Nikki Li Hartliep’s opera masterclass dazzles at New Zealand Opera School

By Lin Ferguson, 16th January 2025

An opera school masterclass is always incredible because it is a rare look at the inner machinations of the work between the tutor and student.

As superb tutor Nikki Li Hartliep said at her New Zealand Opera School masterclass on Monday night at Whanganui Collegiate auditorium, “this is not a performance, this is work”.

Four students each sang an aria and Hartliep launched in with her instruction on how they had sung, what they could change and how they could inject more into music.

The beauty of this class was Hartliep herself, a strong and knowledgeable critically acclaimed soprano.

Hartliep is not just a distinguished vocal tutor – she exudes a warmth and personal charm that seems to wrap around each young singer.

Although this is a tough ask, especially in front of an audience hanging on every word and phrase, Hartliep is able to ensure her young students immediately bring their A-game even if their aria is very new to them.

For soprano Emma Jones, singing an aria from Turandot learned just four days before, it was a testing vocal journey but truly beautiful.

“You see,” Hartliep said, clapping her hands, “you are a wonderful young singer.”

With each singer, Hartliep was barely seated before she was up again to demonstrate how changes in phrasing and breathing would help but, above all, students should know what they were singing.

“How your mood is … angry, flirtatious, sad …”

When Hartliep demonstrated her complete understanding of the music and the aria, her superb voice was a joy to hear.

From feeling vengeful to flirtatious to cold anger and rejection, each aria took on a new life under Hartliep’s direction.

Each student was glowing as they left the stage and Hartliep was beaming with pleasure and clapping her hands.

Adding to the success of this special evening was one of Australia’s finest accompanists and vocal coaches, Sharolyn Kimmorley. Working with Hartliep, they were a glorious team.

The chosen four students were all fabulous and eager to sing.

Their faces said it all in their final bow.

Photo / Steve Caudwell