Kootingal soprano Hannah Burton has been named among the 10 semi-finalists in the prestigious 2026 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
The 25-year-old singer will perform at the competition’s semi-finals concert on Sunday, 16 August, at the Independent Theatre in North Sydney after being selected from heats held across Australia.
Burton, a graduate of Oxley High School, has built a diverse performance career spanning opera productions, regional performances and community music events.
Her musical journey has included performing with Opera Australia through its Regional Youth Arts Program in 2020, providing early professional experience with one of the nation’s leading arts organisations.
Away from the stage, Burton also works at Bunnings while continuing to pursue a career in classical music- a balance organisers say reflects the determination and grounded nature of many emerging Australian artists.
Music & Opera Singers Trust said Burton’s selection showcased the strength of regional arts pathways and highlighted the calibre of talent emerging from country communities.
National adjudicator Donna Balson, alongside a panel of adjudicators from across Australia, selected the semi-finalists following heats in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
Burton will compete alongside singers from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia for a place in the finals, which will be held on Thursday, 8 October at The Concourse in Chatswood.
The semi-finals concert will feature operatic arias and classical repertoire, accompanied by collaborative artist Bradley Gilchrist and compered by Camille Merčep.
The event will also be broadcast on 2MBS Fine Music Sydney.
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