The Opera Queensland Young Artist Program was reignited in 2020 thanks to a bequest from two extraordinary patrons, Lois Schultz and June Wheeler.  

Our recent alumni Rebecca Cassidy, Xenia Puskarz Thomas, Sofia Troncoso and Timothy Newton are now enjoying wonderful opportunities with companies around Australia and internationally.  

This year we welcome to the Program Amber Evans (soprano) Eleanor Greenwood (soprano), Sebastian Maclaine (tenor), and John Rotar (composer).  

Opera Queensland’s Head of Music, Narelle French, one of Australia’s most respected pianists, vocal coaches and musicians oversees the Program and believes the future of opera in Queensland looks very bright.  

“Seeing our Young Artists flourish through the opportunities for development and performance Opera Queensland’s Young Artist Program offers is incredibly rewarding.”  

We look forward to working 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. 

Opera Queensland’s 2022 Annual Appeal supports initiatives like our Young Artist Program.  

Amber Evans is an Australian vocalist, conductor and composer. She regularly performs as an early music soloist, chamber ensemble vocalist, and contemporary opera/vocal specialist, with consistent touring engagements in Australia, the US and the UK.

John Rotar is the first composer to join the Opera Queensland Young Artist Program. John’s passion for music started at an early age, after starting piano at age six John turned his hand to composition at eight and at twelve had his first orchestral work performed by the Bundaberg Youth Orchestras.

Eleanor Greenwood is a graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music Opera School and Australian National University School of Music, and first prize winner of the McDonald’s Operatic Aria. She made her professional debut in Ireland at the Opera Festival in Wexford, in Statkowski’s little known Polish Opera, Maria. Eleanor recently made her debut in the role of Sieglinde (Die Walküre). A diverse soprano, other recent roles include Ortlinde in Die Walküre, Dama in Verdi’s Macbeth and Annio in La clemenza di Tito.

Sebastian completed his Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2008. There, he featured in a number of productions such as the title role in Britten’s Albert Herring, Valetto in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea, and as Autumn in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen.