The 14-year-old’s performances at the event earned her the Smile Scholarship for the vocal section. The value of the scholarship was $750 and will go towards her vocal studies. 

Francesca entered five vocal sections in the eisteddfod including classical, folk, musical theatre, sacred and pop. Over two days in April she competed against about 25 others in her age group. 

She achieved three scores in the high nineties and placed first for some genres. Her musical theatre piece was so moving it reduced one of the judges to tears.  

Francesca said she enjoyed the intimacy of the competition.

“We didn’t actually have a stage, it was all one level and so we got to interact with the audience,” she said. 

Francesca said her confidence has grown since she began performing and singing. 

“I used to be really scared,” she said. 

“I did one concert for my family which was an opera piece and ever since then I haven’t been afraid.”

Taree and District Eisteddfod is one of the biggest in country Australia and has just celebrated its 50 years anniversary.

The 2017 eisteddfod was on over 37 days and the grand concerts featured performances from across all sections.

Grand concerts were on Saturday, June 17 at the Manning Entertainment Centre to celebrate the milestone year.

Francesca sang God Help the Outcasts on June 17. She was accompanied by Don Secomb on piano. 

Francesca’s teacher Robyn Ryan said her student was very focused, driven and a quick learner. 

“Francesca is a delight to work with every week,” she said.