Jake Lyle, who played The Phantom in this year’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of The Phantom of the Opera for Opera Australia, is one of the seven artists selected for OA’s 2026–27 Young Artist Program.

Jake Lyle in rehearsals for The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour. Photo © Carlita Sari

His fellow cohorts are soprano Lana Kains, mezzo-soprano Sidra Nissen, tenor Christopher Whalley, bass-baritone Daniel Kramer, répétiteur Isobel Archer and director Edwina Strobl.

While OA has run a young artists program in the past, this new iteration – initiated by former Artistic Director Jo Davies and headed by Francis Greep – is supported by Principal Patron Maureen Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet.

The development pathway program enables the artists to experience advanced training covering vocal coaching, drama and movement classes, and language lessons, as well as international study with renowned coaches. It also includes professional experience and integration into the company.

This year’s young artists come from around the country, and bring a range of impressive operatic experience with them.

Soprano Lana Kains was born in Darwin, where her mother played French horn with the Darwin Symphony...