David Alexander Barnard is a British-Australian pianist, conductor and opera professional whose career has taken him across the UK, Europe and Australia. His work spans the concert platform and opera house, combining performance as a pianist and conductor with extensive experience as a Solokorrepetitor, Studienleiter and Chordirektor. Most recently based professionally in Austria, including three seasons at the Landestheater Linz, he has worked with singers, orchestras and opera companies across a broad repertoire.
His musical life also extends beyond the classical concert platform. A lifelong piper, he has performed internationally, including with André Rieu, and is Pipe Major of the City of Sheffield Pipe Band, reflecting a longstanding commitment to community music-making in Sheffield. Alongside his performing career, David develops collaborative artistic projects, works with emerging professional musicians and is the founder of DAB Music.
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David Alexander Barnard — Biography
David Alexander Barnard is a British-Australian pianist, conductor and opera specialist whose career has developed across the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Spanning the concert platform, opera house and conservatoire, his work brings together opera, song and chamber music, conducting and chorus preparation, collaborative piano, artist development and the creation of international musical projects.
Most recently, David spent three seasons at Landestheater Linz in Austria, working within the German-speaking repertory opera-house system. He joined the theatre in 2023 as Musikalischer Assistent des Chores and Solokorrepetitor, subsequently becoming Stellvertretender Chordirektor and Solokorrepetitor for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons. Alongside the theatre’s extensive repertory, he took responsibility for the Extrachor on productions ranging from Der Freischütz and Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci to new works including Die Königinnen, Il viaggio and Adam und Eva, the latter opening the 2025 Schwetzinger SWR Festspiele.
His wider European work includes opera and artist development in France, Germany and Italy. In France he has worked as Chef du Chant with Opéra de Massy, while in Florence he has been a guest vocal coach at the Accademia del Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. His European career builds upon longstanding associations with opera in Britain and Australasia, including work with Opera Australia, New Zealand Opera, Opera North, English National Opera, British Youth Opera and the State Opera of South Australia.
Before moving to Europe, David held senior musical and educational appointments in Australia and New Zealand. He was Head of Music at the State Opera of South Australia, and subsequently Head of Music, Conductor and Chorus Master at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. From 2019 he was Head Vocal Coach and Head Accompanist at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington, where his work encompassed opera, collaborative piano and the development of emerging professional artists.
At the centre of David’s musical life is the piano. His musical formation includes study with distinguished Australian pianists Diana Harris OAM and Michael Kieran Harvey, establishing a pianistic foundation that has informed a career encompassing song, chamber music, opera and orchestral repertoire. His development as a conductor included study with British conductor Fraser Goulding, contributing to a musical practice in which conducting and collaborative piano have developed alongside one another.
As a collaborative pianist, David has performed with many distinguished singers and instrumentalists, including internationally renowned pianist and song specialist Malcolm Martineau, with whom he has appeared as a piano-duet partner, and pianist Leslie Howard, with whom he has performed four-hand repertoire. His recital and collaborative work has also brought him into partnership with leading singers including Lesley Garrett CBE and Sarah Fox, alongside numerous artists in Britain, Europe and Australasia.
David has appeared in recital series and festivals across four continents and has worked as an orchestral keyboard player with ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bruckner Orchester Linz, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. A particular affinity with singers, language and text has remained a defining thread throughout his work at the piano.
David has also maintained a strong commitment to new music and the development of repertoire. He has participated in numerous first performances as pianist, chorus master and musical collaborator, including works by Mike Svoboda, Reinhard Febel, Thomas Zaufke, Alois Bröder, Ernst Ludwig Leitner, Ben Hoadley, Abby Pinkerton, Stuart Greenbaum and Bryn Harrison. In New Zealand he was a pianist for The Call of the Huia, a major project recovering early New Zealand art song through performance, recording and broadcast. In 2024 he conceived and curated Connections in Valletta, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Malta through music, poetry and new work.
Alongside performance, David’s career has encompassed artist development, higher education and creative leadership. He has developed curriculum, led training programmes and worked with emerging singers, pianists and conductors across universities, opera companies and conservatoires. In 2016 he was awarded a 50th Anniversary Winston Churchill Fellowship, supporting professional study within major European opera institutions including Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opéra national de Paris and the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
Highland piping forms a distinctive parallel strand of David’s musical life. A piper since childhood, he has served as Pipe Major and Pipe Sergeant with bands in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and has led international pipes and drums for André Rieu Productions, including arena performances in Romania and the twelve-concert summer season on Maastricht’s Vrijthof. He is currently Pipe Major of the City of Sheffield Pipe Band.
David is a member of the Royal Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union. His independent creative activity is brought together through DAB ||: Music, his established platform for performance, producing and musical collaboration.
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Press Quotes
“Barnard… has the lightest touch on the Steinway – the music just dances off his fingers, dances off the stage.”
Rob de Kok, InDaily, Australia. (Schubertiade, Adelaide)
“We must therefore pay tribute to the remarkable preparatory work carried out with them by the Australian pianist and vocal coach David Alexander Barnard.”
José Pons, Olyrix, France. (‘Vanishings’ Opéra Massy)
“Barnard’s chorus delivered clean, dramatic ensemble singing.”
OÖNachrichten, Linz, Austria (‘La Juive’ Landestheater Linz)
Official Publicity Photos
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Highland Piping
Pipe Major · Solo Piper · Musical Leadership
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Highland piping has been a continuous part of David’s musical life since childhood, alongside his career as a pianist, conductor and opera musician.
David began learning the pipes at the age of eight with the Noarlunga City Pipe Band in South Australia, under Pipe Major Bill Corrin. His early years with the band gave him extensive parade and performance experience before he was selected for the City of Adelaide Pipe Band’s development programme, led by Pipe Major Bret Tidswell, where he studied with James (Jim) Smith.
After moving to the United Kingdom at eighteen, David continued primarily as a solo piper, performing for weddings, funerals, Burns celebrations and ceremonial occasions. He also spent a period with the Pride of Murray Pipe Band in London, including performances in northern France for the Artois Libéré commemorations marking the liberation of the region during the Second World War.
On returning to Australia, David became Pipe Major of the Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band in Victoria, taking responsibility for musical development and artistic planning. Through the Victorian Pipers’ Association, he also had the opportunity to study with distinguished Irish Pipe Major and composer Terry Tully during his visit to Australia.
David’s subsequent move to New Zealand brought him to the City of Wellington Pipe Band, where he served as Pipe Sergeant and Band Secretary, contributing to the band’s musical and artistic development. His work included securing educational funding from the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association for a joint retreat and concert with the Wairarapa Fern & Thistle Pipe Band, working across the two ensembles to support musical development and performance.
Following his return to the United Kingdom, David resumed regular private tuition in Scotland, with a particular focus on piobaireachd.
ANDRÉ RIEU
In 2023, David was invited to lead an international pipes and drums ensemble for André Rieu Productions, bringing together 24 players from Germany, France, Hungary and the United Kingdom for five performances at the BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Following the Romanian performances, David was invited to lead the massed pipes and drums for André Rieu’s summer season on the Vrijthof in Maastricht. The project brought together more than 220 musicians from Belgium, Germany, England, Scotland and the Netherlands, with approximately 150 pipers and drummers appearing on stage at each of twelve performances alongside André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.
David continues to combine piping with musical leadership and the development of players and ensembles. He is currently Pipe Major of the City of Sheffield Pipe Band.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Selected Appointments · Performances · Professional Work
David’s professional career spans opera, piano, conducting, song and chamber music, artist development, new music and Highland piping, with work across the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENTS
2024–2026
Landestheater Linz · Musiktheater · Linz, Austria
Stellvertretender Chordirektor · Solokorrepetitor
2023–2024
Landestheater Linz · Musiktheater · Linz, Austria
Musikalischer Assistent des Chores · Solokorrepetitor
Including Leitung Extrachor on designated productions.
2019–2021
New Zealand School of Music · Victoria University of Wellington
Head Vocal Coach · Head Accompanist
Opera, collaborative piano, vocal coaching and curriculum development.
2017–2018
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music · University of Melbourne
Head of Music · Conductor · Chorus Master
Opera productions and scenes, Chamber Choir and opera/oratorio projects.
2013–2015
State Opera of South Australia · Adelaide
Head of Music
Opera preparation and Young Artist development.
OPERA · CHORUS · CONDUCTING
2026
Opéra de Massy · France
Vanishings
Chef du Chant
2025
Schwetzinger SWR Festspiele · Schwetzingen, Germany
Mike Svoboda · Adam und Eva — World Premiere
Leitung Extrachor · Chorus Master
2023–2026
Landestheater Linz · Musiktheater · Austria
Leitung Extrachor
Productions including Der Freischütz, Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci, Die Königinnen, La Juive, Der Findling, Il viaggio, Madama Butterfly and Der fliegende Holländer.
2021
New Zealand School of Music Symphony Orchestra · Wellington
The Genius of Mozart
Conductor
2020
New Zealand School of Music · Wellington
Opera Scenes
Music Director · Conductor
2017–2018
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music · University of Melbourne
Opera Productions & Scenes
Head of Music · Conductor · Chorus Master
2016–2018
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Chamber Choir
Chorus Master
2017–2018
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Opera / Oratorio Productions
Chorus Master
2015
State Opera of South Australia · Adelaide
Studio Double Bill
Conductor
2012–2013
Buxton Festival Opera · United Kingdom
Assistant Conductor
2012
Zimbabwe Academy of Music · Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Song of the Carnivores
Chorus Master · Vocal Coach
2010–2013
Bel Canto Choir · South Yorkshire
Musical Director
2009–2010
Theatre Royal Norwich
Robin Hood
Musical Direction
RÉPÉTITEUR · VOCAL COACHING
2023–2026
Landestheater Linz · Musiktheater · Austria
Solokorrepetitor
2023–2026
Landestheater Niederbayern · Germany
Guest Solokorrepetitor
2022–2023 · 2026
Royal Northern College of Music · Manchester
Guest Vocal Coach
2022–2023
Accademia del Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino · Florence
Guest Vocal Coach
2019–2022
New Zealand Opera
Solokorrepetitor
2019–2021
New Zealand School of Music · Victoria University of Wellington
Head Accompanist · Head Vocal Coach
2018
Adelaide International Festival
Guest Vocal Coach
2013–2018
Opera Australia
Solokorrepetitor · Guest Vocal Coach
2014
School of the Arts · Singapore
Guest Tutor
2010–2013
Opera North
Répétiteur
Chorus and Education departments; promoted to Chief Répétiteur in 2013.
2012–2013
Buxton Festival Opera
Répétiteur
2005–2015
English National Opera
Education & Outreach
Répétiteur
2007–2008
British Youth Opera
Répétiteur
2004–2010
Raymond Gubbay Ltd
Répétiteur
2002–2010
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
Répétiteur
2000 · 2009 · 2011 · 2013
State Opera of South Australia
Répétiteur / Chief Répétiteur
PIANO · SONG · CHAMBER MUSIC
2025
Linzer Streichquartett · Linz
Pianist · Piano Quartet
2024
Connections: 60 Years of Australian–Maltese Diplomatic Relations
Spazju Kreattiv · Valletta, Malta
Concert Curator · Pianist
2024
Sommerkonzerte · Linz & Stift Wilhering, Austria
Pianist
2024
Konzert für vier Hände · with Tom Bitterlich
Linz, Austria
Pianist
2021
The Call of the Huia · The Golden Kowhai · Song of the Tui
Wellington, New Zealand
Pianist
Three-part exploration of early New Zealand art song, encompassing performance, recording and broadcast with RNZ Concert and SOUNZ.
2021
New Zealand String Quartet
Pianist · Piano Quartet
2020–2021
Hunter Council Chamber Series · Wellington
The Collaborative Pianist
Festival Director · Curator · Pianist
2017–2018
Melba Hall · Melbourne
Pianist
2008 · 2014 · 2017
Elder Hall · Adelaide
Pianist
Recitals and collaborations with leading Australian and international artists.
2011–2014
Lesley Garrett CBE
UK performances and concert appearances
Pianist
2011
Leeds Lieder Festival
Pianist
Including the world premiere of Bryn Harrison’s Five Distances.
2008–2013
Opera Larks · United Kingdom & Italy
Pianist
2009 · 2011 · 2013
Australian Flute Festival
Collaborative Pianist
2009
Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Pianist
2006
Oxford International Lieder Festival
Pianist
2006
London Song Festival
Pianist
2004–2008
Firth Hall Series · University of Sheffield
Pianist
2002–2014
Sheffield Cathedral Lunchtime Concert Series
Pianist
ORCHESTRAL KEYBOARD
2023–2026
Bruckner Orchester Linz
Piano · Organ · Celesta · Synthesizer
2021
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Piano
2014–2018
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Piano · Celesta
2000 · 2014–2018
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Piano · Celesta · Organ
2006–2010
Raymond Gubbay Ltd
Piano · Organ · Celesta
2006
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Piano · Celesta
NEW MUSIC · FIRST PERFORMANCES
2025
Mike Svoboda · Adam und Eva
Schwetzinger SWR Festspiele
World Premiere · Leitung Extrachor
2024
Jodi O’Regan · Wine Songs: Making Wine / Blanc Dos
Valletta, Malta
World Premiere · Pianist · Concert Curator
2024
Jesmond Grixti · Naivasha: Memories from the Lake
Valletta, Malta
Maltese Premiere · Pianist · Concert Curator
2024
Alois Bröder · Il viaggio
Landestheater Linz
World Premiere · Leitung Extrachor
2024
Franz Hummel / Susan Oswell · Der Findling
Alter Dom · Linz
World Premiere · Leitung Extrachor
2024
Reinhard Febel · Benjamin Button
Landestheater Linz
World Premiere · Musikalischer Assistent des Chores
2024
Thomas Zaufke / Henry Mason · Die Königinnen
Landestheater Linz
World Premiere · Leitung Extrachor
2023
Ernst Ludwig Leitner · … und das Lied bleibt schön – Eine Begegnung mit Anton Bruckner
Brucknerhaus · Linz
World Premiere · Musikalischer Assistent des Chores
2020
Ben Hoadley · Haratua for Tenor Trombone and Piano
New Zealand
World Premiere · Pianist
2020
Abby Pinkerton · Crevices for Trombone and Piano
New Zealand
World Premiere · Pianist
2017
Stuart Greenbaum · Sonata for Oboe and Piano: Our Home Planet
with Celia Craig
Premiere · Pianist
2011
Bryn Harrison · Five Distances for Mezzo-Soprano and Piano
Leeds Lieder Festival
World Premiere · Pianist
ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP · CURATION
2024
Connections · Valletta, Malta
60 Years of Australian–Maltese Diplomatic Relations
Concert Curator · Pianist
2020–2021
Hunter Council Chamber Series · Wellington
The Collaborative Pianist
Festival Director · Curator · Pianist
2019–2021
New Zealand School of Music
Artist Development · Collaborative Piano · Vocal Coaching
2013–2015
State Opera of South Australia
Head of Music · Young Artist Development
2012–2013
Hodsock Priory
Festival Director
HIGHLAND PIPING
2022-23 · 2026
City of Sheffield Pipe Band
Pipe Major
2023 · 2026
André Rieu Productions
International Pipes & Drums · Cluj-Napoca & Maastricht
Pipe Major
International arena and outdoor performances, including twelve concerts on Maastricht’s Vrijthof with a massed international pipes and drums ensemble.
2020 – 2022 New Zealand
Wairarapa Fern & Thistle Pipe Band
Pipe Major
City of Wellington Pipe Band
Pipe Sergeant · Band Secretary
2018 – 2019 Australia
Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band · Victoria
Pipe Major
C. 2009 2010 United Kingdom
Pride of Murray Pipe Band · London
Performances including the Artois Libéré commemorations in northern France.
ADJUDICATION · MASTERCLASSES
Adjudication & Mentoring
3MBS Young Performer of the Year
Adjudicator · Chair
3MBS The Talent · 2017
Season Mentor
Australian National Lieder Festival · 2016
Adjudicator
Mietta Song Competition · 2016
Master
ABC Young Performer of the Year · 2014
Chamber Music
Adjudicator
Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia · 2013
Geoffrey Parsons Award
Chair of Jury
Masterclass Collaborations
Professional masterclasses and coaching collaborations have included:
Jonathan Lemalu · Janis Kelly · Håkan Hardenberger · Aldo Baerten · Jim Walker · Malcolm Martineau · Graham Johnson · Roger Vignoles · Ian Burnside · Tara O’Connor · Lorna McGhee · Grant Doyle · Sarah Fox · Teresa Cahill · Ian Partridge · Alasdair Tait · Emily Beynon · Matthew Hunt
AWARDS · DISTINCTIONS
2016
50th Anniversary Winston Churchill Fellowship
Awarded for international professional development in opera, with subsequent study at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opéra national de Paris and Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
2011
Buckingham Palace · London
Invited to a reception in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II recognising significant Australians living and working in the United Kingdom.
2001
Helpmann Academy High Achievement
2001
TAFE · Most Outstanding Results During Study
2000
Wilf Marder Most Promising Pianist
1999
Winston Music Keyboard Prize
1998
Christ Church North Adelaide Scholarship
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Royal Society of Musicians · United Kingdom
Musicians’ Union · United Kingdom
Arbeiterkammer · Oberösterreich
YOUNION · Österreich
PROFESSIONAL CV
A concise version of David’s curriculum vitae is available for download.