From St Andrew’s Cathedral to Opera Australia, Richard Anderson (OA1989) has come back to his roots

Richard Anderson (formerly Craig) has long been associated with St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where his musical journey began. Joining our School as a chorister in 1984, Richard quickly established himself as a talented young singer, becoming a vital member of the Cathedral Choir. His time there included a standout moment in 1985 when he was part of the choir’s centenary tour to England, an experience that would have a lasting impact on his musical aspirations. Although he left at the end of Year 10 in 1987, his years at St Andrew’s Cathedral School laid a strong foundation for a career that would see him rise to the pinnacle of Australian opera.

Richard’s journey into professional music continued after his time at school, with his vocal training taking him to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Canberra School of Music, where he honed his craft.

His big break came in 2003 when he joined the Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artists’ Development Program at Opera Australia. By 2009, he was a principal bass with the company, performing an impressive range of roles on the opera stage. His repertoire includes significant roles in Carmen (Zuniga), Die Zauberflöte (Sarastro), La Bohème (Colline), and Rigoletto (Count Ceprano), alongside performances in concert works such as Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem. 

In 2025 he has been in high demand – performing no less than five roles for Opera Australia this year already – Zuniga (Carmen), Bartolo (Le Nozze di Figaro), Pandolfe (Cendrillion), Baron (La Traviata) and the Bass role in Mozart Requiem.

Anderson’s versatility is evident in his ability to perform in multiple languages and a variety of operatic styles. In one year alone, he took on 11 roles, including performances in Werther, Turandot, and Wozzeck. Despite the heavy demands of his career, Anderson remains grounded, thanks in part to his daily commute from the Blue Mountains. Living in Lawson, Anderson enjoys a peaceful lifestyle away from the bustle of Sydney, but the long train ride into the city is something he has come to embrace as part of the process. 

Richard said: “I always think there’s a magical transformation that happens between the person on public transport and the person who sings on stage,” noting the shift in mindset as he walks up the stairs to the green room or onto the stage.

For Anderson, the balance of living in the Blue Mountains and performing at the Sydney Opera House represents the perfect contrast—peace and serenity at home, and the excitement and challenge of the stage. 

“When you slide open those doors after a show and that beautiful cool air hits you, it’s a great thing,” 

The daily journey is a reminder of the dedication required to maintain such a high-profile career while staying connected to the simpler, quieter pleasures of life.

Recently, Richard has rekindled his connection with St Andrew’s Cathedral School by rejoining the Cathedral Choir as a permanent bass. This reconnection was further highlighted when he performed as part of the Old Andrean performance of One Day More at the 140th Assembly in March 2025. He also sang the Bass solo in the 2025 performance of Handel’s Messiah with the Cathedral Choir on Good Friday.  His return to the School, after many years of musical success, serves as a reminder of the importance of the foundations laid during his time there—foundations that continue to shape his career.

Richard is one of many Old Andreans who have appeared on the operatic stage – many of whom credit their experience as a Chorister as vital in their musical development. Other opera singers include Stuart Skelton (OA1986), Gregory Brown (OA1983), Simon Meadows (OA1989), Richard Hansen (OA2003) and Emma Charles (OA2007). 

Richard Anderson’s journey from St Andrew’s Cathedral School to the heights of Opera Australia, and his return to his roots in the Blue Mountains, is a testament to his dedication, passion, and deep connection to both his craft and his community.