Rising stars at WAAPA awarded for exceptional talent in performing arts

First published by Edith Cowan University

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) recently celebrated the 2024 Taryn Fiebig Award, recognising exceptional talent in the performing arts.

Perth-born Taryn Fiebig was one of Australia's leading sopranos, famed for her dazzling voice, versatility, charisma and radiant stage presence.

Made possible through the generosity of The Humanity Foundation, this award celebrates Taryn's memory and legacy by supporting rising stars who create magic on stage. The Award enables the winner to travel and complete a study plan to develop their craft, and to share the results with their peers upon their return. The Award is presented at a special annual concert, this year there were six finalists who performed a repertoire from the operatic and musical theatre canon.

Thanks to the extraordinary talent displayed by this year's finalists, Director of The Humanity Foundation, Talya Masel, a WAAPA alumna herself, made the surprise announcement that for the first time - two $10,000 prizes would be awarded.

ECU Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) student Hanna Bourke and Bachelor of Music student Michelle Pryor  were each granted a prize due to their outstanding performances.

Michelle Pryor expressed her deep gratitude, saying, "I am so grateful to be a recipient of the award, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity. I can't wait to use this gift to further develop as a performer; I hope to make Taryn's friends and family proud."

Hanna Bourke also shared her admiration for Taryn Fiebig, stating, "It has been such a privilege to perform in Taryn's honour. I came across a video of Taryn in my research of the award and was taken aback by her versatility and beauty. She is so inspiring, and I hope to take some of that talent forward. Thank you to The Humanity Foundation, and to Taryn's friends and family for this incredible support. I cannot understate how much this prize means to me."

Talya Masel of The Humanity Foundation reflected on the significance of the Award and expressed heartfelt gratitude.

"Thank you to WAAPA for enabling and encouraging this Award. As a graduate of WAAPA, bringing the Taryn Fiebig award here felt like coming home. Being able to give back is one of the greatest privileges in the world," Talya said.

"Taryn's meticulous commitment to performance and no-nonsense approach to hard work aligns perfectly with WAAPA. She was an extraordinary teacher, and supporting the next generation of performers is the perfect fit to preserve her enduring legacy. I know that she is watching now, thrilled to be able to enable a student to continue growing as a performer."

The 2024 judging panel for this prestigious award included Professor David Shirley, Executive Director of WAAPA; Noah Shilkin, Creative Director of Lolly Box Music; Fiona Campbell, Creative Director of Perth Symphony Orchestra; Talya Masel, Director of The Humanity Foundation; and Joe-Louis Robinson, Course Coordinator for Musical Theatre at WAAPA. The evening's performances were accompanied by pianist Stewart Smith, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Centre for Keyboard Heritage and Performance Research at WAAPA.

Executive Director at WAAPA, Professor David Shirley praised the significance of the evening.

"The remarkable evening and extraordinary celebration is a great tribute to Taryn. I am thrilled that we can hold this special performance each year. We would not be where we are without the tremendous support of our donors. Events such as the Taryn Fiebig Award are a very important and meaningful way to recognise and reward the extraordinary talent of our performers."

The 2023 Award recipient, Ellen Ebbs, also reflected on the transformative impact of the Award on her career, noting how it enabled her to expand her horizons in London's vibrant theatre scene. Her experiences underscore the profound and lasting impact such awards can have on aspiring performers.

"Being able to witness firsthand the transformation of art from dialogue on a page to the full realisation of complex characters and holistic performances on stage was transformational. It opened my eyes to the level of talent and skill that is present and it helped me set the bar on the standard I want to reach," Ellen said.

"The entire trip was a truly life-changing opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, it feels so special being able to celebrate Taryn and grow personally and professionally thanks to her legacy."

The Taryn Fiebig Award not only honours a remarkable artist but also provides invaluable support and encouragement to the performers who follow in her footsteps, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire and uplift the arts community at WAAPA and beyond.

Find out more about Scholarships at ECU.