Mezzo-Soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas Receives 2026 Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award

(Credit: Marielle Aube) Mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award, administered by Melba Opera Trust on behalf of the trustees of Dame Heather Begg’s estate. The award carries a grant of AUD $25,000 to support the next stage of her artistic development. Brisbane-born, Puskarz Thomas holds degrees from the Queensland {…}

Oct 30, 2025

Soprano Madison Nonoa Wins 2025 Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award

(Credit: Leila Alexander) Soprano Madison Nonoa has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dame Heather Begg Memorial Award. The New Zealand-born singer of Samoan, Niuean, and Pākehā heritage will receive AUD $25,000 to support her artistic and professional development at a key stage in her career. “It’s an incredible gift at a very important time,” said Nonoa, a former {…}