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
• 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 where required between February 2027 and December 2027

Key Dates

Applications open: Wednesday 1 July 2026 5pm

Applications close: Friday 17 July 2026 5pm

Auditions: Thursday 30 July, Friday 31 July (Brisbane) & Friday 7 August (Sydney) – times to be advised to successful applicants

Program begins: February 2027

Application summary

Step 1: Online application  

Applicants are required to complete an online form and submit audition or interview material with all relevant links by Friday 17 July, 5pm

Selection process 

All material will be reviewed and applicants will be notified via email by Friday 24 July 2026. 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, pianists, directors and designers will be notified individually of interview requirements.

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

Brisbane Auditions: Thursday 30 July 2026 or Friday 31 July 2026

Sydney Auditions: Friday 7 August 2026

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 Friday 14 August 2026.

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