Lyndon Terracini steps down from OA after 13 years

Opera Australia today announced that after 13 years at its artistic helm, Lyndon Terracini AM is leaving his role as Artistic Director.

Having recently unveiled details of what is set to be a spectacular 2023 season, Lyndon had initially planned to deliver the season and see out his contract until the end of 2023, however with a range of opportunities in Australia and overseas that he is keen to explore, it was agreed by all that now is the right time for him to step down.

Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan thanked Lyndon for his dedication to the company over the past 13 years.

Ms Allan:

Opera Australia is grateful to Lyndon for his significant contributions during his tenure and for his artistic vision.

Terracini is the second longest serving Artistic Director in the Company’s 65 year history.

I have loved being the Artistic Director at Opera Australia for the past 13 years and I am stepping down from the position to get on with the next phase of my life, to pursue new adventures and enable the transition of my successor.

Lyndon:

I am excited about what lies ahead for the new Artistic Director and Opera Australia, and also for me. I was privileged to build my legacy at Opera Australia, and you will find me, as close to row G (where I have sat for 13 years) as possible, enjoying the performances as a patron and cheering you all on. I know Opera Australia will continue to deliver the best in talent and capture the hearts of the audience.

Highlights of Lyndon’s time at the artistic helm of Opera Australia include:

• Overseeing Opera Australia’s first two Ring Cycles performed in Melbourne in 2013 and 2016, with his third, the world’s first fully digital Ring Cycle being performed in Brisbane next year after two years of delays due to covid.
• Creating the highly successful, outdoor opera spectacular Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, that has been a must-see on Sydney’s cultural calendar for ten years.
• Introducing digital sets, backdrops and technologies for The Ring and other productions, which radically modernised how opera can be staged in Australia.

Attracting new audiences to opera by performing on Coolangatta Beach, Uluru and Sydney Harbour.
Commissioning new Australian works including The Rabbits, The Divorce and Whiteley and forging highly successful partnerships that brought My Fair Lady, Evita, West Side Story, and now Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Phantom of the Opera, to Australia.

Opera Australia will officially farewell Lyndon at the opening night of Attila on 29 October at Sydney Opera House.