Milica Ilic

Serbian born Milica Ilic migrated to New Zealand in 1996. She commenced her musical training at a young age undertaking singing lessons with Professor David Griffiths. As a member of the Young Friends of Opera New Zealand, she performed as a soloist and in the chorus. Whilst appearing on the television series Dreams Come True, Milica met Dame Kiri Te Kanawa which subsequently led to her participating in a weekend workshop hosted by the internationally renowned soprano.

Milica is presently undertaking studies in a Bachelor of Music Degree at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU). She also studied German at the Goethe-Institut in Berlin (2005) and voice with Leandra Overmann (Professor of Singing at the Academy of Music in Würzburg in Germany). She has been the winner of the 2008 Australian National Eisteddfod, the Dame Joan Sutherland Vocal Competition (at the youngest recorded age of 19), the Elwyn Barber Memorial Encouragement Trophy, as well as a two-time winner of both the Margaret Nixon Vocal Competition and the South East Queensland Aria and Concerto Competition (2006 and 2008). She was also a three-time semi-finalist at the Australian Singing Competition (2002, 2003 and 2005).

Her performances include the roles of Papagena in Die Zauberflöte, Cupid in Semele and Nannetta in Falstaff (for QCGU). This year, Milica will perform the role of Emma in the youth opera Dirty Apple and perform in the chorus of La traviata (for Opera Queensland).