A classical music lover from a young age, Henry began performing in 2004 at the age of ten in the children’s chorus of Opera Queensland. Soon thereafter, Henry moved to Vienna to become the first Australian member of the Vienna Boys’ Choir, with whom he toured extensively and performed under the batons of many renowned conductors, including Bertrand De Billy, Simone Young and Riccardo Muti.

Henry completed his formal vocal training in his hometown of Brisbane at the Queensland Conservatorium under Associate Professor Margaret Schindler. He performed several leading roles in Conservatorium operas, and in 2018 won a scholarship to the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School. He has also had success in several major singing competitions.

After a short period performing in the chorus of Opera Australia, Henry moved to Bratislava to take up a position with the Slovak National Theatre, where he performed for two years. In addition to opera, Henry regularly performs as a soloist in song recitals and oratorios, and runs a busy teaching studio. As the founder and artistic force behind BLO, Henry combines his extensive performance experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to artistic excellence to create a lasting legacy for opera in Brisbane.

Ellen Buckley
Music Director

Ellen is an accomplished professional accompanist, pit musician, and conductor, bringing a wealth of expertise and artistry to her role as Music Director at Brisbane Lyric Opera. Based in Sydney, she has built an illustrious career performing and conducting in numerous high-calibre musical productions, showcasing her exceptional skill as both a pianist and conductor. Her passion for the Italian language and culture has led her to work extensively in Italy, where she has distinguished herself as both a performer and educator, enriching her musical perspective with international experience.

In addition to her mastery of the piano, Ellen is a highly skilled double-bassist, having performed with the prestigious Australian Youth Orchestra across multiple seasons. Her versatility as a multi instrumentalist, combined with her deep understanding of musical direction, positions her as a dynamic leader in the rehearsal room and on the stage.

As BLO’s Music Director, Ellen will play a pivotal role in shaping the artistic vision of our productions, overseeing musical preparation with meticulous attention to detail, and serving as our chief conductor. Her commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit will elevate our performances, ensuring that each production resonates with audiences and upholds BLO’s reputation for world-class opera. We are thrilled to welcome Ellen to our team, where her talent and leadership will inspire performers and audiences alike.