Austin Haynes is a London based countertenor from Aotearoa/NZ and Australia.
Winner of the 2022 Herald Sun Aria competition, Austin is a countertenor based in London. Austin made his professional opera debut in May 2023 as Liang Shanbo in Richard Mills’ new opera, The Butterfly Lovers with Wild Rice in Singapore. Having grown up between Kā-Muriwai in Aotearoa and Narrm/Melbourne, Austin studied a BA and Masters at the University of Oxford. In the UK, Austin performs with groups such as the Instruments of Time and Truth, Oxford Bach Soloists and New Chamber Opera. At home in Australia, he sings with ensembles including the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Evergreen Ensemble. Celebrated for his ‘poised pure sound and smooth line’ (Sydney Morning Herald), and ‘passionate musical communication’ (The Age), Austin has wide-ranging musical loves, ranging from the music of the baroque, to nineteenth-century art-song and the music of Aotearoa.
‘From the start alto soloist Austin Haynes seized the moment, turning the aria Virgam Virtutis into a gripping display of virtuosity’ (Limelight Magazine)
‘Austin Haynes is a diamond, a rarity…a talent like Austin, coming from Australia, is amazing.’ (The Herald Sun)
‘Worth noting was countertenor Austin Haynes, who shone in his solo aria’
(The Daily Telegraph)
‘Countertenor Austin Haynes sang...with a poised pure sound and smooth line’
(Sydney Morning Herald)
‘Austin Haynes gave a commandingly physical, theatrical presentation in effectively pointed alto voice to celebrate the strength of God's rule and victory over enemies’
(Sydney Arts Guide)