Opera prodigy Holly Dowell prepares for big new chapter with farewell performance

RISING STAR

Jamie Jansen

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Port Douglas’s 16-year-old soprano prodigy, Holly Dowell, performs a special farewell recital this Sunday at St Mary’s Church.

Port Douglas’s 16-year-old opera prodigy, soprano Holly Dowell, will take the stage at St Mary’s Church this Sunday, 24 November, for a heartfelt recital celebrating her remarkable musical journey so far before she flies out into the world to embark on her promising musical career.

The performance is a send-off for Holly as she prepares to leave her hometown to begin studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in February.

Holly’s recital will feature a diverse program, including Italian art songs, English and Australian compositions, operatic arias, musical theatre pieces, and German classics. 

“It’s a mix of pieces I’ve picked up over the years,” Holly shared. 

“Many of them are things I’ve been learning since I was a kid, so it’s like a culmination of my musical journey so far.”

Holly began singing at six with teacher Alteouise DeVaughn and has since performed in Clink Theatre productions like Annie and The Sound of Music. 

She participated in the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (2022–2024) and this year won multiple categories at the Cairns Junior Eisteddfod, earning the titles of Girls Vocal Aggregate and Most Promising Vocalist.

New York, New York

Passionate about performing, Holly is excited for her future in music.

In October this year, she was offered an early spot at the Sydney Conservatorium, but her ambitions extend beyond Australia. 

She has also applied to prestigious schools, including Juilliard, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Curtis Institute, following her visit to New York earlier this year with Ms DeVaughn.

“If I get an audition and make it through, I’d love to go, but for now, I’ll see how things unfold,” Holly said.

Reflecting on her New York experience, Holly described it as transformative. 

“It was a lot of networking but also about exploring whether New York could be part of my university plans,” she explained.

“It was even more than I imagined. It made me realise how much effort and dedication it will take to succeed. But it also gave me clear goals and motivation.

“It was also a completely new world for me, so vibrant and inspiring. Coming from a small town, seeing the fast-paced city life was eye-opening.”

Big dreams

Looking ahead, Holly’s dreams are as ambitious as they are exciting. 

“I’d love to be a successful soloist or opera singer, performing internationally, whether in Europe or America, working with a company, and travelling the world,” she said.

Her love for opera has always been clear. 

“I think I was about 10 or 11 when a reporter asked me what I wanted to do.

“Without hesitation, I said I wanted to be an opera singer. I’ve always loved singing, and it just feels like my true calling.”

Her dedication has been shaped by years of hard work and the guidance of Ms DeVaughn. 

“I’ve had to develop a lot of self-discipline, it didn’t come naturally,” she admitted. 

Although Holly is the only musician in her family, her parents have been her greatest supporters. 

“They’ve always encouraged me to follow my dreams and are very passionate about seeing me succeed. I’m so grateful for that.”

The recital starts at 3.00pm in the St Mary’s Church on Sunday 24 November. More information here.

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