Greek Australian baritone Leon Vitogiannis has been selected as one of six artists for Opera Australia’s prestigious Young Artist Program for the 2025-26 period, as reported by The Greek Herald.
Vitogiannis expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, calling it transformative: “Being chosen as a young artist with Opera Australia is a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. It’s inspiring to be part of a program that supports and develops emerging talent while keeping an eye on the future of opera.”
He added, “I am honored to work alongside such esteemed coaches and colleagues and am eager to embrace every challenge, grow as an artist, and lend my voice to this remarkable art form.”
Vitogiannis will be joined by fellow participants Chelsea Burns (soprano), Shikara Ringdahl (mezzo-soprano), Elias Wilson (tenor), Jem Herbert (répétiteur), and Claudia Osborne (director).
A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Vitogiannis is an accomplished baritone with a diverse and expanding repertoire that includes operatic roles such as Figaro in “The Barber of Seville,” Count Almaviva in “The Marriage of Figaro,” and Leporello in “Don Giovanni.” He has also performed in concert works like Mozart’s “Requiem” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Known for his passion for Lieder, Vitogiannis specializes in the song cycles of Schubert, Schumann, and Mahler.
Previously a Young Artist with Pacific Opera Studio, Vitogiannis gained invaluable experience working with esteemed directors Cheryl Barker AO and Peter Coleman-Wright AO. Beyond performing, he is a dedicated conductor and a prominent authority on Classical Greek Music and Greek Art Song, actively working to preserve and evolve this unique repertoire.
Opera Australia’s Young Artist Program is an 18-month full-time professional development initiative based in Sydney, aimed at preparing emerging talents for successful careers in the global opera world. Offering participants a full-time salary and comprehensive training, the program includes vocal and dramatic coaching, language classes, masterclasses, career mentorship, and ample performance opportunities to ready them for the challenges and prospects of a professional opera career.
