CLARISSA SPATA – WINNER OF THE 2011 LADY FAIRFAX NEW YORK SCHOLARSHIP
CLARISSA SPATA – WINNER OF THE 2011 LADY FAIRFAX NEW YORK SCHOLARSHIP
On 24th July 2011, Clarissa Spata, soprano from New South Wales won the very prestigious Lady Fairfax New York Scholarship. In a gracious acceptance speech, Clarissa thanked the other five finalists from the bottom of her heart, encouraging them to keep their heads held high in “one of the hardest professions in the world”.
“I’d like to dedicate this award to the other singers on stage. By taking part in this scholarship, I’ve made five new friends,” said Clarissa.
The adjudicators awarded Clarissa with the Lady Fairfax New York Scholarship, not only for her rare ability to cast a glow over the audience while she sings, but for her remarkable passion, tenacity and dedication.
After winning the Dame Joan Sutherland Encouragement Award in 2002, Clarissa has never lost sight of her dream of becoming a professional soprano.
She is now preparing to embark on the next stage of her journey, a trip to New York, where she will study with vocal and language coaches, teachers and repetiteurs thanks to the proceeds of her $43,000 scholarship.
The Lady Fairfax New York Scholarship is a most valued scholarship offered by Opera Foundation Australia. Finalists are required to submit detailed study plans and budgets, teaching them the self-management tools they’ll need to survive in a highly competitive field.
The Scholarship is generously supported by Lady Fairfax AC OBE, founder and Life Governor of Opera Foundation Australia.
