About Caitlin
I am Caitlin Forrest, a Mezzo Soprano who recently graduated from WAAPA and the current recipient of the Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship with Melba Opera Trust. Although still relatively new to the industry, I am eager to deepen my understanding and immerse myself fully in the extraordinary realm of opera. My ambition is to become a freelance international mezzo soprano, where I can bring stories to life and explore the depths of each character's world. My mission is to inspire people from all walks of life to engage with this remarkable art form. I am deeply passionate about storytelling, dedicated to hard work, and committed to seizing every opportunity that comes my way. I take pride in upholding the values of perseverance, creativity, and courage in all that I do. A particular focus of mine is to connect and inspire individuals from rural and regional farming communities, encouraging them to experience opera and have the confidence to pursue a career in the arts. My artistic vision is to perform on stages around the world, leaving audiences enthralled by the power of opera and eager to return for more.
BIOGRAPHY
Mezzo-soprano Caitlin Forrest was born in Bunbury, Western Australia and began her musical journey studying violin before discovering her love of classical singing at the 2019 Perth Choral Institute Summer School. Since then, she has graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance (Classical Voice) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), as a student of Emma Matthews.
While studying at WAAPA, her performance highlights included the role of Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, and the roles of Book of Fate, Old Woman and Mrs Northwind in Jonathan Dove’s The Enchanted Pig. Caitlin also performed in The Pirates of Penzance and sang in masterclasses with Lynne Dawson, Jennifer Condon and Elisa Wilson. Her concert appearances have included Handel’s Messiah (Opus WA), Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri (St George’s College) and Bach's Missa in G (UWACS).
In 2022, Caitlin was a finalist in the inaugural WAAPA Taryn Fiebig Scholarship. In 2023, she won the Opera Lovers WA Aria Award competition and received first prize in the Fremantle Eisteddfod Art Song Competition. In 2024, she was awarded the Winifred Hurford Award for Singer in the Royal Over-Seas League Western Australian Branch Young Singers Competition.
In 2025, Caitlin will return as a scholarship recipient with Australia’s prestigious Melba Opera Trust program under Sharolyn Kimmorley AM. At Melba Opera Trust, 2024 highlights for Caitlin have included working with many industry professionals such as Yvonne Kenny, Stuart Maunder, Jennifer Marten-Smith, Dr Erin Helyard, Lois Redman, Caroline Dowdle, Caitlin Hulcup and Stuart Skelton. Caitlin is the recipient of the Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship with Melba Opera Trust.
ORGANISATIONS AND SPONSORS
Caitlin is incredibly fortunate to be supported by the following organisations through sponsorship, education and performance opportunities. These organisations have helped her continue her training and support as a young opera singer.
CURRENT
Those who are currently helping me continue my journey...
Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust
Caitlin became a scholarship recipient in the Melba Opera Trust Program in 2024 and is looking forward to returning to the program in 2025. Melba Opera Trust is Australia’s premier scholarship program for promising young opera singers and repetiteurs. Driven by Dame Nellie Melba’s conviction “a beautiful voice is not enough”, the program nurtures artistic development alongside business training, mentoring and performance experience. We are the next step for artists preparing to become professionals on the world stage.
PAST
Those who helped me get here...
Music at St Georges College
Under the guidance of Former Music Director David Woods, Caitlin thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of being a part of the St George's Chapel Choir and performed at regular Evensongs and concerts throughout 2024. Caitlin worked with the college Music Program again in 2025 - performing in the Summer Tour and 2025 Season Launch Concert. The Music Program at St George's College in Perth supports programs for promising university music students and young professionals. These programs include choral, chamber, and instrumental music with world-class mentorship from leading professional musicians. Programs contribute to a series of concerts, Chapel services and external events.
University of Western Australia Choral Society (UWACS)
In December 2024, Caitlin made her debut with UWACS in their concert "Christmas with UWACS" conducted by Kris Bowtell. Based in Winthrop Hall at the University of Western Australia, UWACS are a Perth-based amateur choir that operates with a professional approach. Since its establishment in 1931, they have concentrated on performing significant classical works with professional conductors and musicians. UWACS support local talent and enjoys collaborating with other musical groups. Their mission is to study, practise and perform choral music of all styles both on the University of Western Australia campus and at other venues.
