Queensland Conservatorium classical voice graduate Jake Lyle is hard at work preparing for his debut as the lead in Opera Australia’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
The musical returns for a highly anticipated, limited run at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour from 27 March – 3 May 2026.
The sweeping al fresco production plays out on a floating stage with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its backdrop.
22 year old Mr Lyle, originally from Gladstone, graduated from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Classical Voice in 2025, and that same year, auditioned for a part in the ensemble cast of the iconic musical Phantom of The Opera.
Landing the role of the Phantom, Mr Lyle said, was a huge shock.
“I went in with the hope I would be part of the ensemble, so to be playing the lead is incredible.
“I’ve dreamed of playing this part since I was a little kid,” he said.
Mr Lyle trained under Associate Professor Margaret Schindler at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and she has continued to provide vocal coaching to support Mr Lyle’s preparation as intensive rehearsals have begun in Sydney.
Associate Professor Schindler said this is a thrilling opportunity for Mr Lyle, who now gets to draw on the full breadth of his four years of classical voice training.
“The Conservatorium’s program emphasises a solid technical foundation and a dynamic, physically engaged approach to performance—skills that set Jake up beautifully for the vocal stamina and stagecraft required in a demanding rehearsal schedule and performance run.
“His ability to move confidently between classical and musical theatre styles is a real asset, and stepping into the Phantom gives him the perfect chance to lean into that classical setup, while exploring the rich vocal colours and dramatic nuance the role celebrates,” she said.
Featured
