Return of Sydney Eisteddfod opens doors for less privileged kids
Aspiring young actors, dancers and musicians from NSW’s public schools will finally have their moment in the spotlight as the Sydney Eisteddfod returns.
NSW
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After two years of cancellations and disappointed kids, Sydney’s largest youth performing arts festival is bringing the music back to young performers.
For many aspiring young actors, dancers and musicians the chance to perform at the Sydney Eisteddfod and compete for a scholarship is a critical stepping stone to a career in the arts.
Glenhaven mum Cherry Fratto said getting her daughters back on stage in front of a live audience is bringing normalcy back to their lives.
“It feels like there’s some normality returning … with the dance troupe training and competitions like the Eisteddfod lined up throughout the year it gives them something to look forward to,” Mrs Fratto said.
“It’s really important that they can be creative and performing live is a huge bonus for them.”
Last year 35,000 young people had their events moved online, missing the opportunity to perform at 17 venues around Sydney including the Opera House.
With $400,000 of prizes and scholarships up for grabs the historic Eisteddfod opens doors for young people without the privilege of industry connections or affluent schools.
“They need a level playing field, they need to be able to perform without any advantages,” General Manager Annette Brown said.
“It’s not just the money, it’s also the performance opportunities – for a young opera singer in this country to get to work with an orchestra is nigh on impossible, so if you get to the opera finals you have the chance of working with Willoughby Symphony … then you’ve got something to show when you’re auditioning overseas.”
Scholarships for opera, ballet, piano and instrumental are on offer this year and over different events, running for children as young as six to adults as old as 35.
Glenhaven Public School Principal Kerry Maxwell said the Eisteddfod is an important part of the school calendar.
“Our students have faced so much disappointment due to the closure of live events. Sydney Eisteddfod not only gives them the opportunity to actually perform in front of people but it enables them to show off all their hard work,” Ms Maxwell said.
“Over the last two years, our students have missed out on nine events so we’re excited to be entering into multiple dance events with 14 of our students returning and 32 getting their first opportunity to have their moment in the spotlight.”
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