Kiandra Howarth Returns to Opera Australia

Interview - July 19, 2025

CONTEXT

A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium and a former Young Artist with both Opera Queensland and Opera Australia, Kiandra Howarth makes her long-awaited return to Opera Australia after 13 years.

Kiandra has performed in some of the world’s leading opera houses, taking on many of the repertoire’s most beloved soprano roles. Her recent appearances include performances at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Opernhaus Zürich, Staatsoper Hannover, Victorian Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, and more.

Don’t miss Kiandra’s highly anticipated return in one of opera’s most iconic soprano roles — the elegant and heartbroken Countess Almaviva.

QUICK QUESTIONS

• What role are you loving most right now?

  Manon Lescaut (as I am currently in the midst of preparing it)

• Favourite city you’ve performed in?

  Rome

• Is there an aria you never get tired of singing?

  Desdemona’s Ave Maria

• Dream role you haven’t tackled yet…

  Salome

• If you weren’t an opera singer, what path would you have taken?

  Interpreter for the United Nations

• Fun fact about you most people don’t know…

  I am fluent in four languages

CURRENT SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Revisiting Rusalka, one of my most cherished roles, alongside making my debut in two incredible Strauss roles—Arabella and the Feldmarschallin—has been both challenging and rewarding.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

I am currently preparing the role of Manon Lescaut, marking my first foray into Puccini’s more dramatic repertoire. This role presents a unique challenge for me, as I haven’t had extensive recent experience with Italian opera. My focus has been primarily on German and Slavic works, so I am eager to explore and debut this role in the coming months.

PERFORMING IN AUSTRALIA

Returning to Opera Australia after 13 years feels truly wonderful. The last time I performed on the Sydney Opera House stage was as Papagena in The Magic Flute during my time as a young artist. It’s also been wonderful to reconnect and work alongside such amazing friends and colleagues at OA after so many years!

THOUGHTS ON CONTESSA

I first performed the Contessa in 2013 while studying at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and I’ve since portrayed her in numerous different productions. Each time I return to this wonderfully complex character, it feels like coming home. This production at Opera Australia marks my first traditional staging of the role, and I am thrilled to share this interpretation with Sydney audiences.

ON CHANGE

I believe it is essential to create more opportunities for emerging singers to gain stage experience. In my view, time on stage is invaluable for young artists to develop, refine their craft, and grow both musically and dramatically. It certainly helped me on my journey, and I’m deeply grateful to have benefited from numerous programmes throughout Australia, Europe, and the UK.

Image by Clemens Heidrich