Three students from The King’s School started 2026 on a high note.
Earlier this year, Alexander Bruegger, Vihaan Gupta and Daniel Delafaille began rehearsals with Opera Australia’s Children’s Chorus in the production of Hansel and Gretel.
The experience proved that trying something new can open doors to remarkable opportunities.
Auditioning for a professional production
While auditioning for a professional production can be daunting, the boys believed preparation and persistence were key to their success.
For Daniel, months of practice made all the difference.
“After working hard in singing lessons with my teacher Mr Oxley, I felt very confident with the song I was auditioning with,” he says. “When my name was called, I walked into the room and put all my hard work into the performance. I walked out feeling great and proud.”
Alexander also approached the audition experience with determination, even though nerves were part of the process.
“Give it a go,” he says when asked what advice he would give other students. “I wasn’t expecting to be selected for my first opera, but I thought I would try even though I was really nervous at the time. Make sure you feel confident with the music you choose for your audition.”
Perseverance pays off
For Vihaan, perseverance played a key role. Having auditioned several times before being selected, he learned that success often follows persistence.
“I’ve been auditioning since Year 5 and was rejected three times,” he explains. “Sometimes you’re not the right height or age for that particular show. But keep trying. After those attempts, I was fortunate to be selected for two shows back-to-back.”
Rehearsals and performance schedule
Rehearsals for Hansel and Gretel began on 2 January, with a demanding schedule that quickly introduced the students to the discipline of professional performance. For the first month, rehearsals were held three times each week before transitioning to a busy performance schedule.
“We had two to three shows every week in the final month,” Vihaan says. “It was busy, but it was also very fun and social.”
Balancing school and performance
Balancing rehearsals, performances and school commitments required careful organisation. Late nights and occasional early departures from school were part of the routine, but supportive teachers and a strong sense of purpose made the challenge manageable.
“We were allowed to bring books and study backstage when we weren’t performing,” Vihaan adds. “So I was able to keep up with my schoolwork as well.”
Lessons learned beyond the stage
While performing on stage was a highlight, the experience also provided valuable life lessons.
Alexander found that opera requires far more than simply singing.
“You need to be able to sing well, but you also need to stay in character and act at the same time,” he explains. “You also learn a lot about teamwork.”
For Daniel, working with talented young performers from different backgrounds was particularly inspiring.
“I learned how kids from different places and journeys can come together and perform,” he says. “Everyone was very talented in their field, and the experience taught me a lot about collaboration.”
Professionalism at Opera Australia
The professionalism expected in a major production also left a lasting impression on Vihaan.
“The standard is quite high at Opera Australia,” he explains. “We had to move in an organised way, stay quiet backstage and always be sensible on stage because everyone around us was working. It really gave us a glimpse of what a professional workplace is like.”
Performing at the Sydney Opera House
Performing in the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House was an unforgettable moment.
“It was very cool performing there in front of large audiences,” Daniel says. “I wasn’t nervous because we had all put in so much work and I was confident in our skills as a chorus.”
The experience reinforced the value of preparation — knowing that the countless hours of rehearsal made it possible to step on stage with confidence.
A strong musical culture at The King’s School
Behind the students’ success is the strong musical culture fostered within the School. Vocal teacher Mr Joshua Oxley knows firsthand how powerful the world of opera can be.
“My parents, both singers, met at the Opera House more than 30 years ago,” he explains. “I was on stage myself as a child in Madama Butterfly, and I quickly grew to love the depth of expression in opera.”
Mr Oxley believes that the opportunities available to students today are exceptional.
“Thanks to the leadership in the music department, students at The King’s School have every opportunity to flourish in their singing. Many boys play multiple instruments and have a well-rounded knowledge of music. The choirs give them a chance to explore different languages and styles while learning the power of singing together.”
He also emphasises that performance opportunities — whether at school or on professional stages — play an important role in developing confidence.
“When auditions arise for opera productions, musicals or competitions, students already have the repertoire and experience to present themselves at their best,” he says.
Advice for future performers
For Alexander, Vihaan and Daniel, their time with Opera Australia has been about far more than simply performing in an opera. The experience has reinforced the importance of preparation, resilience and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Daniel offers simple but powerful advice to students considering an audition of their own.
“It’s impossible to achieve your goals if you don’t do anything to accomplish them,” he says. “Even if you’re not successful, you’ll always get something out of the experience. It’s not about how well you do, it’s about how you respond.”
For these three students, taking that first step led to a remarkable experience on one of the world’s most famous stages – proof that sometimes the greatest opportunities begin with simply giving something a go.