Orchestra conductor from Bunbury recognised amongst prime younger artists for 2026 | USAEMALL.com

A young Bunbury conductor has made his mark in the music industry after being appointed as a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist with West Australian Opera.

Bayden Adams grew up in Bunbury — a former student of Australind Senior High School — and believes being from a regional area gave him better opportunities than being in Perth.

“Bunbury gave me a lot of opportunities and got me in the door. There was more one-to-one teaching support — it’s like being a bigger fish in a smaller pond,” he said.

Adams found his love for the art when he was in Year 7, becoming the assistant music director for the Bunbury City Band while he was in Year 10.

Adams continued his path to conduct every chance he got and is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Music at the University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music.

He said the experience so far had been great, especially being surrounded by others who share a similar passion.

“Every week we are learning about something that I did not know existed, and all that knowledge really helps with conducting,” Adams said.

He made his opera debut last year in a production of Dido And Aeneas, originally composed by English baroque composer Henry Purcell.

Another Bunbury talent performed in the production, opera singer Lachlann Lawton.

Adams said it was “scary, but fun” to be in such a large show.

Being recognised as a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist for 2026 will open new doors for him, Adams believes.

“Doors to new training, new contacts, and it just gives me an opportunity to intensively study my conducting for the year,” he said.

“I am loving being around other young artists who are also keen to learn.

“I am hoping that by the end of the year I can do some masterclasses and auditions for my masters in conducting, and I would love to travel and conduct operas and orchestras.”