Wesfarmers Arts Young Artists

West Australian Opera is committed to nurturing the next generation of opera professionals via the Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program.

In 2023, the program recipients are Bella Marslen (soprano), Jillian Halleron (soprano), Ammon Bennett (tenor), and Jake Bigwood (bass). The artists will work closely with WAO Artistic Director, Christopher van Tuinen, and program Patron, Emma Matthews AM.

The Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program offers a mentorship experience for Western Australian artists that includes coaching, masterclasses and performance. The program aims to develop technical skills and stagecraft. The support of Wesfarmers Arts and the Bendat Family Foundation, who support the Bendat Scholarship, has seen graduates build successful careers on opera stages locally, nationally and internationally.

“I’m very excited to work more with this talented group of future opera stars. Opera is one of the most difficult crafts to master and singers spend many years developing their talent, gathering experience and maturing vocally and dramatically. The flexibility in our program to continue our mentorship over multiple years provides a unique opportunity for ongoing training, support and performance opportunities. The Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program has a produced many artists who have graced stages here and around the world, and I expect Bella, Jillian, Ammon and Jake to continue this fine reputation.”- Christopher van Tuinen.