My Account
Four globally recognised opera singers have returned to New Zealand from Europe to perform in three recitals to be held at the Sculptureum, in Matakana.
Tenor Filipe Manu and soprano Natasha Wilson kick off the series on Saturday, June 22, while soprano Amelia Berry will perform on July 13 and Eliza Boom on August 17.
Auckland Opera Studio director Frances Wilson says it was a fantastic fluke that four of the most acclaimed young performers happened to be available.
“This will probably be the last year they will be able to perform in an intimate event like this. Each of the singers is being watched overseas. All have scholarships with international colleges and continue to be stars in their respective courses,” Frances says.
“Perhaps one per cent of singers succeed, and even then can struggle for years, so it is nothing short of amazing to have this much young talent from our country. In Europe, they have been asking what is in the New Zealand waters that is producing these singers at these ages.”
The music will vary from dramatic to blissful melodies in a variety of languages, including Czech, Russian, Italian, French and German.
“Audiences can expect to be lifted out of their daily life into a world of great art and talent, with a high standard vocal performance,” Frances says.
She adds the Opera Studio is thrilled that Sculptureum has offered itself as a venue for the series. It required a beautiful space for 80 people that could house a grand piano.
“Matakana is exactly the right place with cultivated people who love wonderful art,” Frances says.
For those who want to attend Eliza’s recital on August 17, but were intending to watch the All Blacks vs Australia game, Frances promises that proceedings will finish promptly at 7pm to ensure neither event need be missed. This is the fifth year the Auckland Opera Studio has held winter series recitals.
