Tenor named bursary recipient
MELBOURNE-based operatic lyric tenor Michael Petrucelli has been announced as the 2018 Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary recipient.
The $14,000 bursary from the Empire Theatres will help with expenses in taking up a prestigious scholarship with Opernstudio in association with Frankfurt Opera in Germany. It is one of the most prestigious music theatres in Europe.
Mr Petruccelli said he was humbled and thankful he had been chosen as the bursary recipient.
He started singing at an early age with Victorian Boys Choir and several school musicals and eventually found his way to the University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Music and a Masters of Music, coupled with Victorian Opera’s Developing Artist Program.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have worked alongside some truly wonderful colleagues, to be a scholar with the Melba Opera Trust and to have worked in some very remarkable places including making my debut for Opera Australia on the steps of the Sydney Opera House,” Mr Petruccelli said.
“This program is my gateway to an international career.”
Mr Petruccelli leaves for Germany in September and will jump straight into rehearsals for his first principal role with the company.
The Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary is offered biennially. It is made possible through the generosity of the late Mr Boak, a staunch supporter of the performing arts on the Darling Downs.