New Zealand Opera
The Strangest of Angels
An opera that explores a fictional encounter between author Janet Frame and a psychiatric nurse at Seacliff Hospital near Dunedin. Audio
Pene Pati: I'm Listening To This
Sol3 Mio star Pene Pati has a lot on this plate at the moment, which is the way we like things on this segment. He's missing everyone back home on Mother's Day, especially his own mother, Juliette, to… Audio
Tim Finn: 'Tupaia had a different way of seeing the universe'
In recent years, musician Tim Finn has turned his considerable talents to opera. His latest work, Ihitai 'Avei'a - Star Navigator, tells the story of the incredible star navigator Tupaia and his time… Audio
NZ Opera not serving up “the same old cat food” in 2020
“If we serve up the same old cat food, then no one gets to taste anything different,” says New Zealand Opera’s General Director Thomas de Mallet Burgess, who announced the 2020 season today. Audio
The Turn of the Screw comes full circle for new NZO head of music
New Zealand Opera’s ‘The Turn of the Screw’ starts next week in Wellington, and there’s a special connection to it for new NZO Head of Music. Audio
Gareth FARR: The Bone Feeder
Opera by Gareth Farr and Renee Liang, The world première production by Auckland Arts Festival in association with New Zealand Opera at the Waterfront Theatre in Auckland, March 2017. Video, Audio
Lexus winner Joel Amosa takes to the stage for NZ Opera
2018 Lexus Song Quest winner Joel Amosa is stepping up in New Zealand Opera’s The Barber of Seville tomorrow night in Wellington. Audio
Review: NZO's Barber of Seville puts the comic into comic opera
NZ Opera’s current production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) pulls out all the stops to put the comic into comic opera. Peter Hoar was at opening night in Auckland.
Revisioning New Zealand Opera - Thomas de Mallet Burgess
New Zealand Opera have been advertising six key roles in their team. Last year saw departures from the opera's board, including its chair. New Zealand Opera say they are "in the process of redefining… Audio
NZ Opera turning the screw for 2019 season
New Zealand Opera announced a streamlined 2019 season this week, which continues a trend of moving away from large chorus productions. Audio
'Break a leg" couldn't be more apt for latest Opera production
Wellington bass baritone Barry Mora steps up to play twin roles of Benoît/Alcindoro when his friend Richard Greager breaks a leg days before New Zealand Opera's La Bohème begins production. Audio
Review: New Zealand Opera's La Bohème
NZ Opera’s latest production is a feast for the eyes and the ears. Spectacular staging and costuming along with powerful singing made for a grand night of opera according to reviewer Peter Hoar Audio
La Boheme – the greatest romantic opera of all
New Zealand Opera’s production of La Bohème opens next week in Auckland before traveling to Wellington. One of the most recognizable operas of all, Puccini’s masterpiece touches on themes of youth… Audio
Upbeat for Wednesday 5 August
We discover how video games are drawing the next generation to classical music; New Zealand Opera’s leading stars talk about playing the romantic leads in La Bohème and we continue celebrating winners…
Five Faves with new NZ Opera leader Thomas de Mallet Burgess
New Zealand Opera recently announced Thomas de Mallet Burgess as its new General Director. He chooses five favourite pieces of music that speak to him on different levels. Video, Audio
Upbeat for Monday 27 August
NZ musical film Upstage has won an international award, NZ Opera’s new General Director Thomas de Mallet Burgess choses his Five Faves, and star violinist Augustin Hadelich plays Beethoven’s Violin…
Upbeat for Friday 20 July
Rising New Zealand star pianist 17 year old Lixin Zhang discusses his debut album Play, Stuart Maunder shines the spotlight on tonight’s live broadcast of Aida, and we end our week with another…
Lots of love in NZ Opera’s Elixir for emerging artist Natasha Wilson
New Zealand Opera’s The Elixir of Love continues at Wellington’s Opera House. NZO’s emerging young artist Natasha Wilson injects energy, sass and warmth into her role has Giannetta – a community… Audio
Upbeat for Tuesday 26 June
New Zealand Opera emerging artist Natasha Wilson, how music helps children grasp language, UK charts recalibrate to include Youtube videos and we continue our Suite of the day.
Upbeat for Monday 18 June
New Zealand Opera announces its new General Director, we play music inspired by the Football World Cup, Tony Ryan reviews the CSO & we mark the passing of conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky.