Local soprano Michelle Ryan has placed third in the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship.

The final of the event was held at Chatswood in Sydney on Sunday August 4. The Scholarship attracts the best of the best emerging operatic talent annually and this year’s final, with an all female line-up for the first time in 24 years exceeded all expectations, with 60 original entrants.

Third prize of $5,000 (sponsored anonymously), was awarded to Michelle Ryan.

“It was a really tough competition,” said Michelle.

“Some of the singers were already friends I knew from past performances together or from other competitions. I already knew that they were going to be pretty good.”

“It was a surprise when they announced I had come third because I really had no idea who they were going to place. I made some great friends during the process and hope to perform with them on the main stages in the future.”

Michelle and another finalist have been invited to compete in the 2019 Fine Music Young Virtuoso Award state final on Sunday October 13 at The Founders Studio, Fine Music 102.5 from 3pm-5pm.