A bit of history.
Dion's intrigue for music began at the tender age of 5 when he became fascinated by the piano; this most curious man would come over and teach his mother. He began lessons of his own soon after.
At the age of 8, his ability to sing was discovered by his future vocal coach and mentor, Elizabeth Swain (Order of Australia: Contributions to Music Education). Her work and mentorship solidified Dion's place as one of Sydney's premier Trebles. He appeared with Opera Australia's Children's Chorus in their productions of Tosca, Hansel and Gretel, The Magic Flute, Tannhauser and Batavia (principal role) at the Sydney Opera House.
Through his work with Opera Australia, Dion obtained a variety of performance opportunities, most notably, performing "Gelliballo" solo at the Sydney Super Dome for the ANZAC International Military Tattoo, accompanied by 500 musicians for three sold-out shows. His angelic Treble voice was then preserved on the CD - "Purely Dion" of 11 songs ranging from Hymns to Musical Theatre. (Click here to view/purchase)
Dion studied Music at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts (NHSPA); it was here that his voice began its descent from Treble to Baritone. Throughout his high school years, the resident classical vocal coach, Wendy Dixon, nurtured his vocal transition,
At the age of 8, his ability to sing was discovered by his future vocal coach and mentor, Elizabeth Swain (Order of Australia: Contributions to Music Education). Her work and mentorship solidified Dion's place as one of Sydney's premier Trebles. He appeared with Opera Australia's Children's Chorus in their productions of Tosca, Hansel and Gretel, The Magic Flute, Tannhauser and Batavia (principal role) at the Sydney Opera House.
Through his work with Opera Australia, Dion obtained a variety of performance opportunities, most notably, performing "Gelliballo" solo at the Sydney Super Dome for the ANZAC International Military Tattoo, accompanied by 500 musicians for three sold-out shows. His angelic Treble voice was then preserved on the CD - "Purely Dion" of 11 songs ranging from Hymns to Musical Theatre. (Click here to view/purchase)
Dion studied Music at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts (NHSPA); it was here that his voice began its descent from Treble to Baritone. Throughout his high school years, the resident classical vocal coach, Wendy Dixon, nurtured his vocal transition,
small ensemble experience and solo performance. Through Dixon’s ‘Opera Bootcamp’ series, Dion was introduced to Simon Kenway, one of Australia’s premier vocal coaches, frequently working as an operatic and orchestral conductor. Dion has continued as a mentee of Simon's since the age of 17.
After graduating, Dion was offered the role of Assistant Choral Director at NHSPA (2012-2013), subsequently becoming Director after the Head of Music (Gemma Thomas) retired (2014). Through this work he has had the opportunity to conduct, arrange, compose and accompany the Senior Choir, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Junior Choir and Junior Vocal Ensemble.
His compositions for SATB choir, “The Dove”, “Dreams”, "I've got you, you've got me" and "Vocalise" were debuted by the Senior Choir in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Over the years Dion has appeared in a plethora of performances as a soloist and/or in a variety of choirs and ensembles. His recent favourites include: roles in Newtown Performing Art’s musical ‘Bugs’ (2010), ‘Tony’ in PLC’s production of 'West Side Story' (2014), the University of New South Wales 'Burgundian Consort', directed by Sonia Maddock (2012-2014), "Dater #16" in George Washington University's production of 'Speed Dating Tonight' (2015), and his U.S.A Debut performance - 'Dion Condack Live' at George Washington University (2015).
Dion spent the first half of 2015 travelling and participating in a Study Abroad program to George Washington University in Washington D.C. It is here, under the guidance of Dr. Robert Baker, that Dion began to focus and develop his songwriting. The outcome - 'Dion Condack Live', a show premiering eight original songs.
Dion returned to Sydney to complete a double Bachelor in Music and Education at the University of New South Wales, complete his latest project - 'Suddenly', his debut acoustic album of originals, including a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah', and coordinated the Newtown Performing Arts school choirs in a combined choral work, in a celebration concert for their 25th Anniversary at The Seymour Centre.
2016; the Brazilian year.
Dion spent this time with family, learning the language and teaching English. At the Teatro Municipal de Nova Friburgo, he performed his show 'Em busca das raízes', featuring songs from 'Suddenly'. He looks forward to spending some significant time in Brazil in the future.
2017; a pivot to teaching and composition.
Dion was the Director of Composition and a Vocal Tutor at The Arts Unit's 2017 Senior State Music Camp, and has serviced Marrickville High School, Tempe High School and Newtown High School of the Performing Arts as a substitute classroom music teacher.
He lead the students at Bribarree Primary School and Trangie Central Primary and Secondary Schools through song-writing and vocal workshops, also re-writing the school song with select Primary students.
A key focus for the year was a new collaboration with Australian playwright and lyricist Melvyn Morrow (Shout! The Legend of the Wild One' and 'Dusty Springfield - The Original Pop Diva' and many many more).
2018; performance, composition and masterclasses.
Dion Executive Produced two open-air concerts with the Sydney Fringe, where he premiering Falling Down (feat. Dobby) in concert. Dion released a second single, Bordeaux.
Dion reprised his role as a Vocal Tutor and Director of Composition at Senior State Music Camp and was a first time Vocal Tutor at The Arts Unit's Solo Vocal Camp.
A new original Australia musical - Heaven - was one of ten selected to showcase for comment by industry at The Hayes Theatre Company as part of their New Musicals Australia program. Book and Lyrics, Melvyn Morrow / Music, Dion Condack
2019;
January/February: Blake Appelqvist starred as Dorian Gray in the new original two-hander musical - Dorian Gray Naked, at Limelight on Oxford, Sydney to rave reviews. Co-written, co-produced, and co-starring Dion as Dorian's Alter Ego behind his franken-Steinway baby grand piano. Book and Lyrics, Melvyn Morrow / Music, Dion Condack
April/May Dion was Musical Director for 'Enright on the Night', Devised by David Mitchell & Melvyn Morrow, celebrating the lyrics of Nick Enright and his composer collaborators. Produced by Sydney’s Genesian Theatre.
Lecturer - Opera Lunedi, 24th of June, 2019. "Key change."
Lecturer - Northside Opera Study Group, 26th of August, 2019. "Key change."
The Arts Unit: March - Solo Vocal Camp, Senior State Music Camp (Vocal Tutor, Director of Composition)
November: Schools Spectacular Production Team (Featured Artist Management Team)
January - December: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays - Classroom Music Teacher: Tempe High School
2018-2020
Co-Director/Producer: Key change.
A new Feature Documentary featuring Opera Australia
For more information, visit the Documentary Australia Foundation. This project is valid for tax-deductible donations of $2 or more,
documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/key-change/
After graduating, Dion was offered the role of Assistant Choral Director at NHSPA (2012-2013), subsequently becoming Director after the Head of Music (Gemma Thomas) retired (2014). Through this work he has had the opportunity to conduct, arrange, compose and accompany the Senior Choir, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Junior Choir and Junior Vocal Ensemble.
His compositions for SATB choir, “The Dove”, “Dreams”, "I've got you, you've got me" and "Vocalise" were debuted by the Senior Choir in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Over the years Dion has appeared in a plethora of performances as a soloist and/or in a variety of choirs and ensembles. His recent favourites include: roles in Newtown Performing Art’s musical ‘Bugs’ (2010), ‘Tony’ in PLC’s production of 'West Side Story' (2014), the University of New South Wales 'Burgundian Consort', directed by Sonia Maddock (2012-2014), "Dater #16" in George Washington University's production of 'Speed Dating Tonight' (2015), and his U.S.A Debut performance - 'Dion Condack Live' at George Washington University (2015).
Dion spent the first half of 2015 travelling and participating in a Study Abroad program to George Washington University in Washington D.C. It is here, under the guidance of Dr. Robert Baker, that Dion began to focus and develop his songwriting. The outcome - 'Dion Condack Live', a show premiering eight original songs.
Dion returned to Sydney to complete a double Bachelor in Music and Education at the University of New South Wales, complete his latest project - 'Suddenly', his debut acoustic album of originals, including a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah', and coordinated the Newtown Performing Arts school choirs in a combined choral work, in a celebration concert for their 25th Anniversary at The Seymour Centre.
2016; the Brazilian year.
Dion spent this time with family, learning the language and teaching English. At the Teatro Municipal de Nova Friburgo, he performed his show 'Em busca das raízes', featuring songs from 'Suddenly'. He looks forward to spending some significant time in Brazil in the future.
2017; a pivot to teaching and composition.
Dion was the Director of Composition and a Vocal Tutor at The Arts Unit's 2017 Senior State Music Camp, and has serviced Marrickville High School, Tempe High School and Newtown High School of the Performing Arts as a substitute classroom music teacher.
He lead the students at Bribarree Primary School and Trangie Central Primary and Secondary Schools through song-writing and vocal workshops, also re-writing the school song with select Primary students.
A key focus for the year was a new collaboration with Australian playwright and lyricist Melvyn Morrow (Shout! The Legend of the Wild One' and 'Dusty Springfield - The Original Pop Diva' and many many more).
2018; performance, composition and masterclasses.
Dion Executive Produced two open-air concerts with the Sydney Fringe, where he premiering Falling Down (feat. Dobby) in concert. Dion released a second single, Bordeaux.
Dion reprised his role as a Vocal Tutor and Director of Composition at Senior State Music Camp and was a first time Vocal Tutor at The Arts Unit's Solo Vocal Camp.
A new original Australia musical - Heaven - was one of ten selected to showcase for comment by industry at The Hayes Theatre Company as part of their New Musicals Australia program. Book and Lyrics, Melvyn Morrow / Music, Dion Condack
2019;
January/February: Blake Appelqvist starred as Dorian Gray in the new original two-hander musical - Dorian Gray Naked, at Limelight on Oxford, Sydney to rave reviews. Co-written, co-produced, and co-starring Dion as Dorian's Alter Ego behind his franken-Steinway baby grand piano. Book and Lyrics, Melvyn Morrow / Music, Dion Condack
April/May Dion was Musical Director for 'Enright on the Night', Devised by David Mitchell & Melvyn Morrow, celebrating the lyrics of Nick Enright and his composer collaborators. Produced by Sydney’s Genesian Theatre.
Lecturer - Opera Lunedi, 24th of June, 2019. "Key change."
Lecturer - Northside Opera Study Group, 26th of August, 2019. "Key change."
The Arts Unit: March - Solo Vocal Camp, Senior State Music Camp (Vocal Tutor, Director of Composition)
November: Schools Spectacular Production Team (Featured Artist Management Team)
January - December: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays - Classroom Music Teacher: Tempe High School
2018-2020
Co-Director/Producer: Key change.
A new Feature Documentary featuring Opera Australia
For more information, visit the Documentary Australia Foundation. This project is valid for tax-deductible donations of $2 or more,
documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/key-change/