Opera Australia Orchestra appoints new Concertmaster Matthieu Arama

Opera Australia today announced the appointment of French violinist Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster for the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO) after a worldwide search. Mr Arama will join the OAO in August this year.

Currently Concertmaster of the orchestra of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, Mr Arama has performed as guest and soloist with some of the world’s most renowned conductors.

Mr Arama will be responsible for leading the OAO to achieve artistic excellence throughout its extensive annual program of more than 250 performances of opera, ballet, musical theatre and concerts for OA and The Australian Ballet.

Recently Mr Arama performed as Guest Concertmaster for OA on La Traviata and Swan Lake with The Australian Ballet, and also delivered a solo recital including excerpts from opera and ballet repertoire as well as chamber music.

Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui:

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.

The appointment was also endorsed by OA CEO Fiona Allan, OA Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s Music Director Jonathan Lo and a range of additional stakeholders.

Ms Davies:

Mr Arama’s appointment is brilliant news. 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 and The Australian Ballet.

Resident at the Sydney Opera House, the OAO is internationally recognised as an ensemble of the highest calibre performing with some of the world’s finest conductors, vocal artists and dancers.

Mr Arama is thrilled to join the OAO, having set his sights on working at the Sydney Opera House since his first visit. “It’s a dream come true, I feel very honoured and excited to join Opera Australia.