In October 2010 the public fund, The Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Opera Foundation was founded and granted tax deductible status. Over the coming months Richard Bonynge will be working with the Society to assemble our Patrons, Board of Directors and Music Advisory Board. Once established the aims of the Foundation will be laid out as per Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge's wishes and the constitutional aims of the Society.

Our aim is to assist many more young singers to attain the goals and ambitions. While Australia offers a certain amount of training in opera it has always been imperative for all young singers to spend sometime in either Europe or the U.S.A. to fully develop their given talent. The cost of pursuing these studies is prohibitive for young artists and with new restrictions regarding student visas, students now must prove they have the funds upfront if they are wishing to undertake a course or period of study in certain country's.

Therefore, it is vital we establish this Foundation to help our future artists with their intended studies so that they may attain the highest possible level of achievement, allowing their talent to flourish, excite and entertain us all.

Next year we will be presenting a new major Award for young singers - details of which will soon be announced. We also hope to award more study grants to those artists.

If you would like to contribute to the Foundation please take a moment to read the information on our Donation page or you can email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

All donations to the Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Opera Foundation are tax deductible.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our 2011 events.