Des O’Neill

Sound Designer

Des O’Neill is a highly accomplished sound engineer and designer. He marries extensive sound expertise with a solid technical foundation with an ability to design creative projects and innovate through new technology.

In 2019 Des mixed Opera Australia’s complex performance of West Side Story on the Harbour. Since 2014 he has also held the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s role of Audio Director for their suite of commercial concerts. Notable productions have included The Film Music of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, Tory Amos, Symphony in the Domain, Symphony under the Stars, Audra McDonald, Two Cellos, Flight Facilities, Lea Salonga, Pink Martini and Juan Carmano – Sinfonia Flamenca.

Des was also the resident engineer for the Sydney Festival’s outdoor concerts over a number of years working with high profile acts like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Al Green, Grace Jones and Mike Patton’s Mondo Carne as well as Mazda’s Opera in the Domain.

Des’ passion is 3D Sound, a platform that is making waves around the world for the truly immersive experience it delivers its audiences. Notable projects include installations like Bjork Digital’s Black Lake at Sydney’s Carriageworks and large-scale outdoor productions such as La Traviata at Shanghai’s Opera Week. Des has also integrated immersive sound in the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s performance of The Matrix Live and delivered the 3D sound design and mix for a production of The Magic Flute, performed by the Hamburg State Opera and the Shanghai City Orchestra outdoor in Shanghai.