Inaugural prize highlights a winning voice

Music

Elder Conservatorium soprano student Lisa Cannizzaro has been awarded the inaugural $1200 Rae Cocking Memorial Prize in memory of South Australia's grand dame of opera and musicals.

Lisa, 23, who is completing her Honours degree in Voice, was recently presented with the prize by Rae's husband, Frank Sullivan, who has bequeathed a generous sum to the Elder Conservatorium of Music.

The annual prize is intended to commemorate the well-loved Adelaide soprano who taught at the Elder Conservatorium for 18 years, and who died in a car accident in 2006.

In February 2007, a year after Rae's death, a fundraising memorial concert was held in Elder Hall, featuring 23 singers and three pianists spanning opera and music theatre, from Mozart to Les Mis.

The combined funds of $25,000 provide for an annual prize to an Elder Conservatorium of Music undergraduate or single studies singing student who demonstrates outstanding talent, application and attitude.

Lisa Cannizzaro's extensive stage experience includes performing across Australia with the State's only professional touring opera company, Co-Opera.

She has given multiple solo recitals in Adelaide with Recitals Australia in their Lunch Hour Concert series, and was a finalist for their awards in 2006. In 2000 she performed before 30,000 parishioners as a soloist at the Jubilee Mass at Adelaide Oval.

Lisa has also performed with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Chamber Singers as a chorister, as well as numerous solo roles in University productions.

In 2005 she won the Lady Anne Miller Award at the Adelaide Eisteddfod and is recognised as one of South Australia's up-and-coming young talents.

"I feel very humbled and honoured to receive the inaugural Rae Cocking Memorial Award," Lisa said.

"I met Rae only a few times, but have heard many stories - not only about her wonderful voice and stage presence, but also of her great spirit, energy and friendship. I hope that I can follow in her footsteps and achieve as she has done."

Story by Candy Gibson