Dr. Tarita Botsman is a distinguished figure in the world of performing arts, boasting an impressive career spanning over twenty-five remarkable years. Her journey through opera, theatre, writing, and stage direction has solidified her reputation as a versatile artist and visionary.
Tarita’s journey in the performing arts began with her exceptional talent as an opera singer. Over the years, she has breathed life into more than twenty operatic roles, gracing stages across five continents. Some of her notable performances include appearances for Opera Queensland, Opera North, the Barbican Centre in London, and as a soloist with the prestigious LSO and Bayerische Staastoper in Munich from 1994 to 2006. An exceptional moment in her career saw her honoured to sing for His Majesty King Charles III during an event for the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in London.
Tarita’s educational journey is equally impressive, having graduated from esteemed institutions such as the opera course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, QUT (Drama), and the University of Queensland. Her vocal training in her teen years under Margaret Baker-Genovesi in Rome further refined her exceptional voice, leading her to become the youngest Australian female to make her mainstage operatic debut at the age of 21 with Opera Queensland.
Beyond her performances, Tarita’s creative spirit has led her to engage in multiple facets of the performing arts. She has directed numerous high-profile corporate music events on a global scale, showcasing her talent for curating unforgettable experiences. Tarita’s contributions to the arts have been recognized through a plethora of prestigious awards, and she has been the sole Australian representative at the finals of various international vocal competitions, including the Robert Stolz Prize in Vienna and the Veronica Dunne Competition in Dublin. Some award highlights include Young Australian of the Year (QLD), Young Queenslander of the Year, the Monash University Advanced Italian Studies Award, an Ian Potter Cultural Trust Award, a Tait Memorial Trust Recipient (UK), and a Queen’s Trust Award (UK) for Excellence in the Performing Arts. Most recently, she was awarded the Paula and Tony Kinane PhD Scholarship from the University of Queensland in 2019. Tarita is also an Adjunct Associate Lecturer at the School of Music at the University of Queensland, and has been the ceremony director of The Australian Women in Music Awards for three years, as well as chairing the Classical Committee of the AWMAs.
Another of Tarita’s notable achievements is her role as the Artistic Director of The 7 Sopranos, an international female vocal group she founded in 2009 while raising her family. This initiative not only showcases her artistic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit but also supports young women embarking on singing careers in the performing arts. Collaborating with Cre8ion since 2014, The 7 Sopranos has engaged over three hundred female Australian opera singers and toured globally, gaining recognition and acclaim. The group has released two albums, with their debut in 2013 debuting at No. 2 on the International Aria Crossover Charts. ABC Limelight magazine hailed them as “Australia’s most beautiful voices,” and the Sydney Morning Herald dubbed them the “Showgirls of Opera.” Their second album, “Popcorn,” was released through Cre8ion, Fanfare, and Sony Records.
Tarita’s boundless creativity has recently led her into the world of composition and writing. She has crafted the book, lyrics, and music for a major new original musical theatre work, “The Sun Queen,” set for further development in America in 2024/25. Another new work currently in development is the piece, FEMINISTA. This work is being curated and created alongside internationally acclaimed concert pianist and composer, Tamara Anna Cislowska.
Tarita Botsman is a multifaceted luminary in the performing arts. Her contributions as a writer, songwriter, lyricist, stage director, opera singer, and artistic director have earned her international recognition and acclaim. Her unique talent and enthusiastic passion for music and the arts, combined with her unwavering dedication, promise to continue shaping and enriching the world of opera, theatre, and music for years to come.
Testimonials and Press for Tarita Botsman’s Performances and Recordings:
“Tarita Botsman’s soprano voice is simply mesmerizing, with a crystal-clear tone that captivates the audience from the first note.” – The Courier Mail.
“Botsman demonstrates impeccable vocal control and emotional depth.” – Sydney Morning Herald
“A true virtuoso, Tarita Botsman’s soprano soars effortlessly through challenging coloratura passages.” – OPERA magazine, UK.
“Botsman’s recital was a perfect balance of technical brilliance and heartfelt expression.” – Gulf News, Abu Dhabi
“A rising star in the opera world, Tarita Botsman’s soprano promises a bright future ahead.” – The Australian
“Botsman’s stage presence is as captivating as her voice, making her performances a complete sensory experience.” – The Stage magazine, UK.
“An artist with a true passion for her craft, Tarita Botsman’s soprano is a delight to behold and a joy to listen to.” – The Gold Coast Bulletin
“With impeccable diction, Botsman captures the individual emotion and charm of each song.” – Patricia Kelly, review of Treasures album with Glenn Amer, news.com.au