26 November, 2016
World’s best to coach New Zealand’s best
The New Zealand Opera School has selected a larger number of applicants than usual for its annual intensive summer
school. All in their twenties, the singers hail from Cheviot to Whangarei, ranging in experience from “freshers” to post
graduates.
“We were spoilt for choice.” says New Zealand Opera School director Jonathan Alver, announcing the young singers chosen
for the highly contested, residential programme. “So many applicants said they were motivated because we have attracted
two of the best singing teachers in the world for our International Vocal Faculty, sponsored by the Kiri Te Kanawa
Foundation. Now we can place a dream cast of young New Zealand singers in front of these stellar teachers and their
international career prospects will be boosted! It’s very exciting.”
The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation International Vocal Faculty will be led by opera star Della Jones and Professor César
Ulloa, who is Chair of Voice at the San Francisco Conservatoire and leads programmes for the San Francisco Opera Center.
Della Jones, has had a stunning career as one of the world’s leading mezzo-sopranos, appearing in the U.S, Russia,
Japan, Canada, U.K. and throughout Europe in over 120 operatic roles. She has a prolific recording portfolio exceeding
120 works across every major record label and works with some of the best young singers in London.
Dame Kiri had a “personal hand” in the selection of the two international tutors.
The New Zealand Opera School provides New Zealand’s most intensive training for emerging opera singers, with tuition and
coaching in voice, language and movement, and public performance opportunities over two weeks every January. Many of the
successful applicants are on the threshold of launching themselves into major overseas institutions.
The School has proved to be an important influence in advancing some of New Zealand's top talent, including
international tenor star Simon O’Neill and the three singers from the award-winning group Sol3 Mio.
The NZ Opera School will be held on the campus of Wanganui Collegiate, from 9-22 January 2017. Founder and Executive
Chair Donald Trott says a transfusion of energy and transfusion of talent will occur. “It culminates in the fully staged
Great Opera Moments evening at the Royal Whanganui Opera House, a fitting finale to a fortnight of education and
inspiration.”
/ends/
Other resources: http://www.kiritekanawa.org or www.operaschool.org.nz and www.wanganuioperaweek.co.nz
Attachment: list of successful candidates arranged by region.