New Creative Director

Chamber Made Opera has announced Tim Stitz as its new Creative Director. Tim has been Chamber Made Opera’s Executive Producer since the start of 2012, and assumes his new role as part of a strategic restructure of the company. Tim will be supported by a team of Artistic Associates consisting of Erkki Veltheim (music), Tamara Saulwick (performance), Christie Stott (digital) and Sarah Kriegler (the Venny).

The current Artistic Director, David Young, will continue to deliver his 2013 program, while handing over his managerial responsibilities mid-year. Celebrating Chamber Made Opera’s 25th anniversary, David’s final program is packed full of international co-productions, world premieres, and living room operas which have become the centrepiece of the company’s commitment to commissioning and presenting contemporary chamber opera.

“I could not be more delighted with the structural evolution of the company and the appointment of Tim Stitz as Creative Director. Tim has great vision, leadership and the ability to inspire, and with his formidable team of Artistic Associates will undoubtedly streak ahead, taking Chamber Made Opera into thrilling and ever new terrain.” David said.

The Chair of Chamber Made Opera, Michael Bink, commented “Through the process of searching for a new Artistic Director, it became clear that a restructure of the company, and the creation of a completely new role (Creative Director), would best enable the company to face the challenges as well as seize the opportunities that lie in store. We so look forward to working with Tim Stitz on this exciting phase of Chamber Made Opera’s life.”

“I am tremendously excited to step into this new role with Chamber Made Opera. I cannot wait to begin working with our Artistic Associates and collaborating artists in crafting an utterly unique and electrifying program for 2014 and beyond. Amongst many other ventures, I am especially keen to produce a stand-alone digital artwork in conjunction with every live work we create” said Tim Stitz.


Creative Director: Tim Stitz is a performer, theatre-maker and producer. He was Project Manager for TheatreSpace, an Australian Research Council project that investigated the young audiences of Australia’s major state theatre companies and cultural venues. Stitz has worked in various capacities in the arts including positions at the Melbourne School of Creative Arts, Auspicious Arts Projects and La Mama.

Chamber Made Opera’s new Artistic Associates’ backgrounds and experience in different genres reflect the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary chamber opera:

Erkki Veltheim brings a massive range of experience as a composer, improviser and performer (viola/violin), working from the most extreme experimental edge of music through to leading roles with Elision, the Australian Art Orchestra and in Opera Australia's production of Brett Dean's Bliss, and appearances with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Tamara Saulwick has a background in theatre, performance, dance and hybrid arts practice. Her acclaimed solo work Pin Drop won the Outstanding Production Green Room Award and was subsequently presented by Malthouse Theatre before touring nationally last year with Mobile States. Working as a collaborator for many years with numerous independent companies and artists, she has toured projects throughout Europe, as well as to Latin America and Asia.

Christie Stott is a digital artist and producer of web, new media and hybrid projects within government, community and arts sectors. She has collaborated on websites, mobile and tablet apps, digital installations, touchscreens, and video projects with Museum Victoria, Melbourne Comedy Festival, ACMI, Arts Guide, Zoos Victoria, Melbourne Fringe, Arts House and Malthouse Theatre.

Sarah Kriegler continues in her role as Artistic Associate and will lead the company’s Access program with The Venny (Kensington Adventure Playground), as well as bringing her extensive experience in directing, theatre-making and puppetry. She is co director of Lemony S Puppet Theatre and has worked many companies including Polyglot Theatre, Terrapin, Aphids, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus and ABC TV.