Christchurch opera singer William O’Brien.
Christchurch opera singer William O’Brien has won a Dame Malvina Major Foundation Christchurch Arts Excellence Award for
a second year running as he continues his studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music despite the challenges
brought about by Covid-19.
The Arts Excellence Award, worth $5,000, was awarded by the Christchurch Committee of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation
as part of the Foundation’s wider programme to help talented young performing artists to achieve their potential.
Dame Malvina Major Foundation Christchurch Committee Chair Anna Midgley says the award is a validation for William that
the Foundation has faith in his ability to achieve his dreams.
“William has made the most of the opportunities that he has been given in this past year and is determined to apply
himself to the task ahead of him, despite these challenging times. As his teacher Matthew Worth noted, William has
‘distinguished himself from his exceptional peers’.”
Last year William made the switch from law to pursue a professional singing career, commencing a Master of Music at the
prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Since March, William has been back home in Christchurch due to the
Covid-19 pandemic, studying and receiving coaching online from San Francisco. He plans to return in the coming months
and has secured a place in the 2021 Berlin Opera Academy summer programme.
Williams says he is incredibly grateful to have the continued encouragement and generous support of the Dame Malvina
Major Foundation as he works towards his goals despite the challenges that 2020 has brought.
“The award comes as a ray of very encouraging light during what is a difficult time globally for young artists. I am
excited to reach for the opportunities ahead, both from San Francisco and soon in Berlin, and this award helps me to do
just that.”
As part of its Arts Excellence awards, the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Christchurch Committee also awarded the Cecily
Maccoll High Achiever Award, worth $1,000, to violinist Thomas Bedggood.
Thomas is studying music at the University of Canterbury and plans to use the funding towards his Honours year, which
will include collaborations with various composers and performers across New Zealand. He says the award is a huge
confidence boost.
“Music is something that I love, and to be acknowledged for what I do is an incredible feeling.”Violinist Thomas Bedggood.