Lynette Gunnion 
As a company dedicated to crafting world-class opera performances for Aotearoa, we know that our audience is a culturally engaged, artistically-informed and generally very discerning one. But we also know that within our wide, varied artform, even those with a passion for opera may occasionally wish for more insight into what they may see on … Read more
New Zealand Opera is delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Kereama (Ngāti Manomano) as the 2024 NZ Opera Friedlander Foundation Associate Artist.
Our production of (m)Orpheus with acclaimed Pacific contemporary dance company Black Grace opened in Auckland to a full house and rave reviews.
Our production of Così fan tutte opened in Auckland on 31 May to rave reviews. Here is some of the feedback we have received so far: Reviews A triumvirate of creative talent guiding four outstanding voices – NZ Arts Review Cosi Fan Tutte is an opera for our time – Andrew Whiteside This is not … Read more
It is with great pleasure that the Board of New Zealand Opera announces the appointment of Brad Cohen as the next General Director of the Company. Brad Cohen is a musician, working internationally as a conductor, technological innovator, and publisher. He was most recently seen on our shores conducting Verdi’s Macbeth for New Zealand Opera. … Read more
On March 23, 2023, our much-anticipated production of The Unruly Tourists opened to a full Bruce Mason Centre as part of Auckland Arts Festival. Here is some of the feedback we received: Reviews a fast-paced show, sparkling with action and irreverent, down-home Kiwi wit. With a number of audience members standing to deliver enthusiastic applause … Read more
On December 9 & 11 Ihitai’Avei’a – Star Navigator was performed to a full Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. After its sold-out world premiere in 2021, we were thrilled to see the life and spirit of this work continue. Here is some of the feedback we received: …beautifully lyrical and poetic… lush and sensitive orchestration… … Read more
Our production of Verdi’s powerhouse masterpiece, Macbeth, opened on September 21 at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland, before moving on to Wellington on October 5, 7, & 9. Our next stop is Christchurch for two performances only – October 20 & 22 at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Directed by acclaimed UK director Netia Jones … Read more
Sunday 31 July marked the first performance of our national tour of Call of the Huia – an entertaining, informative and fascinating journey of discovery through the forgotten world of the Art Song of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Presented by Michael Vinten and featuring performers Oliver Sewell, Catrin Johnsson, Wade Kernot and Bruce Greenfield at The Piano, … Read more
On Thursday 9 July we joined forces with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to present Verdi’s Requiem. With symphonic writing, virtuosic solos and plenty of drama, Requiem has been referred to as the pinnacle of Verdi’s concert works, and is one of the most widely recognised pieces of choral and orchestral music in the world. Requiem, which … Read more