Shanul Sharma, an Indian-Australian opera singer, has won the prestigious 2017 Rossini International Award. The Award is dedicated to the Italian composer and is given to talented young artists who either specialise in the repertoire or exemplify the best of Rossini’s musical traditions.

Unusually for Rossini tenors, Sharma began his musical career as lead vocalist for a heavy metal band. But following a stint studying IT at Charles Sturt University he made the decision to move to Melbourne in 2013 and pursue a career in opera. He was one of 14 singers accepted into the Wales International Academy of Voice in 2016, a highly respected young artist programme.

Sharma said “I am thrilled beyond words with this achievement, and it is a testament to Maestro Dennis O’Neill’s incredible insight into vocal technique and the old Italian school of singing, which he readily imparts to us all. This has led me on to a path of self discovery and growth where I have found new ways of communicating as a singer, all the while receiving tremendous support from the tireless staff at WIAV”.

“Our student Shanul Sharma has just returned from participating in one of of Italy’s...