Opera Australia has announced the appointment of French violinist Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster for the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO).

Arama will join the OAO in August this year. He steps into a role covered by Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui since the previous Concertmaster Jun Yi Ma left in August 2022. Ma had served as OAO’s Concertmaster since July 2015.

Matthieu Arama. Photo supplied

Currently Concertmaster of the orchestra of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, Arama will be responsible for leading the OAO throughout an annual program of more than 250 performances of opera, ballet, musical theatre and concerts for OA and The Australian Ballet. Arama has already served as Guest Concertmaster for OA on La Traviata and Swan Lake with The Australian Ballet.

“Mr Arama’s appointment is brilliant news,” said OA Artistic Director Jo Davies. “He’s an accomplished player and recognised orchestral leader and it was vital we found a Concertmaster befitting of the expert standard of OAO and each of our musicians, all of which the Company is very proud. I believe Mr Arama will be an inspiring leader and a fantastic ambassador for the OAO for both OA...