The arrival of Barry Mora as an international tutor at the New Zealand Opera School brought years of wonderful engagement with students and staff of the School.
As a splendid baritone, Barry’s passion for the opera voice shone through in all his tutorials with the student singers and he followed their development with extra tutorials and valuable mentoring. Those living in his home area of Auckland had the benefit of his continuing support and coaching.
During one of the Great Opera Moments concerts in the Royal Whanganui Opera House Barry and Richard Greagor (also a tutor at the School) presented, at the request of one of our patrons the great Pearl Fishers duet to the absolute delight of the full house and their enormous joy of working together was very evident.
A wonderfully supportive and collegial staff member and at staff meetings always ready to challenge decisions with wisdom and courage. His infectious laugh and his warm and genuine support was to provide for those of us privileged enough to work with him lasting memories of a wonderful man, a great performer and a very fine friend .
I personally will miss our Auckland gatherings with Barry and Di at the home of Paul and Christine McLaren and my many telephone conversations. Always a joy.
Donald