(Image supplied by Marketing Dept. of Sydney Eisteddfod)

Sydney Eisteddfod has announced that Cleo Lee-McGowan has won the 2019 Opera Scholarship Final, which awards her $43,000 toward her operatic dreams.

The soprano, who will use her scholarship when she heads to the London to study at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama,  performed “Ach, ich fühl’s” from Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and “Comme autrefois” from “Les Pêcheurs de Perles” by Bizet.

“I’m excited to face all the challenges that living overseas will present and begin the next chapter in my career,” Lee-McGowan noted in a press release. She thanked her family, friends, mentors, and other talented young singers that participated in the competition with her.

The second prize winner was Juliette Di Bello, who took home $10,000 while third place went to Michelle Ryan, who received $5,000.

Additionally, Ryan and Anna Stephens were invited to compete in the 2019 Fine Young Virtuoso Award state final on Oct. 13, 2019 at The Founders Studio.