James Emerson Winner
2023 City of Warrnambool Aria
2023 Finalists: Ouyang Nuolin, Kate Amos, Hannah Kostros, James Emerson, Breanna Stuart, and Emily Szabo
Senior Vocal - City of Warrnambool Aria
A MINIMUM OF 8 COMPETITORS FOR THIS COMPETITION TO PROCEED.
2026 PRIZES :
WINNER $5,000
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD $2,500
OTHER FINALISTS $ 200
To be eligible for the heats of the Warrnambool Aria competitors must first sing in both the Lieder Solo section and Championship Solo section.
Lieder Solo - Own choice of Lieder by any of the following composers - Beethoven, Brahms, Franz Liszt, Carl Loewe, Mahler, Felix Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann, Richard Strauss & Wolf.
Championship Solo - Competitors must sing two songs.
A. Oratorio. Own choice. To be sung in original key.
B. Art song.
Once through to the heats, the competitors are required to sing an operatic aria preceded by recitative (if any) of their choice in the original key from the standard repertoire of grand opera. All competitors prepare three arias - one for the heats and two for adjudicator's consideration if they are chosen for the final.
Six competitors are selected to be finalists in the City of Warrnambool Aria.
In the finals competitors are required sing two Arias, firstly introducing their Arias and then briefly describing their character. Finalists also have an interview with the Adjudicator at least one hour before the Final.
ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 15th 2026
May 30th & 31st, 2026
Chris Hayes Memorial Award
The Chris Hayes Memorial Award will be awarded to a first time participant as an encouragement award to attend the 2026 Aria. This will be judged by the adjudicator and will cover the entry fees of the Aria competition in 2026 and travel and accommodation expenses for 2 people, up to a total cost of $600.
Christine Hayes joined the City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod Committee in about 2013, taking on the role of secretary and soon after assumed the role of Convenor of the Aria (Senior Vocal) Competition.
This was very fitting as her father, Bruce Rogers, had been a foundation member of the first Eisteddfod Organising Committee in 1975, and had been the primary instigator of the inclusion of the Aria (Senior Vocals) in the competition. In this role, the Committee came to appreciate Christine’s quiet efficiency in planning and organisation.
Teresa Ingrilli Winner
2024 City of Warrnambool Aria
with Breanna Stuart Winner
2024 Encouragement Award and Adjudicator Ms. Toni Lalich OAM
2024 Finalists : 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.
Chris organised and ran her final Aria Competition in May, 2023. Chris died unexpectedly shortly after the completion of the Aria Competitions.
The Eisteddfod Committee misses the constancy and warmth of Christine’s friendship and generosity of spirit. A permanent award in her honour was implemented in 2024.
For more information about the Aria or Chris Hayes Memorial Award, contact the Convenor Karien Sinclair at aria.warrnambooleistedfod@gmail.com