The role of accompanist, or collaborative artist, requires a sensitive and subtle musician for a process of nuanced collaboration. A musician who is capable of creating the artistic context for a singer to create their best performance.
In the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, the Official Accompanist plays a vital role working with the Semi Finalists as they prepare for the many days of judging and performance that constitute the Semi Finals. The Official Accompanist plays alongside each singer for all stages including the Public Concert. They are also the collaborative artist for the MasterClass where they work with both the singer and the Maestra/Master to refine and develop the performance of the chosen works.
The IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition has been honoured to work with some of the finest pianists in the country, learn more about them below.

Bradley Gilchrist completed undergraduate piano studies in Perth and post-graduate studies in piano accompaniment and piano performance in Sydney and Madrid.
Bradley has been a concerto soloist with the Slovakia Philharmonic and the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestras and has given numerous solo and chamber music recitals across Australia and New Zealand and in South Korea, Spain, Italy and
the United Kingdom. Bradley has broadcast for the ABC Young Australia programme, ABC Classic FM, Radio National and Fine Music FM.
Bradley enjoys chamber music and has performed in a variety of ensembles, particularly in flute and piano and piano trio repertoire. As repetiteur, Bradley’s early experience in ballet repertoire extended to opera and he has been repetiteur and pianist for WA Opera, Opera Australia as well as many chamber and emerging opera companies. Bradley has also worked in musical theatre and cabaret, as a pit musician, vocal coach and musical director.
Bradley leads a busy life as a freelance accompanist and vocal coach for auditions, recitals, recordings, broadcasts, examinations and concert performances. Bradley works extensively as a mentor for young vocal and instrumental Artists. He is Music Director of the Young Artist Programme at Pacific Opera and Music Director at Australia’s oldest Music Club, Music at Manly.