Opera in the Garden: CANCELLED

Please note the event will be held regardless of the weather and children under 16 are free. Vaccine passes must be shown to enter the venue.

The summer event of the season returns to Arrowtown on 20 February 2022. Presented by the Auckland Opera Studio and Arrowtown Creative Arts Society, Opera in the Garden features a lively repertoire of popular operatic and theatre music in a stunning outdoor setting.

The exciting line-up includes:

- Sopranos Natasha Te Rupe Wilson and Amelia Berry.

New Zealand-born Natasha Te Rupe Wilson has a Bachelor of Music with first class honours from the University of Auckland, a post-graduate diploma in vocal studies from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has a busy year ahead appearing in leading operatic roles throughout New Zealand.

Amelia Berry is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and the New Zealand School of Music. She is a "tour de force" and, like Natasha, has a full year's work ahead performing with both New Zealand and Wellington Opera.

- Tenors Ipu Laga-aia and Frederick Jones

Ipu Laga'aia is a talented guitarist and singer, currently studying a Bachelor of Arts in music and teaching at the University of Auckland. His passion for music came to light at the early age of 3 while singing at church, but he is currently exploring the world of opera and is looking forward to the learning years to come.

British born New Zealander Frederick Jones is a 2019/20 Young Artist at the National Opera Studio. He has completed the Opera Course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying under John Evans, and a Master of Arts in Advanced Vocal Studies with Distinction in June 2016 at the Wales International Academy of Voice.

- Baritones Will King and James Adams

Will King is Wellington-based and studied at the New Zealand School of Music. He was the winner of the 2018 Wellington Aria Competition and has a gained an extensive repertoire of concerts and operatic roles.

Dunedin-born and Wellington based, James Adams completed his degree in performance at the New Zealand School of Music as a baritone. Previous performances include the role of Samuel Marsden in Anthony Ritchie's 'This Other Eden', and Prince Tamino in 'The Magic Flute' for Otago Opera. James will be performing popular theatre pieces for this event.

- Pianist Claire Caldwell

Claire Caldwell has for many years been the Performing Arts Manager and Director of Choral Music at Dilworth School where she curates the next generation of musical talent. She has regularly toured the country as accompanist for the internationally acclaimed Sol3 Mio.

Arrive at 5.30pm for a 6pm start and bring your own refreshments and picnic hampers, or pre-order a hamper from Taste and Savour: info@tasteandsavour.co.nz

Please note the event will be held regardless of the weather and children under 16 are free.