How special to have young musicians soaking up the magic of NZ Opera School ✨ Over the past two weeks, Hector Hewis, a recent Whanganui Collegiate School graduate, joined us to observe classes — and his reflections say it all 💛 “It has been fascinating to see the changes in the way the singers’ sounds have improved… and to see them grow more confident in themselves and their abilities.” Hector spoke about learning from each tutor, picking up ideas he can apply to his own singing, and being inspired by conversations with the students. Seeing the process up close helped him believe this is something he could aim for in the future — and that’s exactly why opportunities like this matter. We’re so glad you could join us, Hector. The door to opera is always open. 🎶 #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining

This year’s Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential was awarded to Jasmine Jessen — a singer whose artistry, growth, and promise truly captured hearts during NZOS 2026. 🌟 Although Janis Higgie couldn’t be with us at the ceremony — welcoming her first grandchild in the UK — she shared these beautiful words about her mother Merle, in whose memory the prize is awarded: *“Every year my mother Merle Higgie would phone me (in London) and describe her highlights from the final concert, telling me which students excited her the most. It was her recognition of what they might be able to achieve that was exciting. I know she would be thrilled to know there is a prize given in her memory.”* We are deeply grateful to Janis for her generosity in sponsoring this award and for helping us celebrate not just achievement, but future possibility. Congratulations, Jasmine — a very worthy recipient of this meaningful honour. 💛 #NZOperaSchool #MerleHiggiePrize #NZOS #OperaTraining

🎶 Ivan Zhang brought quiet strength and deep loyalty to the stage in “Unis dès la plus tendre enfance” from Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride during Great Opera Moments 2026. As Pylade, pledging unwavering friendship even in the face of death, Ivan delivered a performance full of warmth, sincerity, and noble line — a beautiful moment of stillness and devotion in the heart of the drama. So wonderful to see his artistry continue to grow with Class of 2026. 🎭#NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Whanganui 📸: Karen Hughes

Moments before the announcement 📣 #flashback #nzos2026 #bigschool

🌟 Alumnus Milestone Moment! 🌟 Huge congratulations to Sid Chand on his debut with the San Francisco Symphony on February 14 — an extraordinary achievement and a truly special moment in his journey. From his very first days with us, there was always a quiet certainty about Sid. As Donald shared in a heartfelt message, we never doubted for a moment that he would go on to do wonderful things. This milestone is the result of Sid’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination to grow as an artist. This debut marks one of the first major chapters in what we know will be a long and beautiful career. We are so proud — not only of the singer he has become, but of the person he is. His family must be bursting with pride, and so are we! The entire NZ Opera School whānau is cheering you on, Sid. This is just the beginning! ❤️🎶 #NZOSAlumni #NZOS #OperaTraining

Flashback to last breakfast before leaving 👋 The team are missing those moments in the cafeteria 🥹 Share your favorite last NZOS moments with us here 🙏 #nzos2026 #greatoperaschoolmoments #alumni

🌟 Class of 2026 Spotlight – Emma Jones, Soprano Emma brought focus, warmth and musical curiosity to every corner of NZ Opera School. From refining technique in one-on-one coachings to diving deep into language, character and stagecraft, she embraced the full experience of two immersive weeks in Whanganui. Whether in class, rehearsal, or performance, Emma showed the kind of thoughtful artistry that grows when talent meets opportunity — and when you’re surrounded by inspiring tutors and a supportive whānau of fellow singers. We loved having you with us, Emma — and we can’t wait to see where your journey leads next. 🎶✨ #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Whanganui 📸: Karen Hughes

✨ Grace Burt ✨ Mezzo-soprano | Returning student Grace returned to NZOS with a clear focus: refining her sound, deepening trust in her voice, and allowing vulnerability to live on stage without tension. Over the fortnight, that commitment showed in the way she worked — thoughtfully, quietly, and with real integrity. NZOS 2026 was another step in a long-form journey: building confidence, shaping colour, and learning to be fully present in performance. A grounded artist, doing the work. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Whanganui #Aotearoa 📸: Karen Hughes

🔥 Tomairangi Henare 🔥 Grounded. Honest. Deeply felt. In GOM, Tomairangi moved us with “Ach, wir armen Leute” (Hänsel und Gretel) — a moment of stillness, weight, and truth that stayed long after the final note. Returning to NZOS, he carries his whakapapa with pride, and his journey is very much unfolding. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Whanganui #Aotearoa 📸: Karen Hughes

✨ Niamh Bentley ✨ Fourth time at NZOS — and still growing as an artist! From Werther’s “Frère! Voyez!” to being awarded the Bryan Wyness ‘Spirit of the School’ Award, Niamh brought warmth, generosity, and quiet strength to every room she entered. Some singers shine on stage. Others lift everyone around them. Niamh does both — and that’s exactly why this award found its home with her. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Whanganui #Aotearoa 📸: Karen Hughes

From her intense work during NZOS 2026 to a sparkling moment at Great Opera Moments, Soprano Jasmine Jessen brought clarity, confidence, and polish to every note she sang! #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #Whanganui #Aotearoa 📸: Karen Hughes

None of what happens inside the school — the long days of learning, the breakthroughs, the confidence built step by step — would be possible without the support behind the scenes. We are sincerely grateful to Creative New Zealand for backing the New Zealand Opera School and helping make this level of training, access, and opportunity possible for emerging opera artists across Aotearoa. #NZOS #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #CreativeNZ