AND THE 2025 WINNER IS...BREANNA STUART!
Breanna Stuart - winner 2025 City of Warrnambool ARIA
After her wonderful performance as the Encouragement Award winner in last year's final, Breanna Stuart topped the field winning this year's City of Warrnambool Aria and the $4,000 first prize. The adjudicator, Liane Keegan, said of the winner that her performances over both days were balanced and showed good strength and control, but it was her performance on the Sunday that gave her the edge; she had obviously taken on board her comments and it had shown.
Liane was impressed with all 15 competitors in this year's Senior Vocal Competition.
The Lieder Solo Open was won by Kate Pengelly, and The Championship Solo Open, which involves singing an Oratorio and an Art Song, was won by Sidra Nissen. Sidra was also the winner of the $2,000 Encouragement Award for 2025.
The six finalists contesting the final (as shown left), standing beside the adjudicator Liane Keegan and accompanist Phillipa Safety, were Aria Winner Breanna Stuart, Encouragement Award Winner Sidra Nissen, Lily Flynn, Kate Pengelly and in front, Mei Wah Chan and Hartley Trusler.
Sidra Nissen (left) and Aria winner Breanna Stuart with their certificates.
2nd Chris Hayes Memorial Award presented to
ALCIDE KERRIDGE-FLAIM
Alcide Kerridge-Flaim was declared the winner of the 2nd Chris Hayes Memorial Award this year. This prize, awarded by the adjudicator, is a special Encouragement Award paying for the 2026 Eisteddfod fees and other associated expenses for 2 people to compete in the 2026 Warrnambool Eisteddfod, valued up to a total of $600. This award is given to a first time competitor in the Eisteddfod, someone the adjudicator can see the promise and potential in, who would gain much by being given the chance to expand their chances by competing again next year, and adding to their confidence.
Alcide moved to Melbourne from the Gold Coast at the beginning of 2025 to study Mathematics and Performing Arts and was overwhelmed at receiving the prize. She said, "I'm not sure I'm worthy of this". She was presented with the award by Peter Hayes, Chris' husband and Zinaida Campion, last year's Chris Hayes Memorial Award winner (pictured top right) and supported on the night by her grandparents who she is living with in Melbourne. (pictured lower right)
Congratulations to TERESA INGRILLI
In 2024 the City of Warrnambool Aria winner was awarded to Teresa Ingrilli! The magnificent performances that Teresa presented over Saturday and Sunday strengthened the decision made by Toni Lalich, this year's adjudicator. Teresa is pictured in the very centre.
The worthy recipient of the Encouragement Award, Breanna Stuart, is pictured right of Teresa, with both ladies in the company of adjudicator Toni (far left). Congratulations to all!
The six finalists were Teresa Ingrilli, Breanna Stuart, Hartley Trusler, Jamie Moffat, Belinda Dalton and Lucy Schneider.
Accompanist Phillipa Safey is pictured on the far left, and adjudicator Toni Lalich on the far right.
Inaugural Chris Hayes Memorial Award presented to
ZINAIDA REGAN CAMPION
Zinaida Regan Campion was declared the winner of the Inaugural Chris Hayes Memorial Award in 2024. This prize, awarded by the adjudicator, is a special Encouragement Award paying for the 2025 Eisteddfod fees and other associated expenses for 2 people to attend the 2025 Warrnambool Eisteddfod, valued up to a total of $600.
Our former Convenor, the late Chris Hayes, passed away suddenly and tragically last year due to medical complications. Chris was a great believer in encouraging everyone to try their best in the Eisteddfod and was truly dedicated to the Aria. We were so pleased and honoured to have Claire Hayes, the daughter of Chris Hayes, with us on Saturday May 18 to present the Chris Hayes Memorial Award to Zinaiada. Both ladies are pictured to the right.