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. This festival of Opera is recognised as one of the region’s most popular events and attracts visitors both nationally and internationally.
These public performances enable the students to develop their performance skills and give the public the chance to enjoy the students’ talents and to observe their development.
A typical calendar of performances includes:
- Recital by selected students of NZOS at the Whanganui Regional Museum
- ‘In Praise of Music’ at Whanganui Collegiate Chapel
- Public Masterclass with International Tutor
- Dining with Opera Performances at local cafés
- Conversations about Opera
- Gala Concert ‘Great Opera Moments’ at the Royal Whanganui Opera House
As a result of the world class tutoring provided by the teachers and professional based New Zealand musicians and artists, our aspiring young New Zealand singers are continuing to make significant strides with opera in New Zealand and in many opera houses around the world. As a UNESCO City of Design, Whanganui continues to make a great contribution to their successes, and we are grateful for your support and encouragement.
A cultural highlight in the calendar of Whanganui, we look forward to entertaining you with the next generation of New Zealand opera stars!
Thank you to all our Whanganui Opera Week partners and sponsors:
Event Partners
Sue Gardner
Cleveland Funeral Home
Ryman Healthcare (Jane Winstone Retirement Village)
Wanganui Toyota TRC
Whanganui Collegiate School
Craigs Investment Partners
The Brick House
Momiji Restaurant
Flag Sponsors
Doyle & Associates
G & S Marshall
Four Square St Johns
Wanganui Insurance Brokers
Property Brokers
Driving Miss Daisy Whanganui
Hadleigh Reid Victoria Dental
Andersons Memorials
Donald Trott
Four Square Riverview
Whanganui Opera Week Volunteers
A wonderful team of volunteers works alongside the NZ Opera School to bring these public events to life by attracting sponsors and supporters, assisting with marketing and event logistics and of course welcoming you all to our events.
Current WOW Committee members are Sheena Marshall, Lucy Trott, Sally McConnell and Louise Caudwell. If you would like offer your services as a volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Email [email protected] to get in touch.
WOW Ambassadors
In 2021 the original WOW volunteers were made Ambassadors of the Opera School, recognising their many years of contribution and service to opera in Whanganui. Ambassadors are: Bev Kirkwood, Pat Cunniffe, Dougal McIntyre, Jacqui McGowan, Eric Hart, Renate Schneider (dec’d) and Ian Kirk (dec’d).
