2024 Sacred and Profane Hawthorn Arts Centre
ABOUT US
Founded in 1998, by opera singers and educators
Graeme Wall OAM and Margot Cory-Wall OAM,
Opera Scholars Australia (OSA) is a leading development program for young classical singers who show the potential for a career in opera.
Based in Melbourne, OSA creates a safe and respectful environment for scholars to explore and develop their craft. We provide access to a variety of learning and performance opportunities, ensuring that technical and artistic progress is swift and thorough for all scholars.
Inside this like-minded community, scholars participate in Intensives, Masterclasses, wellbeing education, competitions and workshops with leading vocal, movement and acting coaches. Additionally, scholars receive industry resources such as professional photography and videography.
OSA is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of classical performers to preserve the proud tradition of classical singing in Australia and ensure that stories continue to be told through the beauty of vocal music.
‘Opera Scholars Australia runs a program that provides a wonderful pathway for young singers to learn their craft – to develop singers voices naturally and to assist with artistry and confidence.’
-Yvonne Kenny AM: OSA Board Member and Patron in Chief
OUR WHY
The scholars are at the forefront of our work and we are inspired by their passion for opera. Here’s what motivates them and their work at OSA.
OSA offers a unique opportunity for young singers to explore the beauty and complexities of opera in a nurturing environment that encourages both technical development and creative expression.
- Zoe Lancaster (2025)
What kept me coming back was the expressive power of operatic singing. It knocks you over the head, whether with beauty, power or emotion. Sometimes all three at once.
- Kate Pengelly (2024 & 2025)
Opera provides artists and audiences with a platform to express and experience the intensity and depth of human emotion. Its ability to evoke profound feelings makes it an essential cultural medium, fostering a deeper connection between individuals and the world around them.
- Sidra Nissen (2025)
OSA allows me to surround myself with young and driven artists from various walks of life. It is a space to share the passion I have for opera with likeminded peers. To be an OSA scholar, is to be motivated and inspired by each other.
- Chloe Taylor (2024 & 2025)
Sacred and Profane Hawthorn Arts Centre, 2025
EVOLUTION & GROWTH
From humble beginnings to ambitious goal setting, OSA has always responded to the demands and needs of the scholars and the opera industry here in Australia.
“OSA grew out of a need for talented young classical singers to gain performance experience. After 27 years, the program has continued to assist these young singers to develop confidence in a variety of situations. The success of our Alumni, now on world stages, is a testament to the strength of this unique program.”
Eight scholars participate in rehearsal intensives for Opera in the Alps
Helena Dix is awarded the inaugural Scholar of the Year
Regular rehearsals and masterclasses are added to the Scholar schedule
OSA hosts educational workshops and performances around North-East Victoria
Following COVID-19 lockdowns, current Program Director, Alexander Lewis is appointed
OSA becomes a charitable trust, and establishes the Aria award thanks to the late Betty Amsden
Full program resumes with weekly rehearsals, intensives, masterclasses, awards and performances
Dual stream program is established and the Dean Sky-Lucas Award is created to honour his legacy
Founding Directors Graeme Wall OAM & Margot Cory-Wall OAM
Our dual-stream program launched in 2024 to cater for the varying needs and capacities of our scholars. Initially named “Primo” and “Secondo”, we have decided to rebrand the streams to “Supplementary” and “Graduate”
Supplementary:
Those who attend university or have limited capacity and need a good grounding in basic skills. They receive:
Regular guidance in vocal technique, musicianship and interpretation
Three five-day intensives in acting, movement and language skills
Individual coachings with Program Director Alexander Lewis
Headshots, performance photography and videography
Mentor/network masterclasses
Aria and Art Song
Scholarship Prizes
Regular performance opportunities
Graduate:
In addition to all aspects of the Supplementary program, Graduate scholars will be extended with:
2 chamber style concert opportunities
Opportunities in OSA’s Voices Unleashed incursion program
Opera scenes workshops
Role development
Workshops in self-devised projects
OSA at workmasterclass with Alexander Lewis and Dean Sky-Lucas
Charmingly Chamber Graduate quartet 2024
Sacred and Profane 2024
Art Song and
“OSA helped build in acting and refine to create more au and nuanced perfo The genre spec intensives ma programming m accessible and allo to explore uni repertoire.
The Art Song and Aria awards are central to our yearly program. Each award has a dedicated intensive rehearsal week during which, scholars have the opportunity to work one-on-one with Program Director, Alexander Lewis as well as other leading artists in the industry who specialise in lyric diction or genre specific conventions.
Not only do scholars receive specific and tailored support for their repertoire, but each audition round is adjudicated by Australian classical vocal experts such as: Patrick Burns (Lyric Opera Melbourne), Phoebe Briggs (Victorian Opera), Cheryl Barker AO (Aus. Soprano), Peter Coleman-Wright AO (Aus. Baritone), Stewart Kelly (Pianist and business owner) and Patrick Togher (Patrick Togher Artist Management) to name a few.
2024 Art song and Aria Award winner, Breanna Stuart with adjudicators Cheryl Barker AO and Peter Coleman-Wright AO
The Dean Sky-Lucas Award
At the end of 2024 music lost an immense talent and champion. Dean Sky-Lucas had a long association with OSA, as a coach, collaborator, mentor and friend, and his impact on the classical music industry is immeasurable. To ensure that his legacy is never forgotten, the Board of OSA have named an award in his honour.
The Dean Sky-Lucas Award for artistic excellence, dedication and commitment to Opera Scholars Australia will be presented at the end of every year to the scholar who shows
Joshua Morton-Galea OSA ‘23 & ‘24 outstanding musical and artistic promise, works on their craft with focus and curiosity and contributes to OSA with compassion and humility.
“To have been able to work so closely, and so regularly with him was a wonderful experience, and I learnt an extraordinary amount from all of it. He was an invaluable part of the OSA community, and I, like many other artists, was incredibly lucky to have worked with him.
Being named the recipient of the inaugural DeanSky Lucas Award is something that I hold in the highest humility, and I consider it a great honour to be a part of his ongoing legacy in this way. ”
The late Dean Sky-Lucas conducting Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle 2024
OUR TEAM
ARTISTIC/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
ALEXANDER LEWIS
Having performed around the world in both opera and musical theatre, Alexander Lewis has forged a unique career as a cross-over artist. His work with internationally acclaimed directors and conductors has helped him find a unique voice as a teacher and mentor.
“As the son of 2 opera singers you could say that opera is in my DNA. My father, Michael, had a 40+ year career, and my mother, Patricia, as well as being a beautiful singer, was an extraordinary teacher who created and ran one of the most successful classical voice programs in recent history. This, coupled with my time in The Metropolitan Opera's young artist development program, has led me to pursue my passion for mentoring the next generation of classical singers. It is an honour to be a part of their journeys.”
BOARD CHAIR - DAVID PINCHES
David in the Managing Director of Pinches Group, an industrial engineering firm, with offices and factories in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland. He is an opera lover (and occasional singer) who has been associated with OSA for eleven years and a Board member for six. 2025 marks David’s third year as Board Chair
ARTISTIC PATRON - HELENA DIX
“OSA is incredibly vital to the ongoing development of the next generation of singers. Having been the first scholar when the program started, I've watched it develop and grow with the ongoing demands of the industry. I could not be prouder to return the encouragement that helped launch my career ”
Our performance program outlined here is just the beginning! We invite our loyal supporters and patrons to host soirees throughout 2025 to extend our Graduate Scholars. Rehearsing their repertoire in different settings is the best way to prepare them for the rigours of the industry.
THE SUCCESSES ALMUNI WATCH
Over the past 3 decades, OSA has helped 100s of young singers begin their careers in opera and many of OSA’s alumni are performing on stages all around the world. Here are a few recent highlights from graduates near and far.
Images: Charmingly Chamber (OSA) and Melba Trust’s “Meet the Artists”
Alumni shine at Victorian Opera
Alessia Pintabona is exquisite as Johanna in Sweeney Todd (centre) Joshua Morton-Galea and Rachael Joyce charm audiences at Rippon Lea Estate in Mansfield Park.
Chloe James joins the Melba Program
“OSA not only broadened my horizons of what it means to be a well-rounded performer, but also constantly challenged me to be a more daring and multi-faceted artist in an ever-changing industry.”
(OSA ‘22-’24)
“Popera”
Uma Dobia creates new works and takes festivals by storm!
“Uma Dobia is....Intolerant”
“Dobia is vision demonstrating unparelled talent and charm ” - Artshub
ALUMNI ON WORLD STAGES
Alexandra Flood
European based soprano returns to delight audiences at QPAC.
Pictured in performance with Southern Cross Soloists.
Jeremy Kleeman Premieres
New Work
“Kleeman as Gilgamesh dominates the opera... ” Australian book review.
Sydney Chamber Opera
Photo - Daniel Boud
Nicholas Jones - a star on the rise!
Based in Paris, Nicholas is winning over audiences around the world. Recent performances for Opera Australia include; Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas and Laertes in Hamlet (pictured).
Our MISSION is to empower and prepare talented young singers for a career in opera which demands that we not only stay up to date with our training methods but also challenge ourselves through our own goal setting.
Invest in our capacity to achieve our strategic vision
Diversify the organisation, our practice and audience as a young person ’ s organisation to contribute meaningfully to the future of opera
Target performance opportunities to scholar needs
Sacred and Profane 2024
Respect, compassion and generosity are paramount to our programs and play a considerable part in creating an energised and supportive cohort. This environment allows the scholars to become well-rounded performers. Furthermore, the energy and enthusiasm that our scholars share with one another make our events incredibly uplifting to attend. It’s the reason why OSA is a wonderful community to be a part of and a great foundation with which to collaborate.
Sharing this energy and passion for opera excites us and drives our desire to collaborate with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s our Voices Unleashed project performing at schools throughout Victoria, or a recital performance at aged care centres, we want to sing for you. Wherever and whoever you are.
Scholars at the inaugural Voices Unleashed workshop with Geelong Youth Choir
Inaugural Voices Unleashed incursion
Families in the foyer
Voices Unleashed
DONATIONS
OSA is funded by donor support and modest scholar fees.
Your generous contribution is a commitment to: the future of young Australian singers the future of opera in Australia community
What do you enjoy about
Louis Milkovitz
Making some contribution to the development of young operatic talent. Participation at OSA events gives a strong sense of involvement.
Su
oyous e ement w st concerts in Victoria t and Beechworth with my darling husband Harvey. OSA has grown since Margot and Graeme Wall founded it and continues to be so beneficial to the development of young singers, who go on to become quality artists representing Australia throughout the world. I am so proud to still be associated with this wonderful organisation today!
Supporting young performers to learn and experience performing before audiences
Peter Evans
HONOURING GENEROSITY
OSA is committed to honouring the generosity of its supporters, without whom it could not provide its extraordinary platform for the development of young classical singers.
All donors will be provided with regular updates about the program and all donations of $500 or more will be acknowledged in print and on our website. Additional benefits and acknowledgments will be provided to those patrons who donate $1000 or more, and will be allocated based on the following tiers:
Blue Diamond
$75,000+
Ruby
$10,000 - $24,999
Millenia
$1000 -$1,999
Diamond
$50,000 - $74,999
Topaz
$5000 - $9,999
500 Club
$500 - $999
Sapphire
$25,000 - $49,999
Pearl
$2000 - $4999
Benefits may include: access to open rehearsals and masterclasses priority ticketing complimentary tickets to performances grants or awards named in your honour public acknowledgment as the sponsor of concerts or study intensives invitations to special events having scholars perform at your own soiree event
OSA also welcomes business sponsorships. In additon to the benefits above OSA can feature your branding in print, online or even on stage at events.
Thank you for helping us achieve our VISION of creating a dynamic educational platform for young singers that will enable them to reach their full creative potential.
To establish or discuss your pledge, please email support@operascholars.au or donate now via Paypal by scanning the QR code below
