The Empire Foundation has announced the recipient of the 2024 Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary. Munich-based Australian soprano and actor Christiana Aloneftis has been awarded $20,000, which she will use to further develop her career in both opera and acting.

Christiana Aloneftis. Photo supplied

Due to the unprecedented number of high-level applicants, The Empire also awarded Darug-Boorooberongal soprano Sarah Prestwidge and actor, writer and producer Charlotte Chimes with a $5,000 Brian Boak Supporting Bursary each. Last month, Prestige was awarded a First Nations Emerging Career Development Award, receiving $10,000 to be used for professional development.

“To receive this award is a huge honour for me,” said Aloneftis.

“Now, as a full-time performing artist pursuing two exceptionally demanding art forms and their challenging industries – film and opera – I feel equipped to manage what comes up ahead. It is a very exciting time for me, a time of endless possibility but also a time of preparedness and a time of intention and creation.”

The bursary will allow Aloneftis to undertake a mentorship with Italian soprano and Puccini expert Donata D’Annunzio...