Miriam Allan
Newton-John Alumni Medal - 2024
Sought after soprano, Miriam Allan, has captivated audiences worldwide with her voice, teaching, and passion for music. Born and raised in Newcastle, Miriam reflects on her journey from a small town in regional New South Wales to performing on some of the world's most prestigious stages.
“I come from a very musical family. Both of my parents are musicians. And when I was about six years old, I started singing as a chorister in the cathedral up on the hill in Newcastle. And from that start, understanding music and how music is put together, it opened a whole other world of music making.”
This early immersion in music set the stage for Miriam’s future, allowing her to explore diverse opportunities within the local community music scene and at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Her musical journey was profoundly shaped by her father, Dr Christopher Allan, who was a Senior Lecturer at the Conservatorium and served as Artistic and Musical Director of the Newcastle University Choir. Renowned for his roles as a conductor and baritone, Christopher plays a pivotal role in shaping Newcastle's musical landscape.
“The biggest influence on my life is my dad. I have always sung with dad. He's an incredible educator himself. He's an amazing accompanist. He is just everything to me. And I'm so glad that I get to go in the family business because he taught me so much.”
Miriam’s academic journey began in the late 1990s when she pursued a Bachelor of Music at the University of Newcastle.
“I graduated with First-Class Honours and the University Medal, which I think absolutely makes me a music geek, and that's fine."
Her dedication and talent were further recognised with an Australian Postgraduate Award, allowing her to complete a Master of Creative Arts (Music) at the University. The flexibility of the degree and the opportunities it provided were crucial in shaping her career.
"Going to a regional university allowed me to make my degree what I needed it to be. The breadth of opportunity that I received was huge."
2024 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | Miriam Allan 1:32
Despite her impressive academic achievements, Miriam admits that she never envisioned the global success she would later achieve.
"I think aspirations of world domination or world stage were probably a long way from my thoughts as a student."
It was only after winning several prestigious prizes, including the Doris Smith Scholarship, that Miriam began to realise that her skills might have the potential to direct her toward a global stage. These scholarships enabled her to attend summer schools in the United States and the UK, where she began to see that her talents were indeed world-class.
Miriam's international career has taken her to incredible heights, including singing at the foot of Johann Sebastian Bach's grave in Leipzig, Germany and performing at the funeral of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"I can't think of anything that will ever be bigger, more meaningful, more poignant than that.”
Throughout her career, Miriam has maintained a deep connection to her roots, crediting her success to the education and opportunities she received at the University of Newcastle.
"My career is what it is because of the breadth of the opportunity and the breadth of the education I had as a student at the University."
The diverse experiences Miriam gained, from solo performances to performing in orchestras and chamber music, equipped her with the skills necessary to succeed in her profession.
Looking back, she offers this advice to her younger self:
"Follow your own path. It might look quite different to the other paths that people might think you should tread, but have the faith, carry on and do your own thing. It might look a little bit lonely, but it will be the most rewarding thing in the end."
Today, as an internationally renowned soprano and dedicated teacher, Miriam Allan continues to share her love of music with others, inspiring the next generation of singers to believe in their voices and their potential.
“The great thing about singing is everyone owns an instrument. There's no cost involved to set a child up to be successful as a singer. All they need to do is believe that their voice is important, and they need to be heard.”
Miriam Allan
Soprano and Educator
Master of Creative Arts 2004 Bachelor of Music (Honours) 2000 Bachelor of Music 1999
Follow your own path. It might look quite different to the other paths that people might think you should tread, but have the faith, carry on and do your own thing. It might look a little bit lonely, but it will be the most rewarding thing in the end.
Alumni Excellence Awards
Newton-John Alumni Medal
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