Increased support will boost New Zealand Opera School Faculty
Posted on 19 December 2013
The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation recently announced a new two year principal sponsorship arrangement with the NZ Opera School Trust. The increased sponsorship will support the addition of world-renowned tenor Dennis O’Neill, now a professor of vocal tuition based in Cardiff, to the school’s faculty.
The School is New Zealand’s only annual intensive residential opera school and is held for two weeks each January in Whanganui, providing tuition and coaching in voice, language and movement, and public performance opportunities. In its twenty year history it has assisted many of NZ’s young singers to go on to national and international success in the opera world.
“We are delighted to be working with Dame Kiri and the Foundation, sharing as we do a passion for seeking out and developing the best of young operatic talent in New Zealand,” said Donald Trott, founder of the School and Executive Chairman of the New Zealand Opera School Trust.
Dame Kiri endorsed these comments - “The Foundation’s principal aim is to identify and assist talented young New Zealand singers to complete advanced classical vocal studies and develop international careers, and we see the New Zealand Opera School as a natural partner in this regard”
“The School provides a unique vehicle for young New Zealand singers, providing world-class tuition and mentoring. We’re proud and excited to be associated with such an exceptional development platform for the next generation of New Zealand singers, and to help bring one of the world’s great singers and teachers, Dennis O’Neill, to the School,” she said.