Even after his final year at NZOS, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono remained at the heart of our community — because once you're part of the NZOS whānau, you're always part of it. 💙 In 2022 and 2023, Emmanuel returned as a featured artist in our Winter Gala Concerts, sharing the stage with fellow alumni and bringing unforgettable performances to audiences across Aotearoa. Now, as he prepares to step onto the world’s greatest stages — from Merola Opera Program to The Royal Opera House, London — we’re so proud to have been part of his story. Good luck, Emmanuel!🎶 #NZOperaSchool #OperaWhanau #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #WinterGala #OperaJourney #NZOS

🎶✨ Introducing: Friends of the Opera School ✨🎶 We’re proud to launch our Friends of the Opera School programme - a brand new membership for those who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of opera talent in Aotearoa. With an annual donation of $250, you’ll directly support New Zealand’s premier residential opera training programme and help keep tuition accessible for our talented young singers. Your support enables us to bring world-class tutors to Whanganui each January for two weeks of intensive opera education and performance. 💫 Special Launch Offer: The first 100 supporters to register will receive a limited edition rose: 'NZ Opera School', bred by Bob Matthews of internationally renowned Matthews Roses, Whanganui (RRP $65). 🌹 🎁 As a Friend of the Opera School, you’ll enjoy: – Priority bookings for Whanganui Opera Week events – Invitations to exclusive ‘Friends’ functions – Behind-the-scenes access through our e-newsletter – Advanced notice of our student cohort – Access to recordings of ALL public performances – One complimentary 'Introduce a Friend' ticket (up to $25 value) – And the satisfaction of being part of something truly special Be part of the community shaping the future of opera in Aotearoa. 👉 Become a Friend today: operaschool.org.nz/support/friends-of-the-opera-school #NZOperaSchool #FriendsOfTheOperaSchool #SupportTheArts #OperaAotearoa #Whanganui #OperaTraining #OperaFuture

🌐✨ We’ve had a glow-up! ✨🌐 We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our refreshed website — 📣 www.operaschool.org.nz Bigger, better, and beautifully designed to keep you up to date with everything NZ Opera School — from upcoming events and alumni achievements, to news, performances, and more. 🎭🎶 Whether you're a past student, future applicant, opera lover, or just curious — this is your new go-to hub for all things NZOS. Explore. Discover. Stay connected. 📲 Check it out now: operaschool.org.nz #NZOperaSchool #NewWebsiteLaunch #OperaExcellence #StayConnected #NZOSOnline #AlumniSpotlight #operaaotearoa Thank you David Silvester at @liquidedgecreative for all your hard work!

2022 was a defining moment for Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono — his final year at the New Zealand Opera School and one filled with extraordinary achievements. That summer, he was named a NZ Opera Studio Artist and received two of our highest honours: 🏆 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship 🏆 Susie and Guy Haddleton Emerging Artist Award It was also the year Emmanuel won the Lockwood New Zealand Aria, became a Lexus Song Quest finalist, and received the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Scholarship for Potential. His artistry was flourishing — and the opera world was starting to take notice. But leaving NZOS didn’t mean leaving the NZOS family. We’ve continued to walk alongside Emmanuel, offering him performance opportunities and support whenever we could. That’s a huge part of what we stand for: nurturing talent beyond the classroom. Now, as he heads to the Royal Opera House and the Merola Opera Program, we know he takes a piece of us with him — and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way. 💙 #NZOperaSchool #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #OperaExcellence #NZOS #JetteParkerYoungArtist #MerolaOperaProgram #FutureStar

Rest in Peace Raymond. ✝️ #raymondhawthorne #nzoperaschool #legend

✨ Emmanuel at NZOS: 2021 ✨ A year of growth. A voice of promise. In 2021, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono returned to the New Zealand Opera School once again — and it was clear to all that something special was unfolding. That year, he was awarded the Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential, a recognition of the extraordinary talent, discipline, and heart he brought to every note. Everyone could see it — his potential was undeniable. At NZOS, we’ve believed in Emmanuel from the very beginning, and we’re proud to have supported his journey every step of the way. And we’ll keep cheering him on as he continues to rise. #NZOperaSchool #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #OperaJourney #NZOpera #NZOS #JetteParkerYoungArtist #MerolaOperaProgram

In 2020, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono returned to the New Zealand Opera School, continuing to deepen his artistry and become part of the fabric of our NZOS whānau. That year, he worked closely with international opera luminaries Sharolyn Kimmorley and Glenn Winslade, gaining invaluable insight and mentorship. Surrounded by our alumni network and the unique environment of NZOS, Emmanuel was developing not just as a singer — but as a complete artist. It was another vital step in an extraordinary journey — one that now leads him to the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco and the prestigious Jette Parker Artist Programme at The Royal Opera House, London. 🌍✨ #NZOperaSchool #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #OperaJourney #NZOS #OperaLove #NZOpera #JetteParkerYoungArtist #MerolaOperaProgram

In 2019, a young Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono walked through the doors of the New Zealand Opera School for the very first time. That year marked the start of a journey that has now led him to some of opera’s biggest international stages. It was a memorable year—culminating in the unforgettable River Opera performance, where Emmanuel stood alongside some of Aotearoa’s brightest talents, including Amina Edris, Pene Pati, Moses Mackay, and Amitai Pati. Looking back, the energy and promise of that class still resonates. Since then, Emmanuel has grown through every return to NZOS—refining his craft with guidance from world-class tutors, seizing every performance opportunity, and stepping into his artistry with heart and purpose. We feel honoured to have been part of his journey from the very beginning and we acknowledge the merits of ProjectPrimaVolta for discovering his talent at a young age. #Throwback #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #NZOperaSchool #RiverOpera2019 #OperaJourney #AlumniSpotlight

‼️BREAKING NEWS ‼️ Emmanuel Fonoti Fuimaono’s dream comes true 🙋‍♂️ Congratulations from us all Emmanuel. We’re soo proud of you ❤️ Love ❤️ all of us 🙌 #nzos #alumni #nzoperaschool

🎉✨ HUGE NEWS! ✨🎉 Alumnus Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono has been accepted into The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artist Programme in London! 🇬🇧🎭 From over HUNDREDS of applicants worldwide, Emmanuel is one of the very few selected—and the first-ever New Zealander to be invited to audition without having studied overseas. This is historic! But that’s not all—before heading to London, Emmanuel will have completed the prestigious Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. We’ve always known Emmanuel was destined for great things—his time at NZ Opera School across 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 showed us a young artist with remarkable talent, drive, and heart. His hard work was recognized with: 🏆 2021 Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential 🏆 2022 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship 🏆 2022 Susie and Guy Haddleton Emerging Artist Award 🌟We couldn’t be prouder—this is just the beginning! Join us in celebrating Emmanuel’s phenomenal success over the following days! 👏 Bravo, Emmanuel! 👏 #EmmanuelFonotiFuimaono #JetteParkerArtist #RoyalOperaHouse #MerolaOpera #NZOperaSchool #OperaExcellence #NZOS 📸 NZOS Great Opera Moments Gala 2022

The early years of the NZ Opera School had the privilege of the directorial abilities of Raymond Hawthorn as its Director of Acting and the contribution he made through those initial years was significant. His passing reminds us of the amazing contribution that Raymond made to actors and opera singers. Vale Raymond. #nzos #nzoperaschool #alumni

Alumna Cadence Chung is launching a book AND going on a book tour! How is exciting is that? The tour features guest poets and singers, including NZOS alumni Teddy Finney-Waters, Tomairangi Henare, and Sarah Mileham. Expect duets/trios with different singers, as well as poetry readings! Who's joining us on the tour to support Candence? #nzos #alumni #NZOperaSchool