NZOS
Awards
freemasons opera school scholar
freemasons opera school scholar
The Freemasons Scholarship may be awarded every two years to a New Zealand Opera School student who, on the recommendation of senior artistic staff, is ready to take the next great leap in their career development.
Subject to satisfactory completion of the first year of study, the award is available for a second year, to assist while studying at a recognised and suitable academy.
The initial recipient of the Freemasons Opera School Scholar in 2022 is Samuel Downes.
Dame Malvina Major Foundation scholarship
The New Zealand Opera School Trustees and staff were delighted when the Dame Malvina Major Foundation created the DMMF Scholarship to a student at the New Zealand Opera School to be presented at the conclusion of each January residential school. The selected student will receive a prize of $5,000 donated by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.
The principal teachers, will, throughout the School, observe the students including their vocal ability, acting capabilities, languages and plans for the future and general presentation.
The 2024 recipient of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship was Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono.
Dame sister mary leo foundation award
We are delighted to announce a new award in 2023 which will be presented to the runner up of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship. The selected student will receive a prize of $3,000 donated by the Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation.
The 2024 recipients of the Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation Award were Michaela Cadwgn and Ridge Ponini.
The 'Merle Higgie Opera Prize For Potential'
This prize was established by the late Merle Higgie’s family. Merle was an avid supporter of the work of the NZ Opera School and for years a regular attender at the School’s public events. The adjudication for this award is the most improved singer during the fortnight residential course. The selected student will receive a prize of $3,000 donated by the family of Merle Higgie.
The 2024 recipient of the Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential was Niamh Bentley.
To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the New Zealand Opera School Janis Higgie presented a special award to the ‘Most Improved’ student for 2024 with a prize of $2,000. The recipient of this award was Sarah Mileham.
Spirit of the Opera School
In memory of the late Capt. Bryan Wyness, former Chair of the NZ Opera School Trust, the Spirit of the Opera School trophy is presented to the student who, during the course of the School, displays the all-round spirit of hard work, consideration and encouragement of fellow students, as well as a positive attitude at all times. An engraved miniature trophy is presented to the student, along with a prize of $400.00.
Observation of students is on-going throughout the School and the presentation is made at the function following the final grand concert.
The 2024 recipient of the Spirit of the School was Ridge Ponini.
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