Emma Jayakumar

Emma Jayakumar currently serves as the Artistic Director of Lark Chamber Opera, where she brings her innovative vision to life through engaging, accessible, and original chamber operas tailored for children and young audiences. In this leadership role, Emma leverages her extensive expertise in composition, vocal performance, and the performing arts to craft compelling narratives that resonate with young minds while fostering a love for classical music and opera. Her work at Lark Chamber Opera emphasizes creating immersive stage experiences that combine her skills in chamber music, singing, and stagecraft, ensuring each production is both educational and entertaining.

Emma’s artistic direction is deeply informed by her academic background and research in child-centred methodologies, which she has applied to develop more engaging classical music drama models. Her award-winning practice-led PhD research at ECU WAAPA, recognized with the 2018 Research Medal, focused on designing innovative opera formats that captivate children’s imaginations and encourage active participation. This research underpins her approach at Lark Chamber Opera, where she continually explores new ways to make opera fun, accessible, and meaningful for young audiences.

In addition to her role at Lark Chamber Opera, Emma is actively involved in composing original works that blend her skills in music, singing, and composition, often integrating educational components to enhance audience engagement. Her expertise extends to conducting concerts, teaching vocal techniques, and mentoring emerging artists in the performing arts sector. Emma Jayakumar’s leadership and creative vision are instrumental in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring environment for children’s opera, making her a key figure in contemporary Australian chamber opera and arts education.