Congratulations to Old Girl Xenia Puskarz Thomas (’13) who was announced this week as a scholarship recipient of the Melba Opera Trust. The Melba Opera Trust was established in 2008 to provide scholarships to develop Australia’s most promising young opera singers and repetiteurs. The trust supports the musicians through an artistic development program, mentoring and the provision of unique performance opportunities.
Xenia attained her Bachelor of Music with first class honours from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University last year and was awarded the University Medal for Academic Achievement. Recent competition successes in 2018 included The Opera Foundation for young Australians’ Lady Fairfax New York Scholarship and Tinkler Encouragement Award at the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
Whilst at St Margaret's, Xenia embraced every opportunity to pursue her passion for music appearing in three of the school musicals; 'Beauty and the Beast' ('09), 'Oliver' ('11) and 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown ('13). A talented violinist as well as vocalist, Xenia was a member of several string and choral ensembles whilst at school. In her final year, she was the recipient of the music extension prize, the Friends of Music Perpetual Trophy for Outstanding Achievement, the Betty Beath Music Prize, the Arts Captain Prize and an Honours prize.
We sincerely congratulate Xenia on being recognised as one our nation’s most promising young opera singers!