Whanganui born Donald Trott is the Executive Chairman and Founding Trustee of the NZ Opera School which he established in 1994 and has had a lifelong devotion to singing and the art of opera. Donald has played a pivotal role in the development of young opera singers in New Zealand for more than 50 years, acting as a mentor and leader to the students, alumni and colleagues alike.
Since 1994, the New Zealand Opera School, held annually in Whanganui, has provided world-class training under the guidance of international tutors, with over 700 aspiring opera singers benefiting from its programs. Many alumni of the school have gone on to pursue successful careers in opera houses around the world, further cementing the institution’s legacy.
In addition to founding the NZ Opera School, Donald is a founding Trustee of the New Zealand Opera Foundation Trust, which provides crucial financial support for emerging opera talent and productions in New Zealand with a mission to ‘safeguard the future of Opera in New Zealand’. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the growth and sustainability of opera in the country, ensuring that future generations of singers have the opportunity to study and perform at the highest levels.
In the late 1980’s Donald spearheaded the establishment of a new company (NZ Opera) to produce professional opera in the newly opened Aotea Centre and remained their chairman until 1994. A passionate arts advocate, Donald also led the management and fundraising for the total refurbishment of the Auckland Town Hall organ. Donald is a Trustee of the Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation, Chairman of the Board for St Paul’s in the City Presbyterian Church in Whanganui and Patron of the Whanganui Collegiate School chapel centenary and chapel/organ refurbishment (2012). Donald is also a member of the Royal Order of Scotland and a Member of the Lodge of the Liberal Arts, Auckland. Trustee of the Lodge of the Liberal Arts Trust.
Throughout his career, Donald has been deeply committed to advancing the arts and music education in New Zealand, and his extensive service to opera has earned him numerous accolades, including being appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).