Lyndon Terracini will Step Down as Artistic Director of Opera Australia

Opera Australia (OA) have begun the search for a new Artistic Director after a recent announcement that Lyndon Terracini plans to step down from the role. Terracini's time with the company, where he has been since 2009, will wrap up on December 31, 2023.

Terracini has achieved a great deal during his time at the company, despite the challenges of stepping into the job in the middle of a financial crisis. During his tenure, OA has presented two complete Ring cycles (with a third planned for 2023). Additionally, Terracini has expanded the scope of the way that the company presents opera, integrating multimedia into the company's productions and pioneering the Handa Opera series, which takes place in Sydney Harbour each year.

Among the highlights of Terracini's tenure, there have also been low points: the company had to cancel a great deal of their shows as a result of the COVID pandemic, and the resulting financial losses led to significant restructuring of the company, in which 56 staff were dismissed.

"Although I have not been working with Lyndon long, it is clear the enormous contribution Lyndon has made at OA since his appointment in 2009, especially his commitment to high performance standards, his innovation and entrepreneurial thinking," said Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan.

"His mission to deliver opera and musical performances of the highest quality to the widest possible audience has been the driving force of the Company’s success during his tenure," she added.

"I’ve enjoyed my time as Artistic Director of OA enormously and I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve been able to achieve together," Terracini said. "The past two years have been hugely challenging for all of us but to see and hear the wonderful performances so far this year has been thrilling."

"I’m also delighted that CEO Fiona Allan, supported by Chair Professor Glyn Davis AC and the Opera Australia Board, have asked me to continue with Handa Opera On Sydney Harbour (HOSH) post 2023. This is a great thrill!"

In 2020, Terracini was the subject of a brief documentary episode that explores the lives of Italian Australians, which you can watch below.