Australia's 2011 Helpmann Award-Winners Announced

"The annual Helpmann Awards® recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. The Helpmann Awards also incorporates the JC Williamson Award for outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry. The Helpmann Awards®, named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann and to commemorate his memory and achievements, were established in 2001 by Live Performance Australia (LPA) to recognise, celebrate and promote our live performance industry, similar to the Tony Awards on Broadway and the Olivier Awards in London. The principal objective of LPA in establishing the Awards is to nationally and internationally serve and promote the Australian live performance industry by:
- recognising distinguished artistic achievement and excellence
- ensuring the Awards are administered and produced with integrity
- ensuring the Awards are celebrated by the industry and the Australian community
- ensuring the Awards are the most prestigious awards in the industry and the highlight of each Season." [Source]

Nominees this season included (pictured above left to right): Rinat Shaham, Rachel Durkin, Emma Matthews and Patricia Racette. A complete list of this year's nominees (and winners) by category is after the jump.



2011Helpmann Awards – All the winners
Opera: Opera Australia, Partenope
Direction of an opera: Nigel Jamieson, La Fanciulla del West
Male performer in an opera: John Wegner, La Fanciulla del West
Female performer in an opera: Emma Matthews, Partenope
Male performer in a supporting role in an opera: Kanen Breen, Partenope
Female performer in a supporting role in an opera: Elizabeth Campbell, Aida
Individual classical performance: Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Chamber and-or instrumental ensemble concert: Garrick Ohlsson, in recital as part of the Sydney Symphony International Pianists in Recital Series
Symphony orchestra concert: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra