Silvie Paladino, one of the stalwarts of Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight, has been honoured by Vision Australia for her commitment to the organisation’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Paladino, one of Australia’s premier singers and musical theatre performers, has received a Vision Australia Award in recognition of her dedication to Carols by Candlelight, which raises millions of dollars each Christmas Eve to support Vision Australia to provide services to children who are blind or have low vision.
The awards, first established in 2006, honour those who help to make a substantial difference through their commitment to Vision Australia’s mission to ensure people who are blind or have low vision can live the life they choose.
Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight, which takes place each Christmas Eve at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl, is now in its 81st year. Silvie Paladino, one of the event’s most popular drawcards, has appeared at Carols for the past 20years.
She joins Carols by Candlelight favourites Marina Prior, Denis Walter and the National Boys Choir as a recipient of a Vision Australia Award.
She began her theatrical career in 1989, aged 18, as Eponine in the Australasian tour of Les Misérables, reprising the role in the London production on the West End, and returned to London and Les Mis in 1997 as Fantine for a two-year run.
Silvie’s other Australasian theatre credits include her solo show Silvie Paladino Sings Streisand, Hair, Cats, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia!, Sideshow Alley and The King And I. She won a prestigious Green Room Award in 2012 for her role as Florence in Chess.
Her recordings include Silvie Paladino Sings Streisand, Silvie Paladino Christmas List, On My Own, When You Believe and I Give You My Heart.
Presenting the award to Sylvie in Melbourne during Vision Australia’s annual general meeting, the organisation’s Communications Director, Kirsty Simpson, said Silvie’s passionate support for Carols has made a positive difference for children who are blind or have low vision.
“Silvie is a much loved and cherished member of the Carols By Candlelight family,” she said.
“Silvie brings an incredible warmth and sincerity to her performances at Carols, and Christmas Eve would not be the same without her.”
Silvie, who has a passion for ministry and sings regularly in churches, said it’s “a privilege” to be part of the Carols family.
“I’m just so honoured to be part of the work Vision Australia is doing to make life easier for folks who are blind or have low vision. I feel that God has used me for a wonderful cause, so thank you so much for all you do and may God bless your continued work,” she said.