It is with regret that I advise that the Hon Dame Catherine Tizard, ONZ has retired as Patron of the New Zealand Opera School. The School has been greatly enriched by Dame Cath’s patronage since the School’s inception in 1994. During this time Dame Cath has visited the School on a number of occasions and taken part in our work and activities. We extend our grateful thanks and warm appreciation to Dame Cath and wish her a comfortable and most pleasant retirement. Our Great Opera Moments programme will, for the future, record Dame Cath as the School’s Founding Patron, in the same way as we record Madame Virginia Zeani as the Founding International Tutor.
New Patron
It gives the School’s Trustees great pleasure to announce that New Zealand International Tenor Simon O’Neill, ONZM, has accepted their invitation to become the Patron of the New Zealand Opera School.
Simon was one of the first students at the School in 1994/5 and again in 1996. He has, through the years, maintained a great interest in and enthusiasm for the School and has in recent years tutored at the School.
We are delighted that Simon has accepted this position as we are sure you will be also and we welcome him as the School’s new Patron.
Donald Trott, Executive Chairman NZ Opera School Trust
