OUR STAFF
The Australian Boys Choir prides itself on its high staff/singer ratio across the board. In addition to each level of the Choir being led by well-qualified musicians and teachers, each training group also has one or more tutors who work intensively with singers on their musical skills. Read more about each of the staff members of the ABCI below.
NICHOLAS DINOPOULOS
Artistic Director
Nicholas Dinopoulos studied singing at The University of Melbourne under Merlyn Quaife AM and furthered his training as a studio artist of Gertrude Opera.
He maintains a busy performance schedule consisting of various concert, recital and operatic engagements, most notably as a core member of Songmakers Australia.
Mr Dinopoulos has appeared as a guest soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Bach Musica NZ, Genesis Baroque, Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, Monash Academy Orchestra, Australian Haydn Ensemble, Ludovico’s Band, Latitude 37, IHOS Opera (Hobart), Victorian Opera (Melbourne) and Pinchgut Opera (Sydney).
In addition to frequent live broadcasts on ABC Classic, 3MBS FM and Australian Digital Concert Hall, his performances have been recorded by both the Chandos and Pinchgut Live labels. He has also given the world premiere performances of several significant new works from among the rising generation of Australian composers.
As a conductor and educator, he has held positions at The University of Melbourne (Music Director, Melbourne Conservatorium Chamber Choir, 2019-present) and the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music (Music Director, Monash University Singers & Sessional Voice Teacher, 2014-2020). He was also resident vocal consultant to the National Youth Choir of Australia for four consecutive seasons from 2015-2018 and has served as guest chorus director for several large-scale projects with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra.
In 2024, he commenced his tenure as Artistic Director of Western Australia’s premier chamber choir, the Giovanni Consort, founded in 1995.
A specialist in the field of changing voice and young men’s singing, he has been on staff at the Australian Boys Choral Institute since 2007.
He is only the fifth Artistic Director appointed in the 87-year history of the ABCI.
"Without a doubt, I have the best job in the world and remain in awe of what the singers of the ABCI continue to achieve."
ELIZABETH LINDNER
General Manager
Liz was appointed to the role of General Manager early in 2022 but her involvement with the Choir spans well over a decade.
As her two sons progressed through the ranks of the Choir, both achieving the highest rank of Chorister and currently performing with the Kelly Gang and The Vocal Consort, Liz worked in many volunteer roles, including as Marketing Team Leader and as part of the Caring Team on numerous Weekend Workshops, Summer Schools, and Australian and international tours.
With close to two decades of professional experience in strategic communications management and consulting across a range of sectors, Liz brings to the role a passion for the arts and the not-for-profit sector.
"The ABCI nurtures excellence and commitment in boys and young men on both a personal and a communal level in music, education and life. And it manages to do so with absolute warmth and humanity. I feel so privileged to be involved."
TIMOTHY MALLIS
Assistant Artistic Director / Teacher-in-Charge of Kelly Gang & Junior Singers
Tim Mallis is a Melbourne-based musician specialising in composition and piano accompaniment. He is a passionate advocate for music education and bringing new Australian compositions to life. Tim is a graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music majoring in organ and composition. As an award-winning composer, he has written for some of Australia’s finest ensembles and is frequently commissioned for works by local arts bodies.
An alumnus of the Franz-Schubert-Institut, Tim is in high demand as an accompanist, organist, and conductor. Among his most recent roles, he was the Associate Director of Music at St Andrew’s Anglican Church and is the current Repetiteur for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
Since 2003, Tim has been associated with The Australian Boys Choral Institute and is currently a Teacher-in-Charge and member of The Vocal Consort. Tim is also employed by Opera Australia and Victorian Opera as a surtitle specialist.
"I am proud to be a part of The Australian Boys Choir because it provides the highest quality of music education and the opportunity to sing in the finest ensemble of its kind. I love the Choir because it provides a unique space for boys to be proud of their voices; both in song and as young men in the community."
NAOMI HEYDEN
Director of Training Choirs / Teacher-in-Charge of Tyros & Cambiata
Naomi Heyden joined the staff of Australian Boys Choral Institute in 2001. She holds tertiary qualifications in both Music & Education from Monash and Deakin Universities, and has taught across the breadth of Institute’s training program. She currently serves as Teacher-in-Charge of Tyros and Cambiata, as well as being Director of Training Choirs.
With a particular interest in Kodály-inspired education, Naomi currently teaches at Haileybury (Edrington campus). Her previous school positions include Erasmus Primary School, St Kevin's College, and Ivanhoe Grammar School. Naomi has also taught at the Melbourne Youth Chorale and has worked as a teaching mentor and workshop presenter for The Song Room and Musica Viva.
As a performer, Naomi has sung with various Melbourne choirs and enjoys sharing her love of music with choristers of all ages.
"The high standard of musical education and performance makes the Australian Boys Choir an enjoyable and rewarding workplace. I love watching all the results that come from the efforts of our talented and dedicated students and staff."
ELIZA BENNETTS O'CONNOR
Teacher-in-Charge of Probationers & Early Learners
Eliza Bennetts O’Connor is a classical singer and teaching artist who works extensively with children, teaching singing, piano, and music theory. Alongside her role at the Australian Boys Choir, Eliza teaches singing at Geelong Grammar School. She values the reward of teaching and working with children, finding their energy and development inspiring.
As a performer, Eliza has worked with some of the state’s finest companies across a wide range of concert, opera, chamber and early music repertoire. She has been delighted to participate in The Song Company’s Emerging Artist Programs in 2024 and 2025, most recently performing in their Love’s Four Seasons program, directed by leading UK choral director Eamonn Dougan. 2025 also saw Eliza’s success as a finalist in prestigious classical singing competitions; The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Competition and National Liederfest Competition. Other recent highlights include singing in the Melbourne International Film Festival with The Consort of Melbourne for Julia Holter’s reimagined The Passion of Joan of Arc, Belinda in Dido and Aeneas (Purcell), Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Britten), Cupid in Venus & Adonis (Blow), and soprano solo roles in Missa Sancti Nicolai (Haydn), Rejoice in the Lamb (Britten) and Gloria (Vivaldi). Eliza has also enjoyed recording projects including Bel Canto Rediscovered: a research project with Neal Peres Da Cost & Anna Fraser and Victorian Opera’s Baby Bilby Loves to Sing, an interactive children’s storybook initiative. Eliza is also a core member of the St James Old Cathedral Voices. Eliza is a graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and holds a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) and a Master of Music (Opera Performance). During her studies, Eliza’s artistry and development were recognised and supported by the Francis Quinn Arts Excellence, Margaret Schofield Memorial and the Murray Ormond Vagg Scholarships.
"I think every child should have the opportunity to learn and to love music. The Australian Boy’s Choir provides this opportunity in a community-focussed, excellence-forward setting."
DECLAN FARR
Senior Tutor of Junior Singers & Senior Singers / Cambiata Tutor
Declan Farr began his musical journey in 2010 when he joined the Australian Boys Choir. Over the years, he has toured New Zealand and was one of the inaugural members of the Cambiata group, eventually progressing to join the Vocal Consort.
In 2024, Declan completed his undergraduate degree in music performance at the Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of Dr. Heather Fletcher and is currently pursuing an honours degree. Having participated in numerous productions, Declan performed with Victorian Opera in "The Grumpiest Boy in the World" and took on the role of Snug in a Master's of Opera production of Benjamin Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." These achievements, along with his commitment to both solo and ensemble performance, underscore his dedication to music and his growth as a versatile performer.
In addition to his performance work, Declan began tutoring at the Australian Boys Choir in 2022 and has worked with all groups within the institute. His dedication to mentoring young singers reflects his passion for fostering musical growth and passing on the knowledge and skills he has developed throughout his career.
"I believe that the Australian Boys Choir is like no other activity. Not only because of the musical skills and pathways it fosters, but also the life-long friendships and bonds that are created at the organisation."
IAN DAMMAN
Senior Tutor of Tyros
After joining the ABCI in 2011, the institution gave Ian the skills to attend the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, and later the Melbourne Conservatorium of where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 2024. His first emergence into the opera world was with Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the role of Theseus. Ian now works as a freelance Classical singer throughout Melbourne's choral scene as a member of Polyphonic Voices, The Astra Choir, The Vocal Consort, and as a Bass Scholar at St. Francis Church on Lonsdale Street. He most enjoys singing Australian music and bringing new compositions to life with other like minded musicians. Ian began tutoring at the Australian Boys Choir in 2023 and has since stepped into the role of Senior Tyro tutor.
“The ABCI has encouraged and supported me throughout my life, and being able to watch budding musicians make lifelong friends and skills is an unbelievably rewarding experience.”
CLYDE SANIGA
Junior Singer & Senior Singer Tutor
Clyde Saniga is a vocalist, saxophonist and teacher based in Melbourne. He began his musical journey at the ABCI in 2011 and sang with the Choir until 2025. It was with the ABCI that he developed his love for singing in choirs, and feels privileged to be able to teach the next generation.
In 2025 Clyde graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz and Improvisation) at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Saxophone. He is currently undertaking a Research Honours exploring Lithuanian naturalistic choral music. As a composer, Clyde is exploring the possibilities of Saxophone + Choir ensembles as an amalgam of jazz and classical styles.
Clyde’s classical singing extends to various choirs including The Astra Choir, The Invenio Singers, St James Old Cathedral Voices, Polyphonic Voices, The Amber Well, and The National Youth Choir of Australia. He also performs in various jazz and funk ensembles around Melbourne (Narrm).
“Involvement in the ABCI provides a model of how to function efficiently, effectively, and enjoyably in all world experiences.”
LILY FLYNN
Junior Singer & Senior Singer Tutor
Trained as a tutor at the Australian Girls Choir, Lily has over five years of experience teaching voice, piano, guitar and music theory. Her teaching is strongly influenced by the Kodály method, and she is passionate about exploring different methods to suit the individual learning style and needs of every student. Lily strives to create a positive, encouraging environment that nurtures creativity and enjoyment, while also maintaining high standards and clear musical goals.
A current Master of Opera student at the University of Melbourne and an active performer herself, Lily aims to pass on strong reliable skills, and a lifelong love of music.
"In many of Australia’s most prestigious ensembles and choirs, you are likely to find at least one musician who trained at ABCI. As a professional ensemble singer myself, I can recognise an ABCI alumnus instantly through their excellent sight-reading, sensitive ensemble skills, and personable professionalism. It is a privilege to be part of the team shaping the next generation of outstanding musicians."
OLIVER CLARKE
Tyro Tutor
Oliver Clarke has been singing with the Australian Boys Choir since 2013, progressing through to achieve the rank of Chorister, touring across Australia and Europe with the Performing Squad. Oliver continues to perform with the choir as a current member of The Vocal Consort.
Oliver is also a past member of the Victorian Opera Youth Chorus Ensemble. Currently, Oliver is studying classical French Horn at the Conservatorium of Music under the direction of Carla Blackwood, concurrent with a Science degree at The University of Melbourne, majoring in Agricultural Science.
Oliver draws significant musical inspiration from his passion for the outdoors, spending much of his time working on the family farm or travelling regional Australia.
"The choir has always been there for me, and to all those who seek such a profound sense of belonging and acceptance. It’s so important for children and teens to have that sense of meaning and fulfilment in their lives."
PHOEBE TAIT
Probationer Tutor
Phoebe Tait is a classical soprano, professional chorister, music educator and artistic director. She is a graduate of Classical Voice from the University of Western Australia (UWA), and is currently completing her Master of Music (Opera Performance) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Before moving to Melbourne in 2025, Phoebe worked all around Perth, notably with The St George’s Cathedral Consort, The Giovanni Consort, The St George’s College Consort, Western Australian Opera and The Western Australian Orchestra. Phoebe has been tutored by and worked alongside members of VOCES8, The Song Company and I Fagiolini. Phoebe frequently featured as a soloist at St George’s College, St George’s Cathedral and various UWA Orchestras. She was the Musical Director of the St George’s College a capella group ‘The Mockingbirds’ for 2 years and has since taught voice and music theory at various schools in Perth and Melbourne, and explored composition and arranging for choirs.
In Melbourne, Phoebe is a choral scholar at St Peter’s Eastern Hill and has worked with Victorian Opera on their community outreach show “The Lyrebird’s Voice”.
Phoebe is thrilled to be working with The Australian Boys Choir, she cannot wait to help nurture the next generation of brilliant musicians.
“Being in this high quality choir training program will truely change a child’s life. The sense of community, skill development and self confidence is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives”