Sydney-based tenor Nathan Bryon has taken out the top prize in the finals of the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship, which were held on Sunday 26 June. The annual competition, which launched in 1933, is a prestigious steeping stone for young Australian singers, having been instrumental in launching the careers of Dame Joan Sutherland, Heather Begg and Amelia Farrugia, among others.

Sydney Eisteddfod

2022 Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship runners-up Jeremy Boulton and Anna Stephens, and winner Nathan Bryon. Image supplied.

The competition is open to classical singers under the age of 37 and boasts a generous grand prize of $40,000 ($37,000 scholarship for further studies and $3,000 cash), generously donated by The John Lamble Foundation. 

Second Prize went to Wollongong-based baritone Jeremy Boulton, who received $10,000 ($8,000 scholarship and $2,000 cash), and third prize went to Sydney-based soprano Anna Stephens, who was awarded $5,500 ($3,500 scholarship and $2,000 cash). Each of the remaining five finalists, Olivia Payne, Matthew Avery, Raphael Hudson, Karina Bailey and Kristin Astouroghlian, received $1,000 for their further studies.

Hailing from a cattle farm in the regional NSW town of Geurie, Bryon impressed...