SINGER Chelsea Burns may love musical theatre but it is opera and classical repertoire that resonates with her soul.
“Obviously it’s different for different people, but I just felt a much stronger connection to the world of classical music,” Burns said.
“The fact my voice is more suited to classical repertoire probably played a big part; I’d finally found something I could really sing and felt comfortable singing.”
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READ NOWThe 22-year-old graduated from WAAPA last year with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in classical performance and a Postgraduate Diploma of Music and set her sights on continuing her studies in the UK.
Burns travelled to England to audition at the prestigious trio of Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and Royal Northern College of Music with the hope of being accepted to one despite her young age.
She was accepted to all three and eventually chose Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she will begin a two-year program in September.
“I’d gone just to try my luck and was completely prepared to be told I needed to wait a few years,” she said.
“To be accepted to three different schools blew me away.
“The people who I got to hear during my auditions were all of such a high standard and it’s really exciting to know that you’re going to be working with not just the best teachers, but the best students as well.”
Working with the best comes at a cost and Burns has organised a fundraising concert at Trinity Uniting Church, 72 St Georges Terrace, Perth on Saturday, May 14, 7pm, to assist her tuition.
She will be accompanied by her baritone boyfriend Lachlann Lawton and pianist Caroline Badnall.
“We promise that it will be a night full of beautiful repertoire from some of our favourite composers,” Burns said.
“Most of the concert will be performed by Caroline and myself, but Lachlann has been kind enough to sing some pieces of his own, along with the duets.
“We ask the audience to join us for tea, coffee, some wine and nibbles after the event to say thank you for coming along to support this venture.”
Tanya MacNaughton