Rising soprano set to soar in special duet

For a 12-year-old Baldivis soprano singer, the chance to perform in a duet with a professional singer in Mt Pleasant later this month is an opportunity not to be missed.

Having taken singing lessons since she was eight, Emily Chivers has been involved in numerous solo and choir performances, including Telethon, but a duet was not one of them.

The John Curtin College of the Arts musical theatre student was one of 10 WA young talents selected to perform with a professional singer or musician in the Duets: Crossing Over Concert at Rowing WA on July 19.

She will be paired with Emily Robb, a Perth singer and actor who studied a Bachelor of Music - Classical Performance at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and has performed chorus and soloist roles in various stage productions.

Emily said she loved singing in a choir and performing in a range of musicals because of the challenges offered and looked forward to taking the stage with a professional.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity and a great place to start trying new things," she said. "I'm a little bit nervous but nerves are good because it makes for a better performance - it would be a bit boring without nerves."

Looking ahead, Emily said she wanted to be a professional musical theatre performer on Broadway or the West End.

Presented by Akanna Entertainment and Petrina Bishop, the concert will feature professionals including pianist David Wickam and Louise McKay, who will perform a solo of her choice and then a duet with the selected youth.

Part proceeds of the event will go to Lifeline.

Tickets for the event can be bought at www.trybooking.com /134959.