Vocal Senior
Adjudicator 2011

Susan Breen

M.Mus. Studies Melb., B.Mus.Melba/VicUni., Dip.Opera and Stagecraft, VCA, Dip.Mus ACMM/Melba, A Mus A (piano).

Susan is a graduate of the University of Melbourne, the Melba Conservatorium of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts Opera School. After completing eight years of tertiary studies, Susan studied in London specializing in Mozart operatic repertoire, Oratorio, French art song and Lieder, under the guidance of Professor Paul Hamburger, an internationally renowned Mozart specialist.

On returning to Australia, Susan was appointed as a Musical Director to the prestigious Adelaide Festival. She also performed at the festival. Susan was then appointed Musical Director of Opera Melbourne. During this time, Susan directed as well as performed in several cameo operas, including the operas of Mozart, Purcell, Wolf Ferrari, Menotti and Easton.

Susan is currently on the vocal staff of the Faculty of Music, Melbourne University and the Australian Catholic University. As well as teaching individual voice students she has been responsible for taking vocal ensemble classes at the Faculty of Music and the Catholic University. Susan has also taught in the Masters program at the Victorian College of Arts, (1998/99) and was also a staff member at the Melba Conservatorium for several years. Susan won an Excellence of Teaching Award during her time lecturing in voice and vocal pedagogy at Monash University (1997-2001). Her teaching philosophy is based on the teachings of the Bel Canto School, a traditional and well-trusted method of teaching.

Susan adjudicates throughout Victoria and interstate, most recently at the Royal South Street Competitions held in Ballarat (July 2001/6) and in Mildura and Warragul in 2009. Susan is also an A.M.E.B. examiner. Susan still performs as a recital concert artist specializing in Mozart operatic repertoire, Lieder and Russian Art song. Most recently, in 2009 she performed as a soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Several of her students have gone on to continue their studies and perform at an international level. In past years she has had students who have gone on to study in Germany with the late Peter Ziethen and in London at the Royal College of Music. In 2009 Susan completed a Masters of Music Degree at The Faculty of Music, The University of Melbourne. Susan intends to continue her studies and is interested in undertaking research that is associated with brain injury/trauma, and the impact that singing may have in helping to restore brain function to those who have been affected by neurological conditions such as stroke. This is a new and intensive challenge.