Friends of the Opera

Friends of the Opera image

Our Friends of the Opera groups bring people together to share their love of opera, learn more about the art form and help build New Zealand's opera world.

Volunteer committees in Auckland and Wellington present stylish events designed to showcase wonderful opera music and to meet artists. In addition, pre-opera Forums, Talks and Backstage Tours bring Friends closer to the creative process and deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of stage performances.

Become a Friend of the Opera today and enjoy all these great benefits:

  • Preferential seating
  • Invitations to exclusive Friends' events
  • Discounted entry to all Friends' and NZO events
  • Complimentary copies of NZO's full colour magazine Voices
  • Ticket exchange and replacement privileges
  • Regular behind-the-scenes news
  • And of course, the joy of supporting your national opera company.

Just $50 annual membership for you and your family.

Enquiries: friends@nzopera.co.nz

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.

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