Pinchgut Opera is Australia’s premier Baroque opera company.
We are at the forefront of performing early opera and have pioneered excellence in vocal and instrumental playing in this genre and in historically-informed performance practice.
Pinchgut’s business model is unique in the opera industry in Australia, relying on 95% self-generated revenue. The loyal support of audiences and donors over the company’s 23-year history ensures a vibrant and thriving performing arts company. Established in 2002, Pinchgut has presented over 30 opera productions at City Recital Hall. With a small and nimble team, Pinchgut is renowned for its commitment to artistic quality and to the performers, creatives, crew and team that work together to present engaging and immersive experiences for our audiences and donors.
Pinchgut Opera is Australia’s only company dedicated to Baroque opera and vocal music, with a global reputation as one of the world’s finest companies specialising in historically informed performance. Pinchgut takes rare and often undiscovered masterpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries and re-creates them in the modern frame, giving contemporary relevance to this exquisite music of the past for today’s audiences to enjoy.
Discover more about the operas and concerts we have presented on our past productions page
We are forever grateful to our audience who buy tickets and place their trust in us to lead them on a journey of musical discovery. We especially thank our donors, whose support allows us to continue to present music that inspires.
To find out more, contact us on 02 9037 3444 or email info@pinchgutopera.com.au
Our Team
Artistic Director
Erin Helyard
Erin Helyard has been acclaimed as an inspiring conductor, a virtuosic and expressive performer of the harpsichord and fortepiano, and as a lucid scholar who is passionate about promoting discourse between musicology and performance.
Erin graduated in harpsichord performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with first-class honours and the University Medal. He completed his Masters in fortepiano performance and a PhD in musicology with Tom Beghin at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Montreal. He was named the Westfield Concert Scholar (Cornell University) on fortepiano for 2009-2010 and from 2003 to 2012 Erin was a central member of the award-winning Ensemble Caprice (Montreal). As Artistic Director and co-founder of the celebrated Pinchgut Opera and the Orchestra of the Antipodes (Sydney) he has forged new standards of excellence in historically-informed performance in Australia.
Co-General Manager
Cressida Griffith
Cressida has returned to the role of General Manager of Pinchgut Opera after a period in London working at the London Symphony Orchestra, joining at the start of Sir Simon Rattle’s tenure as Music Director. Cressida has an established career in performing arts companies, having held roles in philanthropy, learning and engagement, concert management and regional touring in London, at the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney and Victorian Opera and Orchestra Victoria in Melbourne.
Cressida grew up in Canberra and has a Bachelor of Music in cello and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and a Masters in Arts Management from Deakin University. After years of moving around, Cressida is pleased to be settled in Sydney for the long-term with her partner and three young daughters.
Cressida is a member of the Classical Music, Opera and Choral Artform Board for Create NSW.
Co-General Manager
Ilona Brooks
Ilona has over 15 years of experience in media and marketing. Starting her career in her home town of Perth, Ilona worked in the corporate space in mining and property development before relocating to Sydney to manage the head office of Australian Style Magazine. From there, Ilona moved to News Corp as a masthead Brand Manager. Life then called Ilona and her family to the US, where she discovered new skills and passions and freelanced for the next 12 years while raising her young family. Ilona’s role at Pinchgut Opera sees her unite her love of music and the arts, sharing them with the world.
The position of Co-General Manager is a job-share arrangement.
Artistic Manager
Alison Johnston
Alison is a founder of Pinchgut Opera and the Manager of Cantillation and Orchestra of the Antipodes. A former school music teacher, pianist, organist and singer, Alison worked as the Concert Manager for Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for 12 years, and has worked on projects from the very large scale (Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival and Opening Ceremony) through to the miniature, working with groups including Hobart and Brisbane Baroque, Opera Australia, Musica Viva, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus and the London Proms, and with many singers and players across the world.
Operations and Production Manager
Andrew Johnston
Originally trained as an actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in the UK, Andrew has since worked in a variety of roles in the arts: as an actor, writer, production manager, orchestra manager, continuity supervisor, singer, script assessor, website builder and in box office. He was co-Artistic Administrator for the 2016 Brisbane Baroque festival and has also been a course manager at NIDA.
Andrew has worked on every Pinchgut Opera production and has production managed all but three. He also wrote/adapted the English libretto for Salieri’s The Chimney Sweep and the English dialogue for Gretry’s L’Amant jaloux.
Ticketing and CRM Manager
Tabatha Lionheart
Tabatha Lionheart (they/them) is a queer artist and director inspired by bodies in movement and the natural world. They trained at NIDA and the Lecoq school in Paris and are passionate about dynamic, collaborative creation.
Also a Ticketing and CRM specialist, Tabi is thrilled to be part of the Pinchgut family.
Digital Content and Marketing Coordinator
Adam Grubner
Born and raised in New Zealand, Adam’s creative journey began at an early age when he picked up his first camera and discovered his love of visual storytelling. He honed his skills through years of dedicated practice, eventually going on to study all aspects of filmmaking at Sydney Film School, film producing at Metro Screen and scriptwriting at NIDA. He has worked in a variety of genres on numerous feature film, short film and TV productions. In addition to his filmmaking endeavours, Adam has a background as a performer. To add to his creative skillset he is also an illustrator and graphic designer, most recently for the Kings of the Sun exhibition at the Czech National Museum in Prague. He has returned to Sydney after a few years living in the “City of Music’ - Vienna, Austria and brings with him over 20 years experience working in the performing arts industry.
Philanthropy Associate
Louis Hurley
Louis Hurley, an accomplished tenor and Pinchgut regular, brings a rich musical background to his new role as Philanthropy Associate with Pinchgut Opera. With a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and a Master of Music from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, Louis has honed his talents under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Patricia Price, Adrian Thompson, and Glenn Winslade. Recognised for his engaging and charismatic performances, Louis' passion for fostering a profound connection between performer and audience fuels his commitment to philanthropy. Having enjoyed a lengthy artistic partnership with Pinchgut, Louis possesses an intimate understanding of the organisation's mission and values. With this unique perspective, and a deep appreciation for Baroque music, Louis is poised to make a lasting impact in this new role, forging meaningful partnerships and nurturing the bonds between art and philanthropy
Customer Service
Jillian Halleron
Scottish-born soprano Jillian Halleron, a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, is a versatile singer and skilled administrative professional. A Bendat Scholar in 2022 and 2023, Jillian developed her craft during her time as a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera and as an associate artist with Pacific Opera. She continues to refine her vocal skills under the esteemed tenor Glenn Winslade. Jillian’s passion for the artform has seen her work behind-the-scenes as a surtitle operator for Freeze Frame Opera, Black Swan State Theatre Company and West Australian Opera. Her experience further extends beyond the stage as Jillian brings extensive administrative experience from roles across a diverse range of industries including both local and federal government. Jillian is thrilled to be part of the team at Pinchgut Opera, where she hopes her passion for the arts and administrative skills will shine.
Customer Service
Hazel Bingon
Growing up in the Blue mountains, Hazel’s love of music grew from the musicality of nature. Now studying at the Sydney Conservatorium under Russell Harcourt, Hazel continues to draw inspiration from urban birds like the warbles of magpies. Through her studies at the Sydney Conservatorium, Hazel has taken part in the last three SCM Opera school productions, as well as being a member of the Sydney Conservatorium’s European Tour (2024) where she performed in venues across Vienna, Ljubljana and Northern Italy. Throughout her studies Hazel has held a passion for administration and is currently running the Con Lieder Series, a collection of student performances exploring the diverse world of art song, and is working for the Conservatoriums Front of House team. Hazel is thrilled to be joining the Pinchgut family where she can not only continue to develop her administrative skills but also witness intricate baroque works be brought to life.
Producer Intern Pinchgut Opera and Opera Australia
Micah Heazlewood
Micah is thrilled to be working with Pinchgut Opera as a Producer Intern, a unique opportunity shared with Opera Australia and funded by Creative Australia. They have a deep passion for the arts and have worked in the industry since 2021 in various Technical, Administration, and Ticketing roles. Micah is eager to contribute to upcoming performances at Pinchgut Opera, and looks forward to gaining valuable skills over the course of their internship.
Our Board
Norman Gillespie
Chair
With A BA (Double Hons) in Music and English Literature, and a PhD at London University in English 17th and early 18th century English Theatre Music, Norman's chances of gainful employment were drastically increased by entering the UK Civil Service to be trained in Finance and Tax legislation. A corporate career followed in oil exploration and telecommunications in BP as Tax Controller of BP Exploration in the North Sea (Glasgow), Head of the Chairman and CEO's Private Office (London), Director of Planning for BP Exploration in the US (Houston), Finance Director of Cable & Wireless (London) and CFO of Optus (Sydney). Combining his passion for the Arts and Business he was appointed CEO of Sydney Opera House, served on the Board of Australian Business Arts Foundation under James Strong and became Deputy Chair of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. In 2010 Norman entered the world of humanitarian and overseas development as CEO of UNICEF Australia and represented the worldwide network of National Committees as Chair at the UN. Norman is currently the Chair of the OTFC (Operational Therapy for Children) Group, Director of The Bowerbird Collective, and Co-Chair of the University of Adelaide Scientific Research Committee (Native Food), bringing the extraordinary sophistication of Indigenous food culture and practice to wider recognition. He was appointed to the Board of Pinchgut Opera in 2013.
Virginia Braden OAM
Virginia established her firm Arts Management Pty Limited in 1979, providing personal management for over one hundred and fifty Australian and international conductors, instrumentalists, singers, directors, designers and lighting designers. She handed the firm on to new owners in 2008 and now works freelance.
Over time she has served on many boards including Deputy Chairman, then Chairman of the UK based International Artist Managers’ Association which has a membership of over 500 firms of artist managers worldwide and she has had an ongoing association with it; Director of Opera Australia and Director of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
She served as Chair of Piano+ (umbrella organisation for the Sydney International Piano Competition), from 2017–2024 and was made Life patron in 2024.
Virginia was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to Arts Administration in 2010 and the 2021 International Society of the Performing Arts “Angel Award” for her contribution to the arts across all borders. She is an Honorary Life Member of the International Artist Managers’ Association and the Australian Music Centre.
Richard Dammery
Dr. Richard Dammery is a seasoned company director with extensive experience across various sectors. He currently serves as Chair of The Australian Ballet and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and holds board positions with Aussie Broadband Limited (ASX: ABB), Australia Post and Salta Properties Pty Ltd.
Richard has previously chaired Creative Partnerships Australia, the Australian Government’s primary agency for promoting private sector and philanthropic investment in the creative industries.
With a strong background as a senior executive, Richard has held leadership roles in major Australasian listed companies, where he has excelled in both general management and corporate law.
He holds a BA (Hons) and an LLB from Monash University, an MBA from the University of Melbourne, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge (Trinity College). Richard is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves as an adjunct professor at Monash University’s Business School, where he teaches corporate governance in the MBA programs.
Anthony (Tony) Gill
With a background in the finance industry, mostly with Macquarie Bank, Tony Gill holds a number of directorships and was previously on the board of the Board of the Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders and the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Development Committee. Tony holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Accountant (retired).
Peter Jopling AM KC
Peter Jopling AM KC is Chair of number of philanthropic NGOs and joins our Board after a long career as a Kings Council practicing Australia wide in the Federal and State Supreme Courts.
In his philanthropic roles Peter is Chair of the Melbourne Art Foundation, the Melbourne University Humanities Foundation, The Menzies Foundation, The Ian Potter Museum and a Life Governor of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. In 2014 Peter was made a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law in Victoria and to the community. He chair of Lucy Guerin Inc, a director of Lux Australis and an Ambassador for the Australian National Academy of Music.
Monika Kwiatkowski
Monika is a corporate strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions specialist with over 12 years’ experience across industries including consulting, financial services and technology. She was former Chief Financial Officer of advertising and digital marketing group GrowthOps Ltd with offices across Australia and Asia
Monika's strategy experience includes senior roles in Group Strategy and Enterprise Services Strategy at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Prior to this she was a member of CBA’s internal M&A financial modelling team. Before joining CBA, Monika worked as an investment manager focused on emerging markets (particularly Africa), and in M&A advisory at KPMG Corporate Finance.
Monika holds a Graduate Diploma (Chartered Accountants), as well as a Bachelor of Finance majoring in Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), both from the University of Adelaide. She is also a Level 1 Certified organisational coach.
Monika's passions include mountain climbing and equestrian sports.
John Pitman
Armed with a degree in Biological Anthropology from Cambridge University, UK, John turned his back on primatology and instead spent six years with The Dow Chemical Company, before completing an MBA at IMD in Switzerland. In 1996, seeking more sunshine, he joined Coca-Cola Amatil in Sydney, Australia, where he spent four years as Head of Commercial Planning. In 2000, he joined the Sydney based News Corporation - Softbank vehicle, "e-Ventures", as Chief Operating Officer. Eschewing the corporate world, John then took on the role of Managing Director at a privately owned accessories wholesale business, where he remained for 12 years. He is currently CEO of Krunchbox and has an alter ego as a professional musician.
Margie Seale
Margie has been a music lover and keen reader all her life. After an executive career which culminated in her being CEO of Random House Australia and New Zealand, and President of Asia Development for Random House, Inc, she joined the non executive world. Currently she is a non executive director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Westpac Scholars Trust and Scentre Group. Previously she served on a variety of other boards including Telstra Corporation, Ramsay Health Care, Penguin Random House, Chief Executive Women, Sydney Writers’ Festival and the Powerhouse Museum.
In 2015, with her husband, Margie founded philanthropic literary travel company Ponder & See, which funds literary adventures for interested readers. She donates funds and time to create, organise and lead the trips and gives away proceeds to writers’ festivals or individual writers.
She is an avid traveller, reader, and music lover, and undertakes arduous walking and cycling trips so she can eat delicious food.
Claire Wivell Plater
Since stepping away from legal practice in 2020, Claire has deployed her entrepreneurial and governance skills as a non-executive director of a diverse portfolio of companies including Youi Insurance, Aware Financial Services, Athena Financial, AuditCover and Zero Hash Australia. She is also Deputy Chair of The Stella Prize.
Claire’s initial career focus of insurance law saw her build a large insurance litigation practice within Philips Fox (now DLA Piper), while also diversifying into digital compliance training, litigation management software and financial services distribution consulting. Claire then founded boutique financial services regulatory advice firm, The Fold Legal. She led the firm’s expansion from insurance into wealth management, credit, fintech and cryptocurrency, culminating in its sale to Halo Group in 2021.
During this period Claire contributed to the growth of Australia’s fintech sector, assisting to found Fintech Australia, advising the Federal Government and leading a number of industry working parties contributing to government policy development in diverse areas such as the regulatory sandbox, digital advice and blockchain regulation. She was a longstanding member of ASIC’s Business Advisory Committee. She continues to provide strategic advice to a number of early stage fintech ventures.
Conductor Emeritus
Antony Walker
Antony Walker is currently Music Director of Pittsburgh Opera, Artistic Director of Washington Concert Opera and Conductor Emeritus of Pinchgut Opera.
Antony has conducted over 100 operas, as well as many large-scale choral/orchestral, symphonic and chamber works with companies across Europe, the United States and Australia, in addition to performances and recordings of early works with the Orchestra of the Antipodes, the period instrument orchestra he formed in 2001. He has led operatic performances for The Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, Washington National Opera, Opera Australia, West Australian Opera, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Santa Fe Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Minnesota Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Arizona Opera, New York City Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Vancouver Opera and Cincinnati Opera. He has also appeared with leading orchestras including the Sydney and Melbourne symphony orchestras, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Orchestra Colonne in Paris.
With well over 30 recordings on CD and DVD, his Pinchgut Opera live recordings consistently win praise both in Australia and abroad. His CD collaboration with Teddy Tahu Rhodes (The Voice) garnered the 2004 ARIA Award for Best Classical Music Album of the Year, and his DVD of the ‘Emperor’ Concerto (also on CD as part of a complete set of the Beethoven Piano Concertos) won the international DVD Association Award for Music Excellence.
Antony Walker is the recipient of the distinguished Sir Charles Mackerras Conducting Award, a Churchill Fellowship, the Queen’s Trust Award, and a Green Room Award for his conducting of Alcina for Opera Australia.
Founder and Life Patron
Liz Nielsen
Elizabeth Nielsen, along with her husband Ken Nielsen, Erin Helyard, Alison Johnston and Anna Cerneaz, was a founder of Pinchgut Opera. Liz had taught commercial law and established a mediation practice (good training for running an opera company!) before she realised she had retired from the law as Pinchgut Opera was far more fun and was taking all her time. For Pinchgut, Liz has done just about every administrative job from negotiating contracts and grant applications to making lunches and billeting musicians. Liz was Chair of the Board from 2002 until December 2016.
Legacy Patron
The late Jeremy Davis AM
Jeremy served as Pinchgut Board Director for four years and was an incredibly valued advisor.
He was a company director and strategy consultant. He had spent ten years with The Boston Consulting Group in the USA and Europe. He then was appointed Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, where he was an Emeritus Professor.
He also served as a Director of a wide range of companies and institutions including Transurban, Singapore Power and the Australian Stock Exchange.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and perform, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation – the first storytellers and singers of songs.
We pay our respects to their elders past and present.
CONTACT
PO Box 291, Strawberry Hills, NSW, 2012, Australia
Ticketing and Customer Service 02 9037 3444
ticketing@pinchgutopera.com.au
info@pinchgutopera.com.au
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