The Opera Guild

The Opera Guild image

Meet The Opera Guild

First established over a decade ago as Co-Opera, The Opera Guild is a major support group for The NBR New Zealand Opera.

Today, eight committed volunteers work together combining a wide range of individual skills to facilitate major fundraising, foster support and interest in opera and financially assist the young singers of tomorrow.

Over the years, The Opera Guild has established itself as a leader amongst New Zealand cultural sector support groups by contributing a significant sum of money to NZO.

In 1997, The Opera Guild proposed the idea of an opera auction. With the support of John Bayley and his team it was an enormous success: a colourful evening of operatic entertainment highlighted by an enticing auction of irresistible goods and travel, raising $268,000 and setting the standard for future fundraising. There have been five auctions in total, held biennially, all glittering successful events.

The Mosaic of the Arts saw The Opera Guild join with Advance Dance (for the Royal New Zealand Ballet) and the Auckland Philharmonia Guild for festive fundraising banquets. A superb 4-course dinner was prepared by Auckland's top chefs accompanied by beautifully matched wines from our respective sponsors. The highlight was a mosaic of dance, music and song. The Mosaic was a wonderful way to show united support for performing arts in Auckland.

Looking forward, The Opera Guild recognised the need for a different style of fundraising. In 2004, with the very generous support of artist Terry Stringer, Diva/Avid, a beautiful bronze sculpture was commissioned. Opera lovers took the opportunity to purchase the sculpture to enjoy at work or at home. It spoke not only of their love of opera but their support for the opera company. The project raised over $70,000 at a vital time.

Following on from this success, The Opera Guild together with respected South Island artist Grahame Sydney have launched 'Road to Lauder' a fabulous limited edition lithograph.

"The Opera Guild plays a vital role in the community. I believe we are strengthening appreciation for opera and encouraging participation and financial support from a wide range of people," says Chanelle Farmer, present Chair. "We have a wonderful loyal support base and with new and innovative ideas we want to provide an opportunity for involvement from the next generation of opera lovers".

Enquiries: operaguild@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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