Hailed by the New York Times as a soprano of “gleaming sound, free and easy high notes, agile coloratura runs and lyrical grace,” Jessica Pratt is considered one of today’s foremost interpreters of some of bel canto’s most challenging repertoire. Since her European debut in 2007 as Lucia di Lammermoor, Ms Pratt’s schedule has included … Continued
“Tomas Dalton’s casting reminded this reviewer of one of his earliest experiences of “La Traviatia” by the Sutherland-Williamson Opera in 1965 when the already internationally acclaimed ex-pat Aussie Joan Sutherland brought an unknown Italian tenor to play Alfredo. His name – Luciano Pavarotti. Who knows what Tomas Dalton’s future holds?” (Alan Slade, J-Wire 2022) Tomas … Continued
In 2014, Kosky was voted ‘Opera Director of the Year’ at the International Opera Awards in London and at the same awards in 2015, the Komische Oper was voted ‘Opera Company of the Year’. His most recent work at the Komische Oper Berlin has included The Magic Flute (co-directed with 1927), which has been seen … Continued
Allan Watson held the position of Associate Principal Timpani and Tutti Percussion and after almost forty years, he gave his last performance as a permanent member of the Opera Australia Orchestra in May 2024 before retiring from his full-time position. We celebrate and pay tribute to his long and distinguished performance career.
David Clarence holds the position of Principal Timpani in the Opera Australia Orchestra having first joined the Orchestra in 1986. David started his musical studies at the age of eight and attended Sydney Conservatorium High School. Fun fact: The Baz Luhrmann production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of David’s favourite memories with the orchestra. … Continued
Thomas Dundas holds the position of Tutti Violin in the Opera Australia Orchestra having first joined the Orchestra in 2010. Tom started his musical studies at the age of four, and under the tutelage of Wanda Wilkomirska and Patinka Kopec went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Postfraduate Studies … Continued
Antonio Fernandez is a Spanish-born Australian pianist and music director specialising in music for the stage and collaborative practice. He is currently based in Sydney, Australia. Antonio was trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid and, whilst completing his studies, was selected to tour as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of … Continued
Andrew Meisel holds the position of Associate Principal Double Bass in the Opera Australia Orchestra. From the age of fifteen Andrew played bass in school orchestras, jazz ensembles and big bands. In 1993, in his first year of university at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he successfully auditioned for the position of tutti Double Bass … Continued
Matthew Ockenden holds the position of Associate Principal Bassoon in the Opera Australia Orchestra having first joined the Orchestra in 1993. Matt Started his musical studies at the age of twelve, and under the tutelage of Gordon Skinner and Gustavo Núñez went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and … Continued
Richard Rourke graduated with merit from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1988, where he studied clarinet with Gabor Reeves and John St George. He freelanced in London for two years, studying with Margaret Archibald and John McCaw, and since 1992 has been a permanent member of the Opera Australia Orchestra, performing at the Sydney … Continued