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Opera School performance 2024
NZ Opera School | Student | Public Masterclass
Great Opera Moments | New Zealand Opera School | Student
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Great Opera Moments | New Zealand Opera School | Student
In Praise of Music | New Zealand Opera School | Student
New Zealand Opera School | Student | Whanganui Collegiate
New Zealand Opera School | Student | River Opera | Pene Pati | Amina Edris
New Zealand Opera School | Student | Great Opera Moments
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Opera School 2024 performance
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    Aotearoa
    New Zealand's

    premiere residential
    Opera Training School

    Aotearoa
    New Zealand's

    premier residential
    Opera Training School

    Image

    Sorry, applications for NZ Opera School 2026 have closed!

    More Info

    Tickets for WOW 2026 on sale now!

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    Our Mission

    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
    0
    years of experience
    +0
    alumni
    +0k
    supporters
    Image
    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
    0
    years of experience
    +0
    alumni
    +0k
    supporters

    Aotearoa
    New Zealand's

    premiere residential
    Opera Training School

    Our Mission

    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance
    Image
    To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance

      2025-2026

      Events

      NZOS Artists Recital

      January 7, 2026, 1:00 pm

      Whanganui Regional Museum

      Presented by the NZ Opera School students. Splendid music and an afternoon of pure operatic pleasure ensures the popularity of this event....

      In Praise of Music

      January 11, 2026, 11:30 am

      Whanganui Collegiate School Chapel

      Featuring glorious choral work and celebrated hymns; the emphasis throughout is on music and you can be assured that you will be treated to a moving and uplifting experience....

      Public Masterclass with Mary Plazas

      January 12, 2026, 7:30 pm

      Prince Edward Auditorium, Whanganui Collegiate School

      If you have never been to a masterclass before, we urge you to experience a training session in progress. You will gain a greater insight into the development of the human voice and the masterclass is always a fun event for everyone....

      Dining with Opera

      January 14, 2026, 6:00 pm

      Momiji & Reminton Restaurants

      Enjoy a wonderful evening at Momiji or Remington (Barracks Sports Bar) restaurants for fine food and entertainment by New Zealand’s aspiring young opera singers. A celebration of great music and hospitality. Tickets booked through the Royal Whanganui Opera House this year. ...

      Conversations about Opera

      January 16, 2026, 2:00 pm

      Prince Edward Auditorium, Whanganui Collegiate School

      Enjoy a lively discussion about all things opera hosted by Trustee Jack Bourke....

      Great Opera Moments

      January 17, 2026, 7:30 pm

      Royal Whanganui Opera House

      ​​​​​​Presented by The Freemasons Foundation, Great Opera Moments is an opportunity to be enchanted and entertained by all the students of the School in their final Gala Concert....

      Champagne & Opera

      Starting April 11, 2025, 6:30 pm

      Recurring Event Dates

      September 5/12/19/26: Fri, 5 Sep, 2025; 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

      October 3/10/17/24/31: Fri, 3 Oct, 2025; 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

      November 7/14/21/28: Fri, 7 Nov, 2025; 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

      more...

      Bellini Bar, Hilton Auckland

      Join students and alumni from the New Zealand Opera School every Friday evening at the Hilton Auckland’s Bellini Bar for Champagne & Opera experience from 6.30pm to 7.30pm....
      NZOS on

      Social

      • 🎶 Meet Ivan Zhang – Tenor | Returning Student We’re delighted to welcome back Ivan Zhang to the New Zealand Opera School for 2026! After an inspiring first year in Whanganui, Ivan returns with renewed focus — ready to refine his sound, deepen his artistry, and continue exploring what makes the human voice so powerful. For Ivan, the NZOS experience is more than just training: “To think solely about the music as the first thing when you wake up, and have music be your last thought before bed.” Looking ahead, Ivan hopes to continue his studies overseas before returning home to Aotearoa to share his knowledge and give back to the community that shaped him. We can’t wait to see how his journey evolves this summer in Whanganui. #NZOperaSchool #ClassOf2026 #OperaTraining #Tenor #NZTalent #OperaInAotearoa
      • In the long gone His Majesties Theatre Queen St, Auckland. #nzoperaschool #archives
      • 🕊️ Sir Donald McIntyre 🕊️ May he Rest in Eternal Peace. From the Archives of Donald Trott. Taken in the grounds of Government House Auckland following the Investiture of Sir Donald on the 9th October 1992 Donald Trott (Chair Auckland Opera) Sir Donald McIntyre, Stephen Dee ( General DirectorAuckland Opera) Dame Catherine Tizard  (Governor General) Jill Lady McIntyre. #nzoperaschool #archivee #sirdonaldmcintyre
      • 🎤 A Rare Glimpse Behind the Curtain — Public Masterclass with Mary Plazas Ever wondered what really happens in a singer’s training session? Join us for an unforgettable evening with Mary Plazas from the Royal Northern College of Music (UK) as she works directly with our talented students — guiding, refining, and inspiring them in real time. 📅 Monday, 12 January 2026 🕢 7:30–9:30 PM 📍 Prince Edward Auditorium, Whanganui Collegiate School 🎫 Tickets $25: www.whanganuivenues.co.nz or TicketSearch: https://rwoh.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales Whether you’re a lifelong opera lover or simply curious about the craft, a masterclass offers a fascinating window into how great voices are shaped. It’s educational, inspiring — and always full of those magical “aha!” moments. Don’t miss this chance to see world-class vocal coaching in action. #WhanganuiOperaWeek #NZOperaSchool #Whanganui #MaryPlazas #OperaTraining #Masterclass
      • 🎵 Meet Tomairangi Henare – Baritone | Returning Student We’re delighted to welcome back Tomairangi Henare to the New Zealand Opera School for 2026 — a singer whose artistry and heart have grown deeper this past year. For Tomairangi, each performance begins with character and connection — singing with heart at the forefront while trusting the voice to tell the story. This year, his focus continues on vocal freedom and physical well-being, finding balance between strength and stillness. Above all, his goal remains steadfast: ✨ to represent his Māori community and whakapapa on international stages, wearing his culture with pride. We can’t wait to work with him again! #NZOperaSchool #ClassOf2026 #OperaTraining #Baritone #NZTalent #OperaInAotearoa
      • 🎭 Meet Bayley Goldstone – Tenor | NZOS Class of 2026 A fresh voice joining us this summer, Bayley Goldstone arrives at the New Zealand Opera School with clear goals and great enthusiasm. He’s eager to refine his vocal technique under the guidance of NZOS’s world-class tutors, explore the art of stagecraft, and grow his presence as a performer — learning how to truly connect with an audience through music and storytelling. One dream he’s already looking forward to? Stepping onto the stage of the Whanganui Opera House to perform an aria during our final showcase, Great Opera Moments. We’re thrilled to have Bayley join the NZOS whānau and can’t wait to see him shine in Whanganui this January. #NZOperaSchool #ClassOf2026 #OperaTraining #Baritone #NZTalent #OperaInAotearoa
      • 🎶 2025 Coombes Johnston BMW NZ Aria Results 🎶 What a weekend for opera in Aotearoa — and what an inspiring night in Rotorua! Congratulations to Sarah Mileham (Winner), Katherine Winitana (2nd Place), Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono (3rd Place), and Jack Doyle (Most Promising), all part of our NZOS whānau. We also warmly applaud all the finalists for their beautiful performances and dedication: Kieran Kelly, Anh Thu Nguyen, Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, Emma Jones, Tomairangi Henare. Each artist brought something uniquely moving to the stage — a celebration of passion, perseverance, and storytelling through music. Bravo to everyone involved and to the NZ Aria Trust for keeping this treasured tradition alive. 👏 #NZOperaSchool #NZAria2025 #OperaInAotearoa #NZAria #Rotorua #nzopera 📸©️Afred Fonoti-Fuimaono
      • 🗞️ Spotted in the NZ Herald! Our Whanganui Opera Week advert made its debut in New Zealand’s widest-selling newspaper — a little moment of pride as we count down to January’s incredible week of music and performance. Did you spot it over your Saturday coffee? 👀 ✨ Tickets are live now — join us in Whanganui and be part of Aotearoa’s home of opera. 🎟️ www.operaschool.org.nz/whats-on #WhanganuiOperaWeek #NZOperaSchool #NZOS #WOW #OperaInWhanganui #NZOpera #OperaTraining
      • 🎶 Opera x Evenings at The Hilton every Friday! Tonight we were lucky enough to hear the soaring voices of Mike Liu and Antonia Brightwell, joined by the brilliant Jun Casteblanco-Zheng at the piano. From golden arias to heartfelt pieces, it’s the perfect way to start your weekend — Auckland hospitality at its finest, with live opera just steps from the sunset. So join us on Fridays, for Opera x Champagne! 📍 Hilton Auckland — Fridays from 6:30pm Free entry | Open to all #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #LiveOpera #Auckland #HiltonAuckland
      • 🎶 In Praise of Music — Tickets Now Available! Join us on Sunday, 11 January 2026 (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM) at the Whanganui Collegiate School Chapel for one of the most moving and uplifting traditions of Whanganui Opera Week. Featuring glorious choral works and celebrated hymns, this annual concert places the spotlight on the power of music itself — a morning of harmony, reflection, and joy. 📍 Whanganui Collegiate School Chapel 🎫 Tickets $20: www.whanganuivenues.co.nz or TicketSearch https://rwoh.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales An unmissable moment in our week-long celebration of opera and song. #WhanganuiOperaWeek #NZOperaSchool #InPraiseOfMusic #Whanganui #LiveMusic #ChoralCelebration
      • 🎶 Meet the Class of 2026 – Blake Scanlen 🎶 Introducing baritone Blake Scanlen from Auckland — a newcomer to opera, but one already showing huge dedication and curiosity for the craft. With a background in choral and oratorio singing and training under Catrin Johnsson, Blake joins the New Zealand Opera School to explore opera as a storytelling art form — strengthening his technique, expanding his range, and discovering new confidence as a solo performer. He sees NZOS 2026 as a chance to experiment, learn, and find new pathways for his voice — and we can’t wait to see where this journey leads. #NZOperaSchool #NZOS2026 #OperaAotearoa #NextGeneration #OperaTraining #BaritoneVoices
      • 🎉 WOW — tickets are LIVE! 🎟️ Whanganui Opera Week 2026 is officially on the horizon, and we couldn’t be more excited! Our beloved Café Evenings are already SOLD OUT, and we’re so grateful for the incredible support pouring in❤️ Now it’s time to grab your seats for one of the most cherished events of the week — the Opera Recital at the Whanganui Regional Museum! 📅 Wednesday, 7 January 2026 🕐 1:00–2:15 PM 📍 Whanganui Regional Museum 🎫 $25 tickets: whanganuivenues.co.nz (BUY TICKETS tab) or TicketSearch here: https://rwoh.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales Presented by the students of the New Zealand Opera School, this special recital promises an afternoon of splendid music and pure operatic joy in one of Whanganui’s most beautiful spaces — the museum’s atrium, renowned for its incredible acoustics. Join us as we celebrate 32 years of the New Zealand Opera School, proudly supported by Whanganui Collegiate School and John Turkington Forestry. And one more thing… 👀 Did you spot our Whanganui Opera Week advert in Saturday's NZ Herald? #WhanganuiOperaWeek #NZOperaSchool #Whanganui #OperaNZ #SupportTheArts #LiveOpera
      Latest

      News

      Opera Dinner

      On Wednesday 20th August, we celebrated our young, rising opera stars at the annual Freemasons Foundation ‘Opera Dinner’ hosted by the Northern Club in Auckland. This beautiful event for Northern Club members celebrated the brilliance of young opera voices with a programme themed around one of opera’s greatest traditions: the toast!...
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      NZ Opera School appoints Debbie Macpherson as inaugural General Manager

      By Lin Ferguson, Whanganui Chronicle · 18 Jul, 2025 05:00 AM New Zealand Opera School founder Donald Trott has appointed Debbie Macpherson as its general manager – a new role for the school. The 32nd year of the school starts on January 5 at Whanganui Collegiate School. As general manager, Macpherson will oversee the daily running of the school while Trott...
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      What Auckland can learn from France’s global cultural innovation – Jack Bourke, Head of Strategic Engagement at RCP & NZOS Trustee

      Jack Bourke is head of strategic engagement at RCP and a key player in the revitalisation of Auckland’s Midtown precinct – including The Symphony Centre, Aotea Lanes, and Bledisloe House. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of representing Aotearoa New Zealand at Courants du Monde, a prestigious international leadership programme hosted by the French Ministry of Culture. I was...
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      Alumni

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      Active Professionals

      Our Mission

      To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
      0
      years of experience
      +0
      alumni
      +0k
      supporters
      Image
      To provide a period of intensive vocal, language, movement and acting training with tutors of international reputation in order to give our emerging New Zealand opera singers the very best tuition possible and to provide a taste of the disciplines required to succeed in the fast-growing, competitive and demanding world of opera performance.
      0
      years of experience
      +0
      alumni
      +0k
      supporters