Latest News

Dr Ziggy Switkowski, Chairman of Opera Australia, today announced recruitment plans for a full-time Artistic Director for Opera Australia.

“Following a series of consultations with both external and internal stakeholders, the Board of Opera Australia will be seeking a full-time Artistic Director and recruitment will commence immediately.”

The international search firm, Russell Reynolds, has been engaged to assist with this process.

“Opera Australia requires an artistic leader who will take responsibility for both the musical and theatrical life of the Company. There has been broad support for Opera Australia to add a full-time Director who is responsible for setting the artistic vision, establishing and maintaining artistic standards, counseling and support for team members, programming and casting,” said Dr Switkowski.

The Artistic Director will report to the Chief Executive, Adrian Collette.

Dr Switkowski continued: “It is envisaged that the Artistic Director will be supported by the current Head of Music, Tony Legge, and by a Chief Conductor who would be responsible for the development and leadership of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO), as well as for identifying and engaging guest conductors.”

In January 2009 a selection panel was established comprising four members of the Board: Ziggy Switkowski, Anson Austin, David Malouf, and Tim McFarlane, as well as the Chief Executive, Adrian Collette. Assisted by Russell Reynolds, this panel will consider applicants and will be looking for, among other attributes, a strong creative vision, extensive knowledge of the operatic repertoire, sound appreciation of the voice, knowledge of production and staging, understanding of opera and the Company in the Australian context, good international network, and ability to provide pastoral care to all artists.

The position will be advertised nationally and internationally next week and it is hoped that an appointment will be made by mid-year. The further appointment of a Chief Conductor will be made once the Artistic Director is in place.

This process has been informed through extensive consultation, both internal and external. The selection panel was advised by a panel of eminent professionals: Neil Armfield AO, Richard Mills AM, Jonathan Summers, Yvonne Kenny AM, Sarah Billinghurst and Trevor Green.

In addition to advice received from this group, internal consultations were undertaken with the senior artistic management of Opera Australia; representatives of the major artistic departments of the company including the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, the Chorus, permanent and freelance Principal singers, music and language staff, resident directors; and representatives of production, manufacturing and administrative staff. 30 written submissions were received from interested individuals.

Separately, the Chairman announced that the Annual General Meeting of Opera Australia will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 3pm at the Opera Centre in Melbourne. Dr Switkowski said that in future Opera Australia’s AGMs will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne. This year will see the first AGM held in Melbourne since the formation of OA in 1996 and will coincide with the start of Opera Australia’s Melbourne Autumn Season.