The Opera Queensland Young Artist Program was reignited in 2020 thanks to a bequest from two extraordinary patrons, Lois Schultz and June Wheeler. Their generosity enabled Rebecca Cassidy to train with Opera Queensland during a very challenging time for artists.

Rebecca returns to the program this year after her 2020 participation was interrupted by Covid-19.

Joining Rebecca as the 2021 Young Artists are mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas, soprano Sofia Troncoso and bass-baritone Timothy Newton. These rising stars are well on their way to big international careers.

These young artists are also our cultural ambassadors, contributing significantly to Brisbane’s emergence as a thriving cultural city. We want to work with more singers and artists, through increased engagement with international and local audiences, collaborations with fellow artists and key roles in Opera Queensland’s productions.

Originally from Townsville, soprano Rebecca Cassidy completed her Bachelor of Music at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Brisbane-born mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas, is a Kovner Fellow at The Juilliard School, New York where she commenced her studies online this October under Professor Edith Wiens.

American soprano Sofia Troncoso, a recent addition to the Brisbane arts community, is an accomplished singer in numerous styles including early music, Mozart’s works, bel canto, and contemporary music.

Timothy Newton is a bass-baritone from Queensland, having grown up on the Gold Coast. He returned to Australia last year, after singing in the 2019-20 season singing at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin.