The Opera & Arts Support Group formed its initial links with Sydney Eisteddfod in 1992, when it stepped in to sponsor the Mozart Soprano Aria for singers in the 20 to 25 age group. Established in 1961 by former Sun Aria winner, singer and teacher Florence Taylor in memory of her hugely successful student Marjorie Conley who died tragically young in 1959, this event had such a poignant history, the Opera and Arts Support Group decided to increase the prize to $500 and present it as a small scholarship. Its members delighted in the talent it attracted and when adjudicator Neil Easton awarded the prize to Amelia Farrugia, they knew she was a potential star and began discussing the possibility of offering a bigger scholarship in the Sydney Eisteddfod framework.

Carrying a prize of $1,000, the scholarship bowed into the Sydney Eisteddfod program on August 27 1993 at the St Laurence Arts Centre in Pitt Street, Sydney, and 23 years on it continues to promote the highest standards in singing and benefit the careers of developing singers. Now with a total prize purse of $17,000, it showcases the talents of outstanding singers aged 30 years and under. The outright winner receives $10,000, the Paul Worthington OAM Encouragement Award of $5,000 rewards the singer who finishes in second place, the Graham Matheson Award of $1,000 is presented to the winner of the Audience Vote and the four remaining finalists receive $250 each.