Countertenor, Russell Harcourt is a graduate of both the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. During his time in London, Russell furthered his studies with Yvonne Kenny, was an Associate of the Jette Parker Young Artists’ Program at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, studied part-time at the National Opera Studio, and was made an Alumnus of the Britten–Pears Young Artist Program.

Russell’s recent and upcoming engagements include Messiah with Adelaide Symphony, Ruggiero (Alcina) with National Opera Canberra, Handel Coronation Anthems and Haydn Nelson Mass with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs,  performances with Bach Akademie Australia, and with Sara Macliver for the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra; the title role in Handel’s Oreste for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden at Wilton's Music Hall; Evanco (Rodrigo) for Gőttingen International Handel Festival; Roberto (Griselda) for Irish National Opera; Megabise (Artaxerxes), Andronico (Bajazet) and Corrado (Griselda) all for Pinchgut Opera; John Adams’ Gospel According to the Other Mary at Bonn Opera; Bach B minor Mass with Florilegium; Pisandro (Return of Ulysses) for Iford Arts Festival; Narciso (Agrippina) for English Touring Opera.

Russell made his operatic début as Oberon (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and his Australian concert début as guest artist at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. For Brisbane Baroque, Russell appeared as Nerone in Agrippina (for which he received a Helpmann Award nomination as Best Male Performer in a Supporting Role in opera) and in concert in The Art of the Countertenor. He has also appeared as soloist in Vanguard with the Australian Ballet, and Messiah with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Prizes and scholarships include The Sir Robert Askin Travelling Scholarship, Tait Memorial Trust Grant, Australian Music Foundation Award, Ian Potter Cultural Trust Grant, The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship, and an Australia Council Grant.