Lyndon Terracini comes from an Italian/Irish background. His childhood years were strongly influenced by his family's involvement in the Salvation Army and it was there that he first learnt to sing and to play brass instruments. He trained for a time at the University of Sydney, but left to take up a contract with the New Opera in South Australia. In the late 1970s and into the 1980s Terracini developed his career in Italy, working particularly with composer Hans Werner Henze. During this period he learnt more about his Italian heritage.

Returning to Australia, Terracini took up residence in northern New South Wales where he was to found the Northern Rivers Performing Arts Festival. He continued to travel overseas for work and was also involved with large community productions in Queensland cities.

Terracini has been director of the Queensland Biennial of Music and of the Brisbane Festival. In 2011 he was appointed as artistic director of Opera Australia.

Source: 'The Showman', Weekend Australian, 27-28 May 2006.