Two world-renowned teachers have been confirmed for the 2017 New Zealand Opera School – the country’s prestigious residential summer school for emerging opera singers. The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation International Vocal Faculty tutors will be Della Jones and César Ulloa.
Della Jones, has had a stunning career as one of the world’s leading mezzo-sopranos, appearing in the U.S, Russia, Japan, Canada, U.K. and throughout Europe in over 120 operatic roles. She has a prolific recording portfolio exceeding 120 works across every major record label, and has worked with leading orchestras and conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, Sir Charles Mackerras, Sir Simon Rattle, and Sir John Eliot Gardiner. More recently Della has been working with students at London’s National Opera Studio and in Cardiff at the Welsh International Academy of Voice.
“I am looking forward enormously to coming to your highly reputable Opera School in Whanganui,” says Della Jones, adding a message for those considering applying for the 2017 intake. “I work hard, but believe in the joy of music- making, and I will help you all in whatever challenges you need to overcome.”
Professor César Ulloa is Chair of Voice at the San Francisco Conservatoire and also leads programmes for the San Francisco Opera Center. His students have been first prize winners and finalists in numerous competitions including New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Placido Domingo’s Operalia, Concurso Montserrat Caballé, and the Cardiff Singer of the World.
Steven Blier, coach at the vocal arts faculty of the Juilliard School of Music says César Ulloa has uniquely offered “insight into the foundations of great vocal artistry.” Legendary American mezzo Federica Von Stade called him “a guardian angel of singing”. Great American mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick says Ulloa is “an invaluable and important part of the opera world.”
César Ulloa is considered by many to be the best singing teacher in the world, says NZ Opera School director Jonathan Alver. “He came to teaching from a long and successful opera stage career and says that hearing stars such as Caballé, Carreras and Kraus both on-stage and in rehearsal trained his ear to hear where young singers will probably be two years ahead. He and Della Jones will be an enviable resource for the 2017 student intake.”
Alongside the international tutors stands an exceptional line-up of New Zealand opera and music professionals including Isabel Cunningham, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Terence Dennis, Bruce Greenfield, and director Sara Brodie.
The New Zealand Opera School takes place from January 9 to 22 on the campus of Wanganui Collegiate. The 22 student places are always keenly contested, with previous alumni having gone on to successful, sometimes stellar international careers. “Given the strong interest and competition for places, we encourage intending students to start on their recordings and applications now to maximise their chances,” says school director Jonathan Alver. The closing date for applications is 31st August 2016.
For more information about the principal sponsor, the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, please visit www.kiritekanawa.org. More NZ Opera School details at www.operaschool.org.nz. For further media information, pictures and interviews, please contact Michael Hooper (021 940 893) or Chris Swannell (021 594 007); email [email protected]
The New Zealand Opera School is supported by the following key sponsors and benefactors:
Deane Charitable Trust, The William and Lois Manchester Trust, Dame Jenny Gibbs DNZM, Mrs Beverley McConnell MNZM, QSM, The Mercury Theatre Restoration Fund, The New Zealand Opera Society, John and Margaret Hunn Trust.
