Vocal – Classical & Non-Classical
Saturday 2nd August 2025
VENUE: Balaklava Uniting Church – See Eisteddfod Venues page
CONVENOR: Danielle Mudge
ADJUDICATOR: Kerry Sampson
Kerry Sampson studied classical voice at Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music, and music theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She has performed in a range of styles, from music theatre such as Into the Woods, The Secret Garden, Sweeney Todd, to opera: Dido and Aeneas, Cosi fan Tutte and Parsifal. She also has extensive experience on the concert platform as a soloist, performing music by Bach, Rameau, Handel, Mozart and Brahms.
For several years, Kerry was a member of the acclaimed Adelaide Chamber Singers, touring and recording extensively. Kerry has recently returned to Adelaide after living in the UK for the last 22 years, where she has taught singing and music, and had opportunities to perform on a variety of stages, including Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
DISCIPLINE INFORMATION
Entrants MUST read the Syllabus Notes for Saturday for detailed information and the Rules & Conditions of Entry
Sections will include solo and ensemble (2-5 voices)
SEE SYLLABUS page for details on how to enter.
Vocal Sections:
Depending on number of entries, some SECTIONS may be divided, combined, cancelled or have entries CLOSED EARLY when capacity is reached
Junior Vocal Solo (either classical or non-classical) – Age 12 & under
Intermediate Vocal Solo – Classical – Age 13-15
Intermediate Vocal Solo – Non Classical – Age 13-15
Senior Vocal Solo – Classical – Age 16-18
Senior Vocal Solo – Non Classical – Age 16-18
Open Vocal Solo – Classical – Age 19 & over
Open Vocal Solo – Non-classical – Age 19 & over
ANNOUNCE RALPH. K. HATCHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is to be awarded to a male singer in the Classical category (best potential) to the sum of $1000.00.
ANNOUNCE VOCAL SOLO CHAMPION and ROGER MANUEL MEMORIAL AWARD
Adelaide Plains Male Voice Choir Vocal Scholarship to follow
Vocal Ensemble (2-4 voices) – Junior – all members 13 years & under
Vocal Ensemble (2-4 voices) – Open – ensembles with any members 14 years or over
ANNOUNCE VOCAL ENSEMBLE CHAMPION
For full Program Outline with section details click HERE
(See the Program page for full program)
ROGER MANUEL MEMORIAL AWARD
(Musical Theatre Solo Champion and Vocal Solo Champion)
ROGER JOHN MANUEL
2.12.1946 – 24.10.1995
Roger Manuel’s family donated the Roger Manuel Memorial Award in his memory after he died in 1995 at the age of 48. Roger learned to play the button accordion as a young boy and went on to play drums in a rock band. He was a talented musician and could play a tune on just about any instrument. Roger’s family decided an award for an Eisteddfod entrant in his memory was a fitting memorial.
RALPH K. HATCHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
(Male Vocal Classical Singer with most potential)
RALPH K. HATCHER
14.11.1931 – 2.10.2018
“The Singing Farmer of Kangaroo Flat”
Ralph believed he was born to sing, and as a Bass Baritone, joined the Gawler Choral Society when he was 18 years old. At 20 he sang the bass solos with the Choir in Handels’ “Messiah” for the first time. He studied at the Elder Conservatorium for 5 years, under Max Worthley & Arnold Matters, and sang leading roles in each opera that he appeared in.
Performing at the Adelaide Eisteddfod, in 1958, he won the Lucy Bagot Prize for Operatic singing. Ralph also performed on ABC radio in the 1950s, both live and pre-recorded.
While he sang Oratorio’s hundreds of times, he especially enjoyed performing in Operas where he had to dress-up and also act. He was also called upon to sing at various town events – mostly The Song of Australia & Advance Australia Fair (once at the start of the Tour Down Under).
Ralph was a founding member of the South Australian Country Choral Association & later awarded Life Membership.
In between all of this he was a full-time farmer, husband to Mary & father of 5 children. When he retired from ‘big’ performances, he joined a small group who travelled the state entertaining at retirement homes.
This scholarship is to be awarded to a male singer in the Classical category (best potential) to the sum of $1000.00.