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Posted Oct 06, 2025
Stuart Laing's journey as a former Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist
From early opportunities on the West Australian Opera stage to a career that has taken him across the UK and back home to Perth, Stuart Laing’s journey shows the far-reaching impact of the Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program. Read about his story and his return to WAO, ahead of Il trovatore.
"When I think back on my journey as a singer, the Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Program stands out as a real turning point. In 2009/10, I was lucky enough to be part of the program with West Australian Opera, which built on my stagecraft, theatre awareness, and orchestral experience. Singing Basilio and Don Curzio in Le nozze di Figaro in my first season gave me the chance to get out there, work with professional musicians, and build the kind of confidence you only get from being on stage.
Being a very grateful recipient of the Bendat Scholarship made the next step possible. It helped me travel to the UK to audition, and that trip changed everything. I successfully auditioned and was awarded a place on the renowned opera course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Studying there with leading European teachers showed me the standard of singing expected at the highest level, and what it really takes to sustain a career in this art form.
I went on to spend 13 years in the UK, including seven years in the full-time chorus at Opera North. It’s one of the country’s leading opera companies, and the experience of being there shaped me enormously. Across more than 50 productions, 21 tours, and over 20 roles performed and covered, I also had the privilege of working with over 15 acclaimed conductors and directors. All of that gave me a much broader perspective on opera performance.
Coming back to Perth with my young family after so many years away was very grounding, and I was warmly welcomed back by West Australian Opera, which gave me a real sense of belonging again. The chorus here is proper world-class, and while I felt a bit intimidated at first, I was grateful to be back among such talented colleagues. Two productions still stand out as personal favourites: singing Nick in La fanciulla del West in 2009, and Horace Adams in Peter Grimes at the Perth International Arts Festival in 2010.
Now I’m looking ahead to Il trovatore. It’s a dramatic opera with huge emotions at its heart, and I’ll be performing the role of Ruiz. His interjections push the drama forward, and apart from Act 4, he always seems to be on the run!
Looking back, I feel proud to be a former Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities that support gave me along the way."
Coming back to Perth with my young family after so many years away was very grounding, and I was warmly welcomed back by West Australian Opera, which gave me a real sense of belonging again. The chorus here is proper world-class, and while I felt a bit intimidated at first, I was grateful to be back among such talented colleagues. Two productions still stand out as personal favourites: singing Nick in La fanciulla del West in 2009, and Horace Adams in Peter Grimes at the Perth International Arts Festival in 2010.
Now I’m looking ahead to Il trovatore. It’s a dramatic opera with huge emotions at its heart, and I’ll be performing the role of Ruiz. His interjections push the drama forward, and apart from Act 4, he always seems to be on the run!
Looking back, I feel proud to be a former Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities that support gave me along the way."
