 |
Emerging Artists - Phillip Rhodes 2004, Andrew Conley 2001/2002,
Kristen Darragh 2004, Carla Parry 2003 |
 |
Dame Malvina Major |
The NBR New Zealand Opera sees it as one of its key roles to identify talented singers and give them a head start in the competitive world of professional music. Two years ago, we modified our existing internship programme, in collaboration with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers, to form the successful three-tier structure we now operate; selected singers start as Emerging Artists, and can later apply to become the Young Artist, and perhaps after a period of training and performing overseas, may choose to return and audition for Resident Artist status.
The Internship Structure
PwC Dame Malvina Major Young Artist (YA)
One singer (although in exceptional circumstances there may be more than one) will be chosen to undertake roles in mainstage and/or touring productions for the Company. Typically this will be a young singer just becoming established or a returning past Emerging Artist. The Young Artist will receive coachings and other music, language and performance support as deemed necessary. The internship period will vary but could be up to nine months and will include concerts and at least one NZO production. Application is by invitation and the successful candidate will be selected by audition.
PwC Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists (EA)
Up to six artists will be selected for this internship. They will be given small comprimario roles and/or understudies where possible and, depending on role allocation, will be part of the Company's chorus. Vocal, stagecraft and language coaching will be provided along with a range of other opportunities. Repetiteurs may apply under this tier and their programme will be shaped to suit individual and Company needs. The internship period can vary but ideally covers at least six months in total, focussing mainly on the mainstage production periods to maximise interaction with experienced artists, although there will be some concert work involved. Auditions are generally in March with a start date of early June.
The NBR New Zealand Opera Resident Artists (RA)
This tier is to provide for singers who may have passed through the Emerging and Young Artist phase and are returning to New Zealand or may already be in the top echelon of the chorus or the domestic singing scene. They will be suitable for roles and understudies with the Company. The number of singers selected will depend on the opera and concert requirements for that year but it is anticipated that there will be up to six Resident Artists in the annual intake. These artists will have vocal and language coaching provided for their specific roles and understudies, with provision for other support as required. The internship period is flexible, depending upon the number of operas Resident Artists are involved in. Application is by audition generally in November of each year.
2008/2009 Young Artist
2008/2009 Emerging Artists
2009/2010 Emerging Artists
2008/2009 Resident Artists
Emerging Artist in Profile - Wendy Dawn Thompson
Past Young Artists
Past Emerging Artists
Past Resident Artists
For more indepth information please contact Jude Froude, Artistic Administrator at jude@nzopera.co.nz
The internship is proudly sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers with additional support from the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, and is administered by The NBR New Zealand Opera.
