Bringing opera to tamariki around Aotearoa
We’re passionate about bringing the enchantment of opera to tamariki, igniting their imaginations with the beauty of this timeless art form.
Our Opera in Schools productions are crafted to ensure that tamariki experience the sheer delight and fun that opera has to offer. These 40-minute adaptations of well-known operas, performed in English, are not only engaging but also thoughtfully designed to fit within the school hall setting. The production features costumes and sets that transport students to the heart of the opera’s world, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
But it doesn’t end there. After the performance, tauira (students) have the opportunity to meet the artists, getting an up-close look at the performers who bring these captivating stories to life. Meanwhile, kaiako (teachers) receive a comprehensive teaching pack, empowering them to incorporate the world of opera into the curriculum.
Our goal is to make opera accessible, enjoyable, and educational for all tamariki across Aotearoa.
Join us to inspire a lifelong love for the arts! Feel free to contact our participation team for more information at participation@nzopera.co.nz
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Red!
23 February – 2 April
Our Opera in Schools Tour for 2026 will be Lucy Mulgan’s Red!
Specially created for primary-aged tamariki, Red! is a lively, interactive retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a modern twist, writtten by New Zealand composer Lucy Mulgan with direction from Jacqueline Coats and music direction from Brent Stewart (The Monster in the Maze). Through music and storytelling, it explores themes of courage, independence, and intergenerational connection — all wrapped up in a colourful, high-energy performance that sparks curiosity and creativity.
We’ll be travelling right across the motu through March and April, and are now welcoming expressions of interest from kaiako and school communities interested in hosting a performance. As well as the 40-minute show, our cast and creatives will stick around to meet tauira and to answer any questions that they may have about the world of opera.
Tour dates:
Whangārei/Auckland: 23 February – 6 March
Hamilton: 9 March
Tauranga: 10 March
Rotorua: 11 March
Whanganui: 13 March
Wellington: 16 March – 20 March
Nelson/Christchurch: 23 March – 27 March
Queenstown/Dunedin: 30 March – 2 April
Cost: $5 per student
Subsidised performances are available to schools that face financial or access barriers to hosting live arts experiences, thanks to the generosity of the Fehl Charitable Trust. If you think your school might be eligible, please let us know.
Click below to register, or get in touch at participation@nzopera.co.nz – we’d love to hear from you!