"And it is always a very special occasion. We are most fortunate to have their loyal support."
To a packed house of 260 people, the students - Katherine McIndoe, Edward Laurenson, Eliza Boom and Frederick Jones, accompanied by Sydney coach Sharolyn Kimmorley - sang arias from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni, Tchaikovsky's, Eugene Onegin and Bizet's The Pearl Fishers.
The duet Sil fuggire, from Bellini's opera I Capuleti e i Montecchi, sung by sopranos Macindoe and Boom, was sublime and brought many tears to many eyes. These two are destined for fine careers.
Baritone Laurenson's control and textured lyrical voice were evident especially in his rendition of Billy's aria from Britten's Billy Budd.
Laurenson is without a doubt headed for the world's opera houses.
Tenor Jones has a tender warm voice filled with musicality. His is a quiet presence with a fine strength.
And utterly superb once again was accompanist Kimmorley. She's out on her own completely .
McIndoe and Jones are at Victoria University studying voice and performance, and Boom is at Waikato University also studying voice and performance.
Laurenson has just completed two years' training at Guildhall in London, where he graduated with distinction. He is one of two postgraduate students attending the school to talk to this year's students about working and training overseas.