At this year’s pōwhiri, we had the privilege of presenting Toki to eleven of our international tutors and faculty who have each given more than a decade of service to NZ Opera School. A small but meaningful taonga, offered in gratitude for ten years of dedication, artistry and mentorship. The recipients were: 🔸Glenn Winslade 🔸Nikki Li Hartliep 🔸Mary Plazas 🔸Ian Campbell 🔸Michael Vinten 🔸Bruce Greenfield 🔸Francis Cowan 🔸David Kelly 🔸Sharolyn Kimmorley AM 🔸Dr Luca Manghi 🔸Terence Dennis MNZM Over the years, these artists have returned to our school again and again — sharing wisdom, experience and generosity of spirit with our young singers. At the pōwhiri, surrounded by whānau, it felt especially fitting to acknowledge their service in this way. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. We are deeply grateful. #NZOperaSchool #Manaakitanga #Whakawhetai #NZOSWhānau #TeAoMāori

A world-class moment is coming to Tāmaki Makaurau. ✨ As part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki | Auckland Arts Festival, Grammy Award-winning soprano Julia Bullock makes her only Aotearoa appearance, performing with the Auckland Philharmonia. Hailed as “one of the singular artists of her generation” (The New York Times), Bullock is known for her magnetic stage presence, technical brilliance and emotional depth. Led by visionary conductor Christian Reif, this one-off concert promises an evening of extraordinary music-making at the highest level. A rare treat. Tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/artist/2950364 #AucklandArtsFestival #JuliaBullock #AucklandPhilharmonia #NZOS #NZOperaSchool

Have you got your tickets? 🇫🇷 NZOS alumnus Jamie Henare (2014) will be performing as Jean Valjean in Amdram Whanganui’s production of Les Miserable at the Royal Whanganui Opera House from 20-28 March! With a cast of more than 60 performers, West-End worthy sets and costumes and a 21-piece orchestra, this stunning production brings to life unforgettable songs like “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” Don’t miss this epic story of courage, love and redemption. Book your tickets at the Royal Whanganui Opera House Box Office online https://rwoh.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/155721 or call 06 349 0511. You may also spot our GM performing in the chorus! 🎵

As part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki | Auckland Arts Festival, New Zealand Opera returns with an acclaimed, intimate reimagining of Bluebeard's Castle. Presented with the Auckland Philharmonia, this 60-minute production by Theatre of Sound moves beyond gothic myth, exploring themes of memory, ageing and dementia with striking emotional clarity. Hailed as “Brilliant” and “Exceptional” following its 2023 New Zealand premiere, this is a powerful, contemporary take on Bartók’s only opera — vivid, intimate and deeply moving. 📅 13 & 14 March, 7.30pm 📍 Auckland Town Hall One hour, no interval. Sung in English with titles. #AucklandArtsFestival #NewZealandOpera #BluebeardsCastle #LiveOpera #AucklandEvents

🎬 THURSDAY 5th MARCH – Join us for TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI at the 12.40pm showing at Embassy 3, Whanganui — Donald and Debbie will be there, and we would love our NZ Opera School friends to join us. This one feels special. Watching Pene Pati and Amitai Pati take the world by storm has been extraordinary — and for us at NZ Opera School, deeply personal. They are part of our alumni whānau. We’ve seen the work, the discipline, the fire. What the world is witnessing now is no accident — it’s talent meeting relentless commitment. This film celebrates not just international success, but two Kiwi artists carrying culture, family and Aotearoa with them onto the world’s greatest stages. Join us! TICKETS here: https://www.embassy3.co.nz/movie/tenor-my-name-is-pati #NZOperaSchool #NZOSAlumni #ProudWhānau #AotearoaToTheWorld

This is happening now - we’re soo proud to be here to witness this momentous occasion ❤️ Congratulations Pene and Amitai ❤️ Love your NZOS whānau 🙏 #nzos #alumni

🌹 Another NZOS rose in bloom — this time from Cathy Carroll’s garden. Seeing these roses flowering across the country brings us such joy. Each one is a quiet reminder that the NZ Opera School community extends far beyond the stage — growing in gardens, homes, and hearts throughout Aotearoa. Donate to NZOS and support the future of Aotearoa’s operatic talent: https://operaschool.org.nz/support/donate-to-nzos/ Matthews Nurseries will inform us when the NZOS Rose will be available to purchase again. #NZOperaSchool #FriendsOfNZOS #NZOSRose #SupportTheArts #FutureVoices

Bravo, Sid! A huge congratulations to NZ Opera School alumnus Sid Chand on his debut with the San Francisco Orchestra — a remarkable milestone and a moment we are incredibly proud to celebrate. It feels like only yesterday Sid left Aotearoa to continue his studies with the legendary César Ulloa — a mentor we miss dearly here at home. Hard work, quiet determination, and heart have always defined Sid’s journey, and seeing him now on an international stage, wearing a part of home with him, means the world to our whānau. Bravo, Sid — we miss you and couldn’t be prouder. #NZOperaSchool #NZOS #Alumni #NZOperaSchool

✨ Opera x Champagne — your Friday evening ritual ✨ Imagine watching the sun set over the harbour, a glass in hand, while live opera fills the air. Almost every Friday from 6:30pm, the Bellini Bar at Hilton Auckland becomes the stage for some of Aotearoa’s most promising young voices — curated by NZ Opera School in an intimate setting where opera meets the city at golden hour. This Friday: 🎶 Shana Matthews & Millie Trusttum, with the wonderful David Kelly at the piano. Join us for music, sunset views, and a little end-of-week magic. 📍 Hilton Auckland — Bellini Bar 🕡 Fridays from 6:30pm #NZOperaSchool #OperaXChampagne #LiveOpera #Auckland #NZOS

🌹 The NZ Opera School Rose is blooming… and so is our whānau. We are absolutely delighted to start receiving photos of NZOS roses flowering across Aotearoa — this beautiful bloom comes from Niels Jonker’s garden, and it made our day. Beyond our shared love of opera, these roses connect us — a living reminder of the community that nurtures young artists year after year. Each bloom tells a story of support, generosity, and belief in future voices. The NZOS rose was purchased as one of the special perks of becoming a Friend of the Opera School — a way to stay connected while helping the next generation of singers grow. 🌱 Become a Friend and help support the future of Aotearoa’s operatic talent: https://operaschool.org.nz/support/friends-of-the-opera-school/ #NZOperaSchool #FriendsOfNZOS #NZOSRose #SupportTheArts #FutureVoices

Soprano Shana Matthews took on Mozart’s “Mi tradì” during Great Opera Moments. Focused. Technically assured. No wasted gesture. That authority was built with hard work— including the intensive masterclass work with Mary Plazas — where detail, discipline and dramatic truth are non-negotiable. Loved having you, Shana! #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Opera

During Great Opera Moments, Erin Connelly-Whyte's “Senza mamma” was built on breath. Long, suspended phrases. No rush. No indulgence. Just disciplined control holding the emotion steady. That kind of stillness doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of deep technical work and dramatic coaching at NZOS. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Opera