Latest Stories
News
2009/2010 Emerging Artists Announced
15/10/2009
Four aspiring New Zealand singers have been selected by The NBR New Zealand Opera to join its coveted internship programme. ANDREW GRENON (tenor), BRIGITTE HEUSER (mezzo soprano), ALEXANDRA IOAN (soprano) and POLLY OTT (soprano).
General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera, Aidan Lang, says these young artists take significant steps towards a professional career in opera when they embark on an internship with NZO. "The development of new talent is the lifeblood of opera," he says. "And one of the key roles of our Company is to identify that local talent and give these young singers a head-start in the competitive world of professional music. The internship structure is such that we provide singers with a flow-through, from the beginning of their careers to a point where they can have a sustainable relationship with us. Supported by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, the internships complement academic achievement by exposing each of the artists to a learning environment that places emphasis on practical experience within the professional opera world. This includes vocal tuition with Dame Malvina Major and coaching sessions with other industry professionals. In addition, Emerging Artists are given small supporting and/or understudy roles and are part of NZO's chorus. A variety of concert engagements are also a feature of the Artists' internship.
Dame Malvina Major, who through her Foundation has been supporting the Emerging Artists since 2000, says she is dedicated to fostering New Zealand's young opera talent and to helping them realise their potential. "It's gratifying to be working with The NBR New Zealand Opera and PwC to equip our young singers with some of the necessary skills to develop into professional opera performers on the national and international stage," she says. "Helping to ensure a thriving future for opera in this country is also of paramount importance," she adds.
Congratulations to our 2009/2010 PwC Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists.
Back to news listingsDid 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.
