In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors.
Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship.
The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s Music Director Jonathan Lo, and a host of other stakeholders, all of whom have lauded Arama’s appointment as a visionary move that aligns with the OAO’s esteemed standards.
Based at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the OAO is celebrated globally as an ensemble of unparalleled excellence, collaborating with world-class conductors, vocal artists, and dancers. For Arama, joining the OAO represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream to perform at one of the world’s most revered cultural landmarks. “It’s a dream come true. I feel very honored and excited to join Opera Australia,” he shared, reflecting on his anticipation to contribute to the legacy of one of Australia’s premier musical institutions.
With Arama at the forefront, Opera Australia is poised to usher in a new chapter of exceptional music-making, further solidifying its reputation as a bastion of artistic excellence on the global stage.