Monday, 12 June 2023

Australia’s most highly awarded soprano has once again been recognised for her services to Opera, with Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Head of Classical Voice and Opera Studies Emma Matthews AM receiving a prestigious Order of Australia Award in the 2023 Kings Birthday Honours.

Throughout her illustrious career, Emma has garnered numerous accolades and solidified her status as one of the most accomplished sopranos in the country.

Her remarkable achievements include an impressive collection of awards, including seven Helpmann Awards, nine Green Room Awards, the Mo Award, the Remy Martin Australian Opera Award, and Limelight Awards for Music Personality of the Year (2010), Best Performance in an Opera (2012), and Australian Artist of the Year (2016).

She has performed with all of Australia’s state opera companies and major symphony orchestras, at the Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Huntington Festivals, with conductors including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marko Letonja, Sir Charles Mackerras and Simone Young.

Other career highlights include her Royal Opera House Covent Garden debut in the title role of The Cunning Little Vixen under the baton of Sir Charles Mackerras, Mahler’s Symphony no. 4 with Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo conducted by Yakov Kreizberg and with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Vladimir Ashkenazy, and Ismene (Mitridate) for Sydney Festival.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded this great honour, and very grateful to be acknowledged for doing something I am so passionate about,” Emma said.

“Being involved in the opera world has never been a job, it’s been about sharing the music and visions of fabulous composers, librettists, conductors and directors. I owe my performance career to many wonderful artistic leaders and to the colleagues who I’ve performed with over the years.”

In addition to her stellar career on stage, Emma has shared her wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for opera through her role as Head of Classical Voice and Opera Studies at WAAPA inspiring and guiding the next generation of musicians.

“Teaching classical voice and opera to young singers is as exciting to me as performing,” she said. “The thrill when they sing a legato phrase, and feel the connection to a Schubert lied is inspiring. I am fortunate at WAAPA to be surrounded by so much talent, enthusiasm and energy.

“My advice to young singers is to listen to as much as you can, and soak up the history of music, be open to new ideas, and always be thorough in your study and preparation. Being a singer is a never-ending pursuit of perfection … it never stops, that is the thrill of being a performer. Follow your dreams, and work hard to have them come true. It is an amazing world to explore.”

WAAPA Executive Dean, Professor David Shirley congratulated Emma Matthews on receiving the Order of Australia Award.

“This honour serves as testament to Emma’s remarkable talent, dedication, and significant impact on opera in Australia,” Professor Shirley said.

“Her outstanding musicianship, powerful vocal prowess, and unwavering commitment to her craft have not only enriched the Australian Arts scene but have also inspired countless aspiring artists.”