Kiersten Clark to represent Fauquier High School at Sydney Opera House

Fauquier High School student Kiersten Clark has earned a spot at the prestigious 2023 High School Performance Series, where she will perform alongside other high school singers at one of the world’s most revered performance venues in the world: the Sydney Opera House.

“I feel great about being accepted. I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was until I heard how many people tried out,” Clark told FauquierNow. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I also get to go out of the country for the first time in my life.”

Clark, a first-year and member of Fauquier High School Ensemble Choir, said she has been studying music for about 10 years. She has been under the tutelage of Angela Knight, a classically trained soprano who performs regularly at the Washington National Opera, for the last three years.

Clark will join performers from around the world in Sydney, Australia, where they will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other performers and get a taste of the city.

“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in famous venues.

In addition to singing, Clark is also active in sports, playing travel soccer, volleyball and track for Fauquier High School. She's also a member of Girl Scouts in Fauquier County. Last year, she was selected as the Marshall Middle School, Mia Rose Scholarship winner.

The Honors Performance will take place Aug. 4 and is open to the public. For local residents with some extra cash and vacation days to burn, tickets can be purchased beginning approximately 60 days prior to the performance through the Sydney Opera House box office.