Director of Opera

OPERA AUSTRALIA (OA) is seeking an outstanding DIRECTOR OF OPERA

OPERA AUSTRALIA (OA) is seeking an outstanding DIRECTOR OF OPERA who will be responsible for guiding its artistic vision and overseeing all aspects of season planning, opera production and performance.  As a key creative leader, the Director of Opera will in collaboration with the Music Director (yet to be appointed) lead the development of the OA program and create an environment that produces the highest artistic standards.

THE COMPANY

OA is the nation’s premier opera company and one of its most important cultural institutions.   Each year OA presents over 500 performances reaching more than 650,000 people spanning iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as regional venues across the country.      

The Director of Opera will play a vital role in realising OA’s commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, national reach and cultural leadership. While seeking to showcase the best international performers and performances, OA champions Australian talent on and off the stage collaborating with leading international and local companies. With a full-time orchestra, dedicated chorus and highly skilled workforce, OA achieves excellence on stage in all dimensions, is instrumental in nurturing the next generation of Australian talent and enriching the lives of audiences nationwide.

THE ROLE

The Director or Opera, reporting to the CEO, maintains significant visibility with the Board of Directors. The position is full-time, based in Sydney.

Responsibilities:

• Engage in a collaborative process in shaping OA’s program including repertoire, stage direction, casting, orchestra and chorus requirements and production elements.
• Develop partnerships with Australian and international opera companies.
• Oversee the artistic and production teams and support a positive and collaborative organisational culture.
• Actively consult the Executive Team in the budget planning process and monitor alignment with financial objectives and established budget parameters.
• Ensure that the planning process and key decisions are delivered in a timely manner.
• The Director of Opera must be present and accountable in the office, and ensuring excellence at rehearsals and performances and on tour.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• A passion for opera combined with professional training in opera, stagecraft or a related discipline. (Stage directors may have limited opportunities to direct OA productions.)
• In-depth knowledge of the operatic repertoire and knowledge of voices.
• Experience working with conductors, orchestras and choruses.
• Financial acumen in developing program budgets and revenue projections.
• International network of artists, conductors, stage directors and agents.
• Successful record of producing innovative educational and community projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team.
• Dedicated understanding of Opera Australia’s community and its position within Australia’s cultural landscape.

TO APPLY

Please email a CV and cover letter to Mary Carlson, Director of Arts Executive Search (mcarlson@artsexecutivesearch.com) to arrange a preliminary interview.

Application deadline:  close of business 12 June, 2025 AEST

Opera Australia recognises and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waters across Australia on which we live, perform and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise, celebrate and respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers who carry the cultural wisdom, traditions and Dreaming of this ancient land.

Opera Australia is committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our team comes from all walks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences, life experiences, self-expression, and talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera Australia. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression.