Taryn Margaret Fiebig
(1 February 1972 - 20 March 2021)
Taryn’s life was tragically cut short on March 20, 2021 when she died of ovarian cancer at the age of 49. Taryn’s achievements in her short life were incredible. She initially graduated as a cellist from the University of WA before commencing vocal training at the WA Opera Studio. In 2004 Taryn won a position in Opera Australia’s ‘Young Artist’ program and just 12 months later, she was invited to become a Principal Soprano with the company.
Taryn went on to play many roles with OA including two years as Eliza Doolittle, Zerlina, Mabel, Clorinda, Musetta, Yum Yum, Servilia, Oscar, Lisa, Belinda, Aphrodite, Karolka, Susanna, Despina, The Woodbird & Gutrune.
Taryn won two Helpman Awards firstly as Lucy Joy in Bliss and secondly playing the Mother in Metamorphosis (an amazing feat when she was undergoing cancer treatment at the same time).
Taryn also performed many operas with Pinchgut Opera as well as with all the major Australian opera companies. She performed as a concert soloist for many Australian symphony & chamber orchestras.
It was that voice, so fine, so clear, so bell-like, coloured and true, that was to bring delight and enchantment to hundreds of thousands. Yet Taryn Fiebig also understood the theatrical stage. She could hold the limelight or yield it, seize the moment or demur, move with spirit and grace yet always conveying humility. It was never about her; it was always about the music. Peter McCallum SMH