Dane made his operatic debut in Brisbane with the world premiere of Jonathan Henderson’s Dirty Apple in 2009 and returned to Opera Queensland last season for Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, receiving outstanding reviews throughout the sold-out season.

Dane said he was thrilled to join Opera Queensland as Associate Music Director and Resident Conductor.

“Opera Queensland is one of the most exciting, innovative performing organisations in the country and I look forward to contributing to the musical and operatic life of my home state,” Dane said.

“For a Brisbane boy and former Opera Queensland Young Artist, it feels like the right time to come home and work with the fantastic team.

“Patrick Nolan’s artistic leadership of the company continues to bring vital, transformative, engaging opera to the entire state and I look forward to collaborating with him, with Head of Music and Chorus Director Narelle French, with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and all the excellent artists and team at Opera Queensland.”

Opera Queensland Artistic Director & CEO, Patrick Nolan, said it was both rewarding and exciting to see a former young artist return to Brisbane in this exciting new role.

“We have followed Dane’s career outside Australia in recent years as he has built a name for himself in Europe and beyond. Under Dane’s stewardship the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra has enjoyed remarkable artistic growth,” Mr Nolan said.

“It feels only apt that our first Associate Music Director should be a conductor who started as a talented and promising young artist here at Opera Queensland and who has come full circle, returning to his home after more than a decade forging a successful international career.”

Mr Nolan said Dane has been pivotal in leading Opera Queensland’s return to live performances following the lifting of lockdown.

“As well as his remarkable artistic talent, Dane brings an energy and a passion to his performances that lifts the orchestra and the singers and shines through in the performance,” Mr Nolan said.

“This also resonates across the audience. From our loyal opera patrons to our newest opera-goers, Dane’s energy is both compelling and totally joyful.

“This is why we have chosen to work this closely with one conductor on a longer-term basis. We are looking forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration brings.”

Dane has also been at the helm for the first live performances post-lockdown of both the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. In addition to more planned performances with Opera Queensland and the QSO, Dane will be joining the Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras early next year, putting him at the forefront of the orchestral revival in Australia.

Dane is also Chief Conductor of the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, and guest appearances include Opera Australia, Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park, the Munich Radio Orchestra, Het Residentie Orkest, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Beethoven Orchester Bonn and Verbier Festival Orchestra.