Enhanced sponsorship brings world-leading teacher

Enhanced sponsorship brings world-leading teacher to New Zealand Opera School

Through the increased support of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, a doyenne of the opera world has accepted an invitation to join the distinguished teaching staff of the New Zealand Opera School for summer 2016.

The Foundation has announced its commitment to continue as Principal Sponsor for the 2016/2017 summer schools, with the further creation of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation International Vocal Faculty. This has enabled the School to secure the services of leading teacher, Welsh mezzo-soprano Della Jones, alongside last year’s international tutor, Håkan Hagegård.

“Della Jones’ addition to the teaching staff is further testimony to the wonderful relationship between the New Zealand Opera School and the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, which has already brought us Håkan Hagegård .” says Executive Chairman Donald Trott.

With 120 roles in her repertoire, and a prolific recording portfolio exceeding one hundred works across every major record label, Della Jones has appeared on most, if not all, of the opera world’s iconic stages and will bring a wealth of experience to share with the students.

The School’s director, Jonathan Alver, is delighted with the increased sponsorship. “The combination of Della Jones and Håkan Hagegård in the inaugural International Vocal Faculty will provide our students with a level of expertise that would be the envy of any vocal faculty worldwide".

Della Jones says she is impressed with the credentials of the school. “I am looking forward enormously to coming to your highly reputable Opera School in Whanganui, and working with the up-and-coming New Zealand singers. I work hard, but believe in the joy of music- making, and I will help you all in whatever challenges you need to overcome.”

Dame Kiri believes the School is “a natural partner” for her Foundation. “The School provides a unique vehicle for young New Zealand singers, providing world-class tuition and mentoring, and the Foundation is often able to help those young singers to take the next steps in their careers.”

The International tutors will complement the already impressive list of local tutors and coaches including Isabel Cunningham, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Terence Dennis and Bruce Greenfield. The NZ Opera School is New Zealand’s only annual intensive residential opera school and is held for two weeks each January on the campus of Wanganui Collegiate School, providing tuition and coaching in voice, language and movement, and public performance opportunities.

ENDS

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