For the first time, we asked our readers to vote for their favourite artists. Combined with our critics’ votes, this is who you chose.

GRETA BRADMAN

AUSTRALIAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

“What an abundant, somewhat frenetic, and learning-filled year 2015 has been. Artistically I’ve been more open about who I am, who my voice is, and what drives me. I’ve more artistic and personal clarity, and I’m more grateful than ever for this journey.”
– Greta Bradman

This has been a watershed year for Adelaide soprano Greta Bradman.

It started when she was signed to Decca, the label which brought us such legends as Pavarotti, Tebaldi, Bartoli and Fleming. It was also helped by Richard Bonynge, who not only conducted the English Chamber Orchestra on her Decca debut album My Hero but who also gave some advice on bel canto material.

Bradman first came to Bonynge’s attention when she was studying in Cardiff and he asked her to sing in his production of Handel’s Rodelinda. Recognising in her some of the bel canto qualities from the golden era, of which...