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The University of Western Australia’s significant contribution to Australia’s vibrant live performance industry was recognised last week when nominations for the Helpmann Awards were announced.

Established in 2001, the awards recognise significant artistic achievements and excellence in classical music, comedy, contemporary music, dance and physical theatre, musical theatre and opera.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) Kent Anderson says the Helpmann Awards are Australia’s premier live performance awards and UWA’s representation is a significant achievement.

“With nominations for School of Music alumni, two of our education partners and PIAF, UWA’s contribution is far reaching,” he says.

UWA alumni Taryn Fiebig has been nominated for Best Female Performer in a Supporting Role in an opera. Taryn is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile artists and is currently in Perth to star in the title role in West Australia Opera’s forthcoming production of The Merry Widow.

Iain Grandage, another prominent UWA graduate, has been nominated for Best Original Score for Satan Jawa. Iain is still highly involved with the University and returns often to work with School of Music students.

Professor Anderson says WA Symphony Orchestra’s nomination for their performance of Resurrection is especially exciting.

“We partner with WASO through the UWA Community Partnership Program and as part of this around 60 UWA students from the UWA Symphonic Chorus joined WASO for the performance of Resurrection.

“It is terrific that these partnerships provide such incredible opportunities for our students and our very own Andrew Foote served as vocal coach for the performance. Another partner, WA Opera has also been nominated and Andrew features again as he regularly performs with them,” Professor Anderson said.

The Perth International Arts Festival has also received three technical nominations for sound design and lighting which Professor Anderson says is another well-deserved acknowledgement for the festival.

“PIAF is the jewel in the crown of Western Australia’s cultural life and it is fitting the festival has been recognised for Boorna Waanginy and The Encounter ,” he says.

Awards will be presented on 24 July.