Established in 1994 by Donald Trott ONZM, the New Zealand Opera School is a registered charitable trust that delivers New Zealand’s premier annual residential training course for budding New Zealand opera singers.
Our mission hasn’t changed since day one:
“To provide international quality conservatoire training to New Zealand’s most promising young opera singers”. The goal is to ensure New Zealand’s outstanding operatic talents have the necessary skills and best opportunities to craft sustainable careers on the world stage for NZ and international audiences.
School alumni include renowned international tenor Pene Pati, Amitai Pati, Moses Mackay (SOL3 MIO), Simon O’Neill ONZM, Bianca Andrew, Madeleine Pierard, Phillip Rhodes, Eliza Boom, Filipe Manu and Manase Latu with a long list now studying and performing in opera houses around the world.
In 2004, Whanganui supporters joined a roll-call of funders and patrons to create ‘Whanganui Opera Week’ building significant local support for the school’s activities. With public events hosted at a variety of Whanganui venues, Whanganui Opera Week is now identified as one of the region’s most popular festivals and attracts visitors from across the country.
Our logo
The Kokako – a New Zealand songbird – forms part of the school’s logo. It has a beautiful, clear voice which carries over great distances. Kokako populations have distinctly different songs, a phenomenon many people consider analogous with that of human dialects. The school’s motto Nihil tumultus, tantum opera translates as ‘Minimum fuss, maximum work’.
Learn more about NZOS
The NZOS Experience
Every year, up to 22 students gather in the historic buildings of Whanganui Collegiate School with internationally renowned tutors for an intensive two weeks of study and performance, both at the School and in Whanganui’s arts and recreational venues.
Whanganui Opera Week
Each January, Whanganui Opera Week is proud to present the students of the New Zealand Opera School at various public events in the city culminating in a gala concert at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.
Awards
During the School, our tutors select students to earn Awards donated by our supporters and benefactors. We are so grateful for the generosity of our Award Sponsors.
Our Home
Despite living for many years in Auckland and Wellington, Donald knew that Whanganui would be the perfect home for the New Zealand Opera School.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions relating to the School