PROSPECTUS 2026
www operascholars au
ABOUTUS
Founded in 1998, by o OAM and Margot Co (OSA) is a leading d singers who show the
Based in Melbourne, environment for scho provide access to a v opportunities, ensurin swift and thorough fo Inside this like-minde Intensives, Masterclas workshops with leadin Additionally, scholars 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.
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.
NOAH
“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. ”
There’s no feeling in the world like singing. You’re communicating such intense emotions that to simply speak them would not be enough. You’re letting your soul free for a moment.
Singing is my greatest passion in life, with opera allowing me to connect my voice, mind, and body in incomparable ways! I am beyond excited to continue developing my abilities, while allowing myself to tell meaningful stories through music. At OSA I’m challenged to reach further than I thought possible, supported by people with endless belief in my capabilities.
CHLOE
It is so special to be part of a group of young, ambitious artists united by our love for opera. Being in OSA excites me because it’s not just about performing with talented people; it gives us a safe space to experiment, challenge, share and inspire each other.
Founding Directors Graeme Wall OAM & Margot Cory-Wall OAM
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.
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
ARTSONGANDARIAAWARDS
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. 6
SIDRANISSEN 2025ARIAAWARDWINNER
Opera Scholars Australia was fundamental to my development as a performer, providing focused artistic and professional training that directly contributed to my winning the IFAC HANDA
Australian Singing Competition in 2025. I am deeply grateful to Al Lewis for his exceptional guidance and support
THEDEANSKY-LUCASAWARD
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 is presented at the end of every year to the scholar who shows outstanding musical and artistic promise, works on their craft with focus and curiosity and contributes to OSA with compassion and h
It’s an incredible honour to be a recipient of the Dean Sky-Lucas award Dean was an exceptional musician who I was so lucky to know He gifted me some incredible musical insights and knowledge that I’ll carry with me for the entirety of my career It means the world to be supported in furthering my studies
7
The late Dean Sky-Lucas conducting Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle 2024
OURTEAM
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. ”
MYTHS & LEGENDS ARTSONG AWARD
Our performance program outlined here is just the beginning! We invite our loyal supporters and patrons to host soirees throughout 2026 to extend our Graduate Scholars.
Practising their repertoire in different settings is the best way to prepare them for the rigours of the industry.
BEECHWORTH CONCERT
ARIA AWARD BAROQUE TO BROADWAY
ALUMNI
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.
Victorian Opera 2026 Opera Prize
Rachael Joyce, Bailey Montgomery and Alessia Pintabona are the recipients of the 2026 Opera Prize with Victorian Opera.
Two tenors in the Ten Tenors
Nicholas Matters and Jack Jordan join the Ten Tenors on their 30 anniversary world tour. th
Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Foundation
Josh Morton-Galea and Jesse Linke (left) compete in the Bel Canto Award Final.
Breanna Stuart (right) places first at Sydney Song Prize
WATCH
Australian Singing Competition
Sidra Nissen places first in the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition
Richard Divall Emerging Artists
Charlotte Goode leads Opera in the Country to bring more classical music to rural Victoria.
Mei Wah Chan produces independent concert series to champion queer musicians and composers.
Nicholas Matters, Sidra Nissen, Uma Dobia, Hartley Trusler and Breanna Stuart join Melbourne Opera’s Richard Divall Emerging and Developing Artists Program.
Community Engagement and SelfInitiated Projects
GOALS
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.
Investinourcapacitytoachieveour strategicvision
Diversifytheorganisation,ourpractice andaudience
Targetperformanceopportunitiesto scholarneeds
Useourpositionasayoungperson’ s organisationtocontributemeaningfullytothe futureofopera
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.
Through these initiatives, we aim to break down barriers and connect with audiences in meaningful ways, fostering a genuine appreciation for the art of opera. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of this art form. By working together, we can create unforgettable moments that resonate with both performers and audiences alike, building a lasting legacy of joy and inspiration. Join us on this journey, and let the spirit of collaboration guide us to new artistic heights.
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 being a Patron at OSA?
Louis Milkovitz
Making some contribution to the development of young operatic talent
Participation at OSA events gives a strong sense of involvement.
Suzie Brown
My joyous experiences and involvement with OSA began at the first concerts in Victoria Market 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
Sacred and Profane 2024
Stonnington open air event
Peter Evans
HONOURINGGENEROSITY
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: invitations 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.
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
