Sidra Nissen
Mezzo Soprano
Born into an artistic family, with a mother who is a visual artist and a father who is a singer-songwriter, Sidra was always surrounded by the arts. Her first experiences of performance came in childhood, when her mother would take her to see pantomimes at the local church. Watching productions such as Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Jack and the Beanstalk marked her earliest encounters with live theatre. Alongside this, her grandparents frequently took her to musicals, where she developed a deep and lasting love of musical theatre.
A transformative moment came when Sidra was cast as ‘Annie’ in her school musical in Grade Six. In preparation for the role, she began her very first singing lessons. It was during these early lessons that she was introduced to opera by her teacher, an introduction that would prove pivotal. From that point onward, Sidra pursued classical singing with focus and determination.
She went on to participate in youth opera programs with the Victorian Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble and was later accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Year Nine. Continuing her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Sidra refined her technique under the guidance of voice teacher Suzanne Johnston, whose mentorship was instrumental in shaping her emerging professional sound.
Outside of singing, Sidra enjoys heading out of the city for hiking and camping trips in country Victoria. She appreciates the simplicity of being outdoors and the chance to slow things down for a bit. It’s a nice contrast to the demands of performing, and something that helps her clear her head and come back to her work with fresh energy, an important balance that supports her life as both an artist and an individual.
Experience
Ensemble – The Pirates of Penzance – Victorian Opera (2026)
Zerlina (cover) – Don Giovanni – Melbourne Opera (2026)
Dorabella – Così fan tutte – Melbourne Opera (2025)
Ensemble – Cheremushki – Victorian Opera (2023)
Ensemble – Il Mago di oz – Victorian Opera (2022)