Australian soprano steps in to play lead role in the Royal Opera’s L’Elisir d’Amore.

Young Australian Soprano Kiandra Howarth, who is currently on the Royal Opera’s prestigious Jette Parker Young Artists Programme was given a career changing opportunity last night as she was called up to sing the lead role of Adina in Covent Garden’s production of Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore opposite opera superstar Bryn Terfel.

The soprano from Queensland, who was previously performing the smaller role of Giannetta in the Royal Opera’s 1950’s themed production directed by Laurent Pelly, stepped in to cover the lead female role after British soprano Lucy Crowe was forced to withdraw due to illness.

Speaking after the performance Howarth said, “It was only half way through Act 1 that the enomority of what I was doing dawned on me. One of the proudest moments of my career was definitely being brought on for an extra bow.”

Kiandra Howarth in L’elisir d’amore

The last minute cast change was also good news for another Australian singing talent Lauren Fagan, who made her Royal Opera House main stage debut in last night’s performance singing the role of Giannetta. Fagan is also currently on the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme, which is one opera’s most coveted professional development opportunities, attracting scores of applicants from all over the world every year for just a handful of places.