ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The goal of Opera Queensland’s Young Artist Program is to nurture talented young artists through training and performance opportunities, in preparation for a successful career on the world stage.  

The program offers a flexible, part-time 12 to 24 month training program open to singers, composers, pianists and directors, specifically developed to the individual artist’s needs with coaching, mentoring and performance opportunities. Young artists also have the opportunity to participate in Opera Queensland productions, as performers in leading, supporting, understudy and ensemble roles and as directors, composers and pianists.   

Throughout the program, young artists can draw upon the globally renowned talent at the state opera company, including guest coaches, conductors and mainstage artists, in lessons, workshops, masterclasses, language study and professional development.  

Past Opera Queensland Young Artist alumni include Kate Miller-Heidke, Kanen Breen, Kiandra Howarth, Mariana Hong, Sian Sharp, Virgilio Marino and Hayley Sugars.  

Participants in the Opera Queensland Young Artist Program have performed with Royal Opera Covent Garden, New York Metropolitan Opera, Berlin Philharmonic, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Komische Oper Berlin, Oper Leipzig, English National Opera, Finnish National Opera, New Zealand Opera, Opera Australia, West Australian Opera, Victorian Opera, State Opera South Australia, Pinchgut Opera, and all the major Australian symphony orchestras. 

In addition, other alumni achievements include Helpmann Awards, Green Room Awards, ARIA Award nominations, ABC Classics releases, and appearances at Coachella and Eurovision.  

Applicant Eligibility

• Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, currently residing in Australia;
• Can reside anywhere in Australia for the duration of the program;
• Must be 18 years or older;
• Must have completed secondary studies;
• Must have received relevant advanced training, performance and/or experience;
• Must be available to be scheduled into program activities between February 2025 and December 2025.

Key Dates

Applications open: Thursday 3 October 2024, 12pm

Applications close: Wednesday 16 October 2024, 5pm

Auditions: October and November 2024 – dates to be advised to successful applicants

Program begins: February 2025

Application summary

Step 1: Online application  

Applicants are required to complete an online form and submit audition or interview material with all relevant documents by Wednesday 16 October 2024, 5pm.

Selection process 

All material will be reviewed and applicants will be notified via email by Friday 25 October 2024. Auditions and interviews are only offered to select applicants. If selected for an audition, vocal and piano applicants will receive notification approximately one week prior to the audition period. Composers and Directors will be notified individually of interview requirements.

Auditionees must be available for audition on one of these dates.

Sydney Auditions: Thursday 31 October 2024

Brisbane Auditions: Wednesday 13 November 2024

Melbourne Auditions: May be offered, dependent on final selection of applicants

Step 2: Audition

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an audition on the published dates.

For vocal applicants, a pianist will be provided on the day, or auditionees may bring their own pianist if preferred. Sheet music must be provided in the correct key with any cuts or repeats noted, emailed via PDF in advance, and a bound pianist copy at the audition.

The panel will include CEO & Artistic Director, Patrick Nolan and Head of Music, Narelle French.

Selection process

Following the audition, successful applicants will be notified by email in the week of Monday 25 November 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact artist@oq.com.au