After a year of training and auditions, the best singers and songwriters from New South Wales public schools have been selected to star in the Talent Development Project’s START ME UP Concert.

This small group of amazing young performers has been handpicked from hundreds of students who auditioned across the state. START ME UP will showcase their incredible talent alongside Australian music stars including 2009 Australia’s Got Talent Winner, Mark Vincent and TDP graduates, cabaret star, Trevor Ashley and award winning country music singer, Felicity Urquhart. Felicity will also co-host the concert with fellow TDP graduate and leading musical director, John Foreman and 2GB radio personality, Alan Jones.

The Australian public and the state’s school students have already had a taste of the quality of these young performers. Many of them, including Angel Tupai (Campbelltown Performing Arts High School) and Evelyn Willie (Wellington High School) have been featured soloists in the Schools Spectacular. START ME UP is an opportunity to see more of these upcoming stars.

Two former students, who are already TDP success stories, will also be returning to perform and graduate. Nineteen year old, Jessica Lingotti, has toured Europe, Canada, USA, China and New Zealand as the lead female vocalist in the dance sensation “Burn The Floor”. Phoebe Pinnock is in great demand as the lead singer of her band, Heaven the Axe. 

“I get excited every year seeing the new graduates. I feel so proud knowing where they started and the level they are now as wonderful entertainers as well as lovely, warm and confident people. I am honoured to be performing alongside these amazing young singers at the start of their careers”, said Felicity Urquhart.

The Talent Development Project program trains the state’s best young singers with the help of dozens of industry professionals who act as mentors. For the first time, the TDP is giving the public the opportunity to watch some of these experts critique two new students during Master Class 2010.

TDP Artistic Director, Mary Lopez AM, says Master Class provides a unique opportunity for all school students to learn about the music industry from the very best, including the professional stars of the START ME UP Concert, agents, music producers and stylists.

“It is wonderful to see so many TDP graduates now back working as mentors and supporting the future of the entertainment industry” Mary Lopez said.

The START ME UP Concert and Master Class 2010 will be held on the 28th of July at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Tickets are available to the public from Ticketmaster from the 17th of May but schools are able to make group bookings at the special price of $10 each from the 10th of May. Booking Form click here
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