Uni Idols

UNSW music students from the School of English, Media and Performing Arts are taking the national and international stage by storm.

Three current and former students have achieved success: in Australian Idol; the stage show Miss Saigon; and as conductor of one of Britain's leading symphony orchestras.

2007 Bachelor of Music graduate Daniel Mifsud made it to the final six contestants in the latest Australian Idol competition, being voted off the show recently. The achievement now ranks Daniel as one of the most promising up-and- coming performers in Australia.

On the stage, third year Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education student Jennifer Trijo is performing the lead role in the hit musical Miss Saigon, currently showing in Sydney. Jennifer has been on leave during 2007 after completing three years of the four-year combined degree. The show will move to Melbourne next year.

And Matthew Wood (BMus 1st class Honours '97) has achieved success on the international stage, realising his dream to be a conductor. Matthew recently was appointed co-conductor of Britain's Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, following on from stints conducting the London Symphony Orchestra.

The School of English, Media and Performing Arts' Dr Christine Logan says the success reflect the versatility of UNSW music students.

"The diversity of these achievements in such a wide spectrum of music performance fields is a tribute to the depth, breath and flexibility of the music programs at UNSW," she says.