerged.

👉 Watch the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1YtDvjcHa4&list=PLitZfdUIu5AmSW7NvyrO7Xwyef7AIOKRj&index=19

We can’t wait to see you at the performance on 25 September at The Concourse, Chatswood! 🎤🎶

The Semi-Finals Concert of the 2024 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, held on Sunday 17 August at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney.Adjudicators...

29/08/2025

Learn more about the 2025 ASC Finalists! Wesley Yu, Sophie Blades, Sidra Nissen, Aidan Hodder, Brittney Northcott Limelight

Three Victorian and two NSW-based singers are in the running for the coveted $30,000 Marianne Mathy Scholarship.

18/08/2025

We are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition. These exceptional young opera singers will perform at the prestigious Finals Concert on 25 September 2025, showcasing their talent in front of a distinguished panel of judges and a live audience. A big thank you is extended to our National Adjudicator, Internationally Acclaimed Baritone, Jeffrey Black.

Finalists:
Sophie Blades, Soprano
Aidan Hodder, Baritone
Sidra Nissen, Mezzo Soprano
Brittney Northcott, Mezzo Soprano
Wesley Haotian Yu, Tenor

Join us for an evening celebrating exceptional young vocal talent.

Finals Concert
Date: 25 September 2025
Location: Chatswood Concourse
Tickets: Available via link in bio

11/08/2025

A message from 2024 Merenda Legacy Prize Winner Molly Ryan!

"Thank you so much to the Merenda Legacy Prize and the ASC for enabling me with the opportunity to travel to and study in Italy this summer! I was fortunate to spend my time participating in an Italian intensive language school in Firenze, work with incredible vocal and language coaches and attend the Arena di Verona to watch world class performances of Nabucco and Carmen! This life changing opportunity was only possible due to the generosity of this award and the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition! I am very grateful to have had the chance to continue my vocal and language studies in Italy. Thank you so much ❤️✨"