Behind the Scenes
Chorus
The Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus is the chorus of The NBR New Zealand Opera. There are two choruses each based in Auckland and Wellington, and numbering around sixty-five singers in each city.
For opera productions, principal cast and creative teams work between both cities, while each Chorus rehearses and performs only in its home base. Sometimes additional Chorus members are recruited when large opera productions or concert works require an extended number of singers.
The Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus performs for NZO's main stage opera productions as well as a number of other major concert events annually.
Enquiries: chorus@nzopera.co.nz
Did you know?
An English translation of the opera is projected on surtitles above the stage during our performances.
Early opera resembled the atmosphere of a race course - chatting, food, laughter and loud comments were the norm.
If you are 25 years old or under you can purchase $25 tickets at the venue box office before any performance.
The world's longest opera is Wagner's The Ring Cycle, lasting over 14 hours plus intervals. That's 18 hours at the theatre.
The world's longest applause lasted for 1 hour and 20 minutes as a standing ovation. The opera: Otello starring Placido Domingo.
On average, an opera will last between 2 and 3 hours, with one interval in a two act show, and two in a three act show. Operettas and musicals tend to be shorter.
NZO has launched an Opera Social Club - no joining fees, no club membership, everyone is welcome.
