Bryony Williams: The Farewell Concert

Bryony Williams is about to leave New Zealand shores to take up the opportunities she won as one of the five finalists in the 2011 IFAC Australian Singing Competition, including study of Italian language in Florence and Tuscany, and a scholarship for one year at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

“I very much want to extend my study at Royal Northern towards completing a Masters in Vocal Performance as I have already gained the postgraduate diploma at NZSM studying with Jenny Wollerman,” the vivacious 22-year old soprano explains. “Overseas tuition at this level is very expensive but absolutely vital for anyone who wants to have a serious international career in opera – and that is my goal.”

To assist her in meeting the additional costs of her study, Bryony has organised this combined farewell and fundraising concert. As well as herself, the performance will feature mezzo soprano Bianca Andrew, tenor Cameron Barclay and baritone Kieran Rayner accompanied by Mark Dorrell at the piano. The company is prestigious: Cameron was recently a Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist and is currently studying towards his postgraduate diploma at Te Kōkī, New Zealand School of Music, while Bianca and Kieran are fellow NZSM postgraduates and Mark Dorrell is an artist-teacher at NZSM and musical director of the Orpheus Choir.

“We formed very close friendships over our time together at NZSM,” Bryony explains, “and I’m immensely grateful for their generosity and support. Plus we all enjoy singing so much that I know the audience is going to have a great evening."

Tickets include wine and nibbles following the concert. Prior bookings can be made by emailing: bwsoprano.tickets@gmail.com