NZOS
Awards

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 $7,500 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 2025 recipient of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Scholarship is Jordan 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 2025 recipients of the Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation Award is Olivia Forbes.

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 2025 recipient of the Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential is Emma Jones. 

Donald trott scholarship

A new award for 2025 is the Donald Trott Scholarship which is awarded to the student who the principal tutors believe would most benefit from attending the New Zealand Opera School the following year. The recipient will receive a sponsored place at the School to assist with their operatic development. 

The 2025 recipient of the Donald Trott Scholarship is Jack Doyle.

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 hand blown glass trophy, by Katie Brown, is presented to the student, along with a prize of $500.00. 

Observation of students is on-going throughout the School and the presentation is made at the function following the final grand concert.

The 2025 recipient of the Spirit of the School is Scott Bezett.

NZ Opera School | Pene Pati

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