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 86-year history of the ABCI.
Read Nick's staff profile."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."
LEAH PHILLIPS
Administrative Assistant
Leah Phillips brings a wealth of experience to ABCI from her marketing roles at Musica Viva Australia, AMEB, and the City of Boroondara. She also serves on the board of Lyric Opera of Melbourne and is an accomplished soprano, winning the 2021 Opera Scholar of the Year Aria competition and the Boroondara Eisteddfod Vocal Championship. In 2024, she performed the role of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Trentino Music Festival and completed a study tour to London and Germany. Most recently, Leah sang the English National Anthem at the Women's Ashes Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"I'm excited to join ABCI and be part of a team that nurtures young voices and elevates choral music education."
NAOMI HEYDEN
Director of Training Choirs / Teacher-in-Charge of Junior Singers & Probationers
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 Junior Singers & Probationers, as well as being Director of Training Choirs.
With a particular interest in Kodály-inspired education, she has also taught at Erasmus Primary School, Ivanhoe Grammar School, St. Kevin’s College and Melbourne Youth Chorale. As a performer, she has sung with various Melbourne choirs and enjoys sharing her love of music with choristers of all ages.
Read Naomi's staff profile."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."
TIMOTHY MALLIS
Teacher-in-Charge of Kelly Gang / Teacher-in-Charge of Tyros
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."
JACK JORDAN
Teacher-in-Charge of Cambiata / Tyro Tutor
Jack Jordan is a Melbourne-based classical musician with a passion for opera, concert performance, and recital. His musical journey began at the Australian Boys Choral Institute, where he developed his dedication and love for music.
Jack has performed across Melbourne and Sydney with some of Australia’s premier ensembles and companies, including Victorian Opera, The Song Company, The Consort of Melbourne, Bach Akademie Australia, and Pinchgut Opera.
He holds a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) and a Graduate Diploma in Music (Opera Performance) from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, supported by the Future Generations Scholarship. His achievements include Runner-Up in the 18th Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Competition, the Joan Arnold and Bettine McCaughan Memorial Award (2019 & 2021 Liederfest Competitions), and the Mona McCaughey Scholarship from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Read Jack's staff profile."I think the choir offers a very unique experience that is rarely available to children. The sense of community, teamwork, fostering of a discipline, and a lot more wrapped up in a neat little package."
ELIZA BENNETTS O'CONNOR
Teacher-in-Charge of Probationers & Early Learners / Probationer Tutor
Eliza Bennetts O’Connor is a classical singer and teaching artist. She works extensively with children, teaching singing, piano, performing arts and music theory. She values the reward of teaching and working with children, finding their energy and development inspiring.
As a musician, Eliza has performed with some of the state's finest companies across a range of concert, opera and early music repertoire. Last year, she was selected as an emerging artist with The Song Company and is delighted to have been invited back in 2025. Recent performance highlights include Belinda in Dido and Aeneas (Purcell), Tytania in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Britten), Cupid in Venus & Adonis (Blow), as well as the soprano solos in Rejoice in the Lamb (Britten) and Gloria (Vivaldi). In 2020, Eliza was a principal artist for the Victorian Opera initiative, Baby Bilby Loves to Sing, an interactive children's storybook. Alongside her performance pursuits, Eliza is one of the core members 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."
NICHOLAS CHRISTIE
Senior Tutor of Tyros / Administrative Assistant
Gaining his first formal musical education at the Australian Boys Choral Institute in 2007, Nick has since continued his involvement with the institute singing and touring with the performing choir, later joining the Kelly Gang in 2015. Nick has worked at the institute as both a Senior and Junior singer tutor in 2018 and is currently Senior Tutor to the Tyros.
In 2018, Nick commenced his study at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, specialising in classical voice performance under the tutelage of Stephen Grant. In 2017, Nick made his debut with Victorian Opera, performing in the Youth Opera, The Second Hurricane, and has continued to work with the company since then performing in several shows such as William Tell (Rossini) in 2018 and Parsifal (Wagner) in 2019. Nick is passionate about music performance and is excited to work with Australia’s fine musicians of the future.
"The ABCI continues to nurture young musicians, providing a firm foundation for musical excellence and an unparalleled pathway to success in both the music industry and the wider community. My experience has been so valuable and should not be denied to the future generations of musicians and creatives."
DECLAN FARR
Senior Tutor of Junior Singers & Senior Singers / Cambiata & Probationer 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."
JOSHUA VASS
Junior Singer & Senior Singer Tutor
Joshua Vass began singing with the Australian Boys Choir Institute in 2012. He was presented with the VJ Kelly Award and became the Choir Leader in 2019.
Josh toured with the Choir to New Zealand (2015), Central Australia (2017), Europe (2018) and South Australia (2019).He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, where he continued his training in music theory and musicianship (rhythmic, melodic and harmonic analysis). Josh also trained with the Victorian Opera Youth Program (2019-2022) and is a member of the Vocal Consort (2022-current). Josh is no stranger to the professional stage, with experience performing with Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Universal Studios and the Gordon Frost Organisation. Josh’s awards include, The IAAPA, Brass Ring Award: Best Theatrical Production (Voice of an Angel – Universal Studios 2017), Green Room Award: Production of the Year (Opera Australia - King Roger 2018), Royal South Street Vocal Competition Winner (2018), Victorian Music Theatre Guild Nomination for Michael Banks (Mary Poppins 2015), Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid 2022).
CLYDE SANIGA
Junior Singer & Senior Singer Tutor / Probationer Tutor
Clyde Saniga works as a Tutor for the Junior Singer and Senior Singer groups at the ABCI. He began his musical education at the ABCI in 2011 and is still performing and touring with the Choir to date. Clyde is studying at the VCA, majoring on saxophone in its Jazz and Improvisation course. Here he participates in many small jazz ensembles on saxophone and voice. Prior to this he had been studying classical voice under the tutelage of Jocelyn Hickey at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, focusing on German Romantic Lieder. Clyde’s compositional energies are working on finding a mid-ground between classical choral works and improvisational based choral styles. He also creates through his funk band and blacksmithing business. Most of his creations focus on his admiration of Country and First Nations Peoples' way of life.
“Involvement in the ABCI provides a model of how to function efficiently, effectively, and enjoyably in all world experiences.”
IAN DAMMAN
Tyro Tutor
Beginning with The Australian Boys Choral Institute in 2011 Ian has gone on to sing with The Vocal Consort and is now tutoring Probationers. Prior to studying classical voice at the Melbourne Conservatorium with Dr. Heather Fletcher, he attended the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary school where he was taught by Dermot Tutty.
Ian has been singing at St. Andrews Brighton as a choral scholar since 2022, as well as making his operatic debut in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Britten) in the same year.
“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.”