New Zealand Opera School recital review: Young voices shine at museum

Reviewed by Lin Ferguson

It was packed, it was loved, it was a stunning concert with young, exciting singers who will soon star overseas. We’re pretty darn fabulous in this wee island at the bottom of the world.

This recital was a huge treat led by one of the finest accompanists and tutors, Bruce Greenfield. I spotted many of the mostly older audience members discreetly wiping a drop or two away.

The four singers, soprano Sarah Mileham, mezzo soprano Cadence Chung, counter tenor Jack Doyle and baritone Fa’amanu Fonoti-Fuimaono, performed a superb selection of arias from Puccini, Mozart, Strauss and Gounod.

Doyle thrilled the audience with his clear and beautiful voice. He has a presence on stage which I believe can’t be taught. He is a natural who belongs on centre stage already. His performance of Ombra mai fu by Handel was expressive and beautiful.

Chung was remarkable singing the Gounod aria Que fais-tu blanche tourterelle. Already, this young singer has a huge presence and a voice to match.

Mileham was glorious singing Puccini’s Donde lieta usci, her voice clear and uplifting. Giving his all, Fonoti-Faimaanu’s superb baritone wooed us with Mozart’s Hia gia vinta la causa. Greenfield led the way as ever, allowing his performers to fill the stage with their talent.

And just when the audience roared their applause, on came former student and counter tenor Stephen Diaz (now living in Spain), another fine example of the heights young singers can reach overseas after our small but remarkable opera school.