Pam Andrews
Pamela Andrews discovered a passion for singing at the tender age of ten and started lessons with a local teacher in Launceston, Tasmania, hoping to become the next Tina Arena. Pamela’s education in singing was based on contemporary music until she reached Year 11 Pre-Tertiary Music, when she was required to learn the classical style. Pamela loved it and moved to Hobart at age 18 to commence formal vocal training at the University of Tasmania under mezzosoprano Marilyn Smith. During her time there, Pamela achieved a Bachelor degree with Honours, Diploma of Music and Associate Diploma of Music (AMEB), as well as being nominated for the Director’s Prize in 2007. Pamela has won numerous prizes and awards in eisteddfods around Tasmania, including the City of Launceston Aria Award (2009), the DJ Mazda Operatic Aria Award (2007), and the Enid Spencer McDougall Encouragement Award (2007). In Tasmania, Pamela has appeared as a soloist for the Derwent Symphony Orchestra, Hobart Orpheus Choir, Tasmania University Musical Society, and City of Launceston Carols by Candlelight, amongst others.
Pamela spent eighteen months studying with soprano Jane Edwards before moving to Canberra to complete a Master of Music under soprano Louise Page. Pamela performed the role of soprano soloist for the SCUNA/National Capital Orchestra performance of Mozart’s Requiem in 2010, gave two recitals at Llewellyn Hall as part of her Master’s program, and performed in various Embassies and High Commissions around Canberra, including a Celebration of Mahler concert at the Austrian Embassy (presented by Friends of Opera). Before moving on from Canberra, Pamela performed the soprano solos for Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem and Mozart’s Requiem for local Canberra choir, Igitur Nos, as well as Handel’s Messiah in Crookwell with the Goulburn Conservatorium.
Pamela’s operatic experience includes the roles of Second Woman and Venus (understudying Belinda) in Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, with new prologue by Geoffrey Lancaster, chorus roles in productions of Carmen, La Traviata and Tosca with Melbourne Opera, and premiering new works by Tasmanian opera composers Matthew Dewey (A Priest’s Passion; 15 Years On Hold) and Joe Bugden (The Call of Aurora), in conjunction with IHOS Music Theatre & Opera.
Pamela is delighted to be a Young Artist with Pacific Opera and moved to Sydney in 2013 to take up this position. Since commencing with Pacific Opera, Pamela has enjoyed performing arias and ensembles with her fellow Young Artists at Government House (Sydney), Parliament House (Sydney), Elizabeth Bay House (Elizabeth Bay) and will be playing the role of the Countess Almaviva in their August/September production of “The Marriage of Figaro”.
Pamela recently appeared as the guest soprano soloist in Haydn’s Nelson Mass at the 2013 Festival of Voices in Hobart with the Hobart Chamber Orchestra under conductor David Lawrence (UK). Pamela is currently performing as much as possible, entering singing competitions and establishing herself in Sydney.