Outreach

Outreach image

The NBR New Zealand Opera plays an important role in educating young people and new audiences about opera - we invite you to learn and explore!

The outreach programme was developed to make opera and the performing arts accessible to young people, and to stimulate their interest in, and understanding of opera. It currently consists of Vocal Creative Workshops, Design Creative Workshops, Opera in Schools, Schools' Attendance and Inside View.

Each initiative is structured to involve students from as many subject disciplines and cultural backgrounds as possible. By exposing them to opera, we are widening the base of potential opera participants and audiences, and ensuring that professional opera in New Zealand has a vibrant future.

Enquiries: education@nzopera.co.nz

Assistance for NZ Opera's outreach initiatives is provided by Public Programmes at THE EDGE and the St James Theatre.

Did you know?

Early opera resembled the atmosphere of a race course - chatting, food, laughter and loud comments were the norm.

During all our opera performances an English translation of the libretto is projected on screens above the stage, so you can easily follow the story.

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.