Dave Sharma (Wentworth, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to highlight the achievements of a constituent of my electorate, soprano singer Jessica Harper of Paddington—where I live—for her success as a young opera singer who has made a resounding impact on the world stage. Jessica grew up in Darling Point and attended Ascham School before achieving a first-class honours degree in classical singing from the Australian National University. Jessica has since been broadcast as a concert soloist and recitalist on ABC Classic FM and has toured much of Australia as a recital performer. She has won a number of Australian awards and scholarships and played in a number of operatic stage roles.

Now Jessica has added further to her CV, winning the prestigious American Institute of Musical Study—or AIMS—award. This award will provide Jessica with the opportunity to study and refine her craft in Vienna for a month, a city with a deep tradition of classical music and opera. Jessica is passionate about changing the perception of opera in Australia and making it a more accessible art form for everyone. I wish all the best to Jessica in her studies and her career. I hope she enjoys her award in Vienna, and I thank her for being an exemplar for young Australians pursuing and achieving their dreams.