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November 2023 | The Lockwood NZ Aria: A Night of Opera Excellence Since 1946
In the world of music, certain events stand out as legendary, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience them. The Lockwood NZ Aria, a prestigious singing competition for opera enthusiasts, has been doing just that since 1946. This year, on Saturday, November 4th, the tradition continued with an exceptional evening of talent by the finalists and a special guest performance by past winner Anna Leese.
The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, renowned for their talent, provided the perfect backdrop for the performers who were ready to showcase their exceptional operatic prowess.
In this showcase of opera excellence, three exceptional finalists emerged. In first place, Felicity Tomkins stole our hearts with her extraordinary voice. A huge congratulations to Felicity for her well-deserved victory. Her remarkable talent promises a bright future in the world of opera.
Madison Horman, with her extraordinary performance, earned a well-deserved second place. Her talent and dedication shone brightly, leaving us eager to witness the next chapters of her musical journey. Madison is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of opera.
Taylor Wallbank, with his mesmerizing talent, secured the third spot with grace and style. His performance captured our hearts and left us eager to see the spectacular future that awaits him in the world of opera.
The Lockwood NZ Aria not only highlighted the remarkable talents of Felicity, Madison, and Taylor but also showcased the immense talent of all the finalists. The audience was treated to an unforgettable performance by these gifted individuals, leaving us eager to see what the future holds for these remarkable artists.
The Lockwood NZ Aria, in existence since 1946, stands as the largest competition of its kind in New Zealand. Its fame has spread far and wide, garnering recognition throughout Australasia’s world of opera. This competition serves as a nurturing ground for aspiring opera stars. The Lockwood New Zealand Aria not only offers the opportunity for these gifted performers to showcase their talents but also provides substantial prize money that contributes to their further development in this demanding art. Many entrants to this prestigious competition have gone on to forge successful careers in the opera world, both in New Zealand and overseas.
A heartfelt congratulations and thank you go to Jo-Anne La Grouw MNZM, the current NZ Aria Trust President, and her dedicated team, who tirelessly work to make the Aria the monumental event it is each year.
As we celebrate the Lockwood NZ Aria, we recognize and applaud its long-standing tradition of nurturing singing talent and providing a respected platform for entrants to showcase their operatic talents, both in New Zealand and on the international stage. We eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of this iconic event that has touched the hearts of many for over seven decades.
The 2023 Bel Canto Award winner announced
by Jason Blake on 1 November, 2023
The winners of the 2023 Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award and its partner prize, the Sydney International Song Prize, were announced over the weekend with over $100,000 in prize money and training programmes divided between winners and runners up.
The Grand Final of these two prestigious singing competitions took place at the Independent Theatre in North Sydney on Sunday 29 October. Each finalist performed four arias before a judging panel of Richard Bonynge, mezzo soprano Bernadette Cullen, soprano Marilyn Richardson and the Foundation’s CEO, mezzo-soprano Fiona Janes.
Singing arias by Mozart, Cilea, Puccini and Massenet, the winner of the 13th Annual JSRB Bel Canto Award was the Melbourne soprano Rebecca Gulinello. In addition to her $30,000 prize and trophy, Gulinello also won the Audience Prize and a place in the 2024 Solti Accademia di Bel Canto Summer School in Tuscany.
The second prize, the Richard Bonynge Award and Best Mozart Aria Prize went to Victorian bass baritone James Young. The third prize and the Tait Memorial Award Prize was awarded to New Zealand soprano Felicity Tomkins.
The winners of the fifth Sydney International Song Prize were tenor Michael Petruccelli and pianist Konrad Olszewski, both from Victoria. Each took home $3000 in a competition open to singers and pianists aged up to 40.
The Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Foundation has awarded over $1million in scholarships and grants since 2011. The not-for-profit organisation was first established in 1978 as the Joan Sutherland Society of Sydney. The Foundation was created in 2010 to further assist the next generation of aspiring young opera singers and pianists.
It is wholly funded by private donations and aims to honour the legacy of Dame Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge by educating singers in the art of Bel Canto and song as well as supporting young pianists.
JUN 19, 2023
Cincinnati Opera Adds New Performance of ‘The Knock’
The Cincinnati Opera has announced that it will offer an additional performance of the new opera, “The Knock” on July 7 due to popular demand.
The work is part of its 2023 Summer Festival and is composed by Aleksandra Vrebalov with a libretto by Deborah Brevoort.
“The Knock” offers a glimpse into the sacrifices made by U.S. military wives on the home front while their spouses are deployed.
The new opera is set to star Armando Contreras, Mary-Hollis Hundley, Briana Elyse Hunter, Stephanie Sanchez, Felicity Tomkins and Erin Keesy. Stephanie Rhodes Russell conducts the production by Alison Moritz. “The Knock” opens on June 23 and runs through July 7, 2023 with three performances already sold out.
For more information, photos and reviews about The Knock, see Cincinnati Opera’s Website here: https://www.cincinnatiopera.org/the-knock
JUN 7, 2023
Elizabeth Connell Prize International Singing Competition Announces 2023 Winners
The Elizabeth Connell Prize International Singing Competition for Sopranos and Mezzo-sopranos announce its 2023 winners.
Finnish soprano Sonja Herranen took home the first prize of 15,000 pounds. while Ukrainian soprano Inna Husieva went home with the second prize and the Audience Prize. Finally, British mezzo Claire Barnett-Jones took home the third prize.
This year, the finals were held on June 1 at the Wigmore Hall and featured six finalists including Menna Cazel, Anna Erokhina, and Felicity Tomkins. Comprising the jury were Dame Anne Evans, Simone Young, Peter Katona, Bernadette Cullen, Isabel Murphy, and Fiona Janes.
Watch the finals here:
APR 16, 2023
Elizabeth Connell Competition Announces Quarter-Finalists
The Elizabeth Connell Competition has announced the quarter-finalists for its 9th annual competition.
Twenty-two entrants have been chosen to compete live in London on May 31 and 12 will be chosen for the semi-finals on June 1.
This year’s quarter finalists are Iida Antola (Finland), Angel Azzarra (USA), Claire Barnett-Jones (England), Georgia Mae Bishop Jersey (Channel Islands), Menna Cazel (Wales/Germany), Bronwyn Douglass (Australia), Annabella-Vesela Ellis (Bulgaria/Britain), Anna Erokhina (Ukraine), Rebecca Gulinello (Australia/Italy), Sonja Herranen (Finland), Carolyn Holt (Ireland), Inna Husieva (Ukraine), Chelsea Laggan (USA), Jihyun Cecilia Lee (South Korea), Stephanie Pfundt (USA), Anne-Lise Polchlopek (France), Helena Sá Cavalcante Schuback (Sweden/Brazil), Oksana Sliubyk (Ukraine), Libby Sokolowski (USA), Felicity Tomkins (New Zealand), Annemarie Vergoossen (Netherlands), and Melissa Zgouridi (USA/Brazil).
The panel of judges will include Dame Anne Evans DBE (ECP Patron & dramatic soprano), Simone Young AM (conductor) Peter
Katona (Head of Casting ROH Covent Garden) Bernadette Cullen (ECP Patron & dramatic mezzo soprano) Isabel Murphy (BBC
Cardiff Singer of the World Judge and Casting Advisor to Longborough Festivals Ring Cycle), and Fiona Janes (Founding Trustee & mezzo-soprano). The competition is held under the auspices of the Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Foundation.
The 2023 final of the competition will be held for the first time in London, at Wigmore Hall on June 3.
ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE KENTUCKY DISTRICT 2022
Ben Strong, Bass-baritone Felicity Tomkins, Soprano
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS:
Kylie Kreucher, Soprano, Emma Marhefka, Soprano, Atticus Rego, Bass, Candace Williams, Soprano
Congratulations to all of the Kentucky District singers!
#MetCompetition2023
Ten singers competed in the Grand Finals held on April 23, Perrotta is one of five winners
By Rebecca Butts 4 minute read April 24, 2023
Story by CCM Graduate Student Lucy Evans
CCM proudly celebrates alumna Teresa Perrotta (MM Voice, ’19; AD Opera Performance, ’21), who is one of five singers to win the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. The Grand Finals concert featured 10 competition finalists on April 23, 2023 at the Met stage in New York.
The five Grand Finals winners are: Anthony León, tenor; Natalie Lewis, mezzo-soprano; Teresa Perrotta, soprano; Sarah Saturnino, mezzo-soprano; Christian Simmons, bass-baritone; and Meredith Wohlgemuth, soprano.
Perrotta and student Chuanyuan Liu (AD Opera Performance, ’23) advanced through the district and regional levels of the prestigious competition to reach the semifinal round, previously held on April 17, 2023.
The Laffont Competition (formerly the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions) began in 1954. Among its winners are some of the most celebrated voices in opera including Renée Fleming, Susan Graham and Eric Owens.
This year, nearly 1,000 young singers across 36 districts and 11 regions entered the competition for a chance to perform at one of the most high-profile events in the opera world. Of those singers, 20 advanced to the semi-final, 10 to the Grand Finals and five were ultimately named winners.
Perrotta, from the studio of CCM Voice Professor Gwendolyn Coleman, DMA, advanced from the Michigan District before winning the Great Lakes Region, Semi-finals and Grand Finals. Liu, also from Coleman's studio, was a winner in the New York District before going on to win the Eastern Region.
In addition to Perrotta and Liu, CCM students and alumni were recognized with awards at both the district and regional levels in this year’s competition. District and regional award winners include:
District Winners and Regional Awards:
Gabrielle Turgeon (MM Voice, ’24) (Encouragement Award, Great Lakes Region; Winner, Michigan District)
Justin Burgess (MM Voice, ’20; AD Opera Performance, ’22) (Winner, Michigan District)
Victor Cardamone (MM Voice, ’20; AD Opera Performance, ’22) (Winner, San Francisco District)
Nicholas Kelliher (MM Voice, ’20) (Winner, Indiana District)
Jordan Loyd (MM Voice, ‘20) (Winner, Illinois District)
Michael Pandolfo (MM Voice, ’21) (Winner, Tulsa District)
Felicity Tomkins (AD Opera Performance, ’23) (Winner, Kentucky District)
District Encouragement Award Winners:
Megan Graves (MM Voice, ’21) (Minnesota District)
Georgia Jacobsen (MM Voice, ’20; AD Opera Performance, ’22) (Arizona District)
Rachel Kobernick (MM Voice, ’22; AD Opera Performance, ’24) (Indiana Disctrict)
Hayley Maloney (BM Voice, ’19; MM Voice, ’22) (South Carolina District)
Emma Marhefka (MM Voice, ’23) (Kentucky District)
Joseph O'Shea (MM Voice, ’23) (Tennessee District)
Atticus Rego (MM Voice, ’23) (Kentucky District)
Turner Staton (MM Voice, ’20) (Colorado-Wyoming District)
Candace Williams (AD Opera Performance, ’24) (Kentucky District)
Ryan Wolfe (MM Voice, ’20) (San Diego District)
Te Puke soprano Felicity Tomkins in Lexus Song Quest
By Stuart Whitaker | 13 Jul, 2022
There have been plenty of firsts in the last 12 months for Te Puke-raised soprano Felicity Tomkins. Her first performance in the US, her first visit and performances in Germany - and currently her first tilt at the Lexus Song Quest are on that list.
The song quest is a competition that began in 1956 and which has opened many doors for young artists. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major and Sol3 Mio's Amitai Pati are previous winners. The contest has not been held for the past four years due to covid lockdowns.
"It's pretty exciting to have a chance to be part of it, it's a big part of the operatic scene," says Felicity. "There have been some pretty big names involved in the past."
Currently studying in the US, prior to her return to New Zealand she spent five weeks Germany and Austria as part of her studies. "It's pretty exciting to be home and to share what I've been doing with people, seeing friends and just hanging and enjoying singing."
She says it is virtually impossible to predict how competitions will go. "I think you always have to go into things with the primary goal of enjoyment and sharing with everybody. Anything else that happens is a bonus."
Born and raised in Te Puke, Felicity attended Te Puke Primary School then went to Tauranga Intermediate School and Tauranga Girls' College. She graduated from the University of Waikato as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar and Adastra Foundation Scholar, with conjoint Bachelor of Music (voice) and Bachelor of Science (biochemistry) degrees. She joined the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus (Auckland) in 2019, and was a Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera in 2020. Her further studies took her to the US, where she is working towards her Artist Diploma in Opera Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed tenor Stuart Skelton.
Felicity was recently in Germany and Austria on CCM Opera's Language and Culture Immersion Program. The scheme is about experiencing the local culture and being immersed in the musical environment, especially at the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. "The Artist Diploma is a level above masters," she says. "It's one of the top schools and it's so cool, I'm really loving it. It's exciting to be somewhere else, but also to be really thankful for the foundation New Zealand has given me."
She says singing is a collaborative process. "That's one part of it that I love." Another is the actual performance. "It's a very immediate setting and I am having conversations with the audience - even with something that's in a foreign language. That's one of the things that attracted me the most - you have a shared experience with the audience."
She says the magic of live performance is hard to explain, "but it's quite special". Felicity says her ambition is to have bigger roles and perform in bigger venues around the world. "To be able to sing and have a good career would be an absolute dream - it's a very special thing to be able to do."
The 10 artists selected for the Lexus Song Quest are currently preparing for the semi-finals that take place on Saturday and Sunday, with the live-judged final on July 23 in Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre.
FELICITY TOMKINS - Lexus Song Quest Interview
How did you get into opera?
"I was originally exposed to music from a young age through my family, particularly from the influence of my older brother who also took singing lessons, to which I then tagged along. Being from a rural kiwi town, namely Te Puke, it was not always easy to get to main cities to see live performances, but I did grow up listening to a wide variety of music, including some of the golden-age musicals. My first singing teacher introduced me to opera, as well as all the gorgeous art song repertoire, and from there on, I was captivated by this genre of music."
What has been challenging, unexpected or enjoyable during your singing career?
"The biggest challenge I have faced in recent times has involved leaving my home country Aotearoa, in order to further my studies overseas, in a new cultural and societal environment. One of things I particularly enjoy regarding the operatic art form, is that when everything comes together, the musical drama combined with the collaborative element of everyone involved in a project, creates exhilarating and special experiences."
What are your goals for the future?
"My primary goal regarding the world of opera is to continue to learn and develop my abilities to the point wherein I am able to enter into roles and other projects across a wide variety of operatic styles, in a professional and consistent manner. I also hope that this will lead to wonderful collaborative experiences with other fellow artists around the world, as we share our music together with our audiences."
What do you hope to get out of LSQ?
"Having been invited to participate in New Zealand’s premier operatic contest, rather than focusing on what I can get out of the competition, I aim to put my very best effort into being a worthy competitor, who appreciates that many talented people will be involved in this event. Whether it be my fellow competitors or members of the NZSO, I feel that there is a great deal that I will be able to learn from being immersed in this experience with them."
Who inspires your practice? Do you have any creative influences or heroes?
"There are many operatic singers and musicians, both past and present, from whom I draw inspiration when I am trying to motivate myself to commit fully to whichever piece of music I am practicing. I also find it very interesting and enlightening to learn about the composers of many of the marvelous works which continue to flourish long after they have died. That the legacy of their music lives on long after they have departed their mortal frames, and continues to inspire new works by composers and musicians who are alive today, is surely something quite remarkable."
What does it mean to be a woman in opera? How has it shaped your experience?
"Irrespective of one's gender, it seems to me that hard work and dedication to the craft of opera is necessary to try and make the most of the opportunities that arise as you endeavour to become an artist of substance. A lot of the female roles require strong and confident characters, and I particularly enjoy taking on these sorts of personas when performing."
Bright futures ahead for Kiwi Music Scholarship recipients
Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara | Media release. 13 October 2022
Five exceptional young classical musicians have been awarded a 2022 Kiwi Music Scholarship to help them pursue their bright futures on the world’s stages. The annual Kiwi Music Scholarship is funded though the Kiwi Music Trust to recognise emerging classical musicians’ consistent hard work and talent and support their future development whether overseas or in New Zealand.
Bethany Angus, aged 24, is studying for a Master in Historical Performance Cello at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague in the Netherlands. Bethany chose the Royal Conservatoire because it is one of the top institutions in the world to further her passion for early music. She intends to bring her learning back to New Zealand where she hopes to contribute to the popularity and knowledge of historical performance music.
Bethany is also an accomplished keyboardist and has played as a casual harpsichordist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, as well as with various choirs, secondary schools and violin–piano duo Duo 440. Recent cello performances include at the Adam Chamber Music Festival with the Troubadour String Quartet, Brahms' Septet in B flat with the Amici Ensemble and around the Wellington region with cello–piano duo Duo à la Salon. Bethany has a Bachelor of Music with First-Class Honours from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Music from The University of Waikato. She attended Wellington East Girls’ College where she also worked as piano accompanist for the past two and a half years.
Gracie Francis, aged 30, is one of the most sought-after collaborative pianists at The Juilliard School in New York, a significant achievement in a competitive pool of top-rank pianists. Her talents have also been recognised outside the school by leading figures such as soprano Renée Fleming and the heads of the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera music staffs. Gracie has a Bachelor of Music with Honours from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Juilliard, where she is now in her second year of a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano.
“The first year of my doctorate was intense,” says Gracie. “I've felt excited to re-enter the world of academic scholarship and have had wonderful performance opportunities too. I'm so fortunate to be in a programme that encourages both facets of my artistry.” Julliard collaborative piano teacher Jonathan Feldman says Gracie “is, and will continue to be, an important asset to the future of the New Zealand artistic community. We are thrilled that she is a part of ours.” Gracie attended St Peter’s Cambridge secondary school in Waikato.
Georgia Steel, aged 28, will be studying for a Master of Music in Music Performance specialising in the viola at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the United Kingdom. Georgia only started learning the viola at age 17, but graduated in the top 10% of students in a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance and Music Studies (Conducting) at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. She previously studied a Bachelor of Music at The University of Waikato.
Georgia is now a highly sought-after viola, violin and piano teacher in Wellington and has performed with Orchestra Wellington (2020–2022) and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s National Youth Orchestra (2015–2018). She has conducted the Kāpiti Concert Orchestra (2021) and been assistant conductor to the Wellington Chamber Orchestra (2020–2022). Between graduating from Victoria University of Wellington in 2017 and starting her master’s, Georgia has continued learning from viola teachers at the New Zealand School of Music and since 2020 online from Nancy Johnson, her upcoming teacher at the Royal Welsh College. Georgia was originally due to begin her master’s in 2020 but had to delay because of the pandemic. The Royal Welsh College has recently started a youth programme for disabled musicians in partnership with the UK’s National Open Youth Orchestra. As a disabled musician herself, Georgia looks forward to supporting the programme with her wealth of experience in music education and disability activism. Georgia attended Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington.
Felicity Tomkins, aged 26, will use her scholarship to support her final year of studies towards an Artist Diploma in Opera Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music (CCM) in the United States. Felicity has a Master of Music with First-Class Honours and a conjoint Bachelor of Music with First-Class Honours and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from The University of Waikato. Her strong musical grounding in New Zealand includes a residency as a Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera and receiving both a New Zealand Opera School emerging artist award and a Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Award. She recently received the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Prize as runner-up in the 2022 Lexus Song Quest, making her debut with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
A highlight of Felicity’s CCM studies has been performing as Jeannette in a 1960s-set version of French composer Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges’s eighteenth-century opera L’Amant Anonyme, which she says was “a wonderful and rewarding experience”, adding: “I had a very ‘proud Kiwi' moment seeing my hometown of Te Puke listed in the digital programme!” Other CCM highlights include being the soprano soloist in Mahler’s Fourth Symphony with the CCM Chamber Orchestra and taking part in an American Art Song Masterclass with pianist John Musto and soprano Amy Burton.
“I am thrilled to have further developed my artistry since arriving at CCM and cannot wait to see how this continues to be strengthened over the remainder of my time on the Artist Diploma programme and beyond,” says Felicity. She attended Tauranga Girls’ College.
Zephyr Wills, aged 23, will be studying for a Master of Music at Penn State University in the US, where he will be artistic assistant to violist Professor Timothy Deighton. The role will include leading the Penn State Orchestra viola section and being a substitute undergraduate teacher. Zephyr has a Bachelor of Music with First-Class Honours in Viola Performance from the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. He adds his Kiwi Music Scholarship to an impressive 17 other awards and scholarships.
Zephyr took part in the prestigious Adam Summer School for Chamber Music in Nelson from 2018 to 2021. Performing in an array of showcases, festivals and orchestras, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington, he has appeared alongside numerous respected musicians. At the 2021 Martinborough Music Festival, he was the only student in a group of high-level players such as Wilma Smith and Andrew Joyce. Zephyr attended Kāpiti College.
Commenting on the five recipients of a 2022 Kiwi Music Scholarship, selection committee chair Emeritus Professor Peter Walls says: “We were delighted to see such a talented group of students applying for the scholarships this year. It was good to be able to award scholarships across such a wide range of musical pursuits.”
The Kiwi Music Scholarship was established by Sven Stenbäck in memory of his wife Maida Stenbäck, née Saunders, a New Zealander who loved classical music. Funding for the scholarship is made available through the Kiwi Music Trust.
It is administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara along with more than 35 other scholarships.Applications for the 2023 Kiwi Music Scholarship open on 1 November 2022 and close on 1 March 2023. Further details are on the scholarship’s page on the Universities New Zealand website.
Pictured clockwise from top left are Felicity Tomkins, Bethany Angus, Gracie Francis, Georgia Steel and Zephyr Wills.
This media release is also available to share digitally from the Universities New Zealand website. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Communications Manager Guy Somerset, guy.somerset@universitiesnz.ac.nz, +64 27 636 5050.
Scholarships support young musicians’ first steps on the world stage
21 JUNE 2022 | NEWS
Three outstanding young Aotearoa New Zealand musicians have been awarded a Kia Ora Foundation Patricia Pratt Scholarship to support their artistic growth at prestigious international academies.
Bethany Angus, aged 23, from Wellington is studying for a Master’s degree in cello performance at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague in the Netherlands.
The Royal Conservatoire is one of the top institutions in the world for early music, a particular passion for Bethany, who as well as being a cellist is an accomplished keyboardist and plays as a casual harpsichordist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
For her Master’s project, Bethany will write a guide to baroque cello playing aimed at classical players who would like to explore the baroque style in more depth but may not have access to a baroque cello or high-level teaching.
“There are very few baroque cello teachers in New Zealand so I hope this will be of help to local players as well as my own personal development and learning,” she says.
Senior lecturer Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes from the University of Waikato, one of Bethany’s referees, says: “The study of early music as a specialism has gone a bit quiet in New Zealand of late and it is heartening that a multi-talented musician like Bethany is choosing this path. She may be the ideal person to restart a resurgence of interest in this country.”
Bethany has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Waikato, for which she completed honours at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
She has played cello with Orchestra Wellington since 2016 and other recent performances include in the Adam Chamber Music Festival with the Troubadour String Quartet and recording a work by Gillian Whitehead as second cello for the New Zealand String Quartet.
Gracie Francis, aged 30, from Cambridge in Waikato is one of the most sought-after collaborative pianists at The Juilliard School in New York, a significant achievement in a competitive pool of top-rank pianists. Her talents have also been recognised outside the school by leading figures such as soprano Renée Fleming and the heads of the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera music staffs.
Gracie completed a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano (Vocal) at Juilliard last year and is now studying for a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano there, which her Kia Ora Foundation Patricia Pratt Scholarship will support. She graduated from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland in 2014 with a Bachelor of Music with Honours.
“Before starting at Juilliard, I already had a long-term goal of becoming a university professor for collaborative piano in New Zealand,” says Gracie. “New Zealand is full of young pianists with enthusiasm for working collaboratively and earning my doctorate at Julliard will allow me to become a part of helping them grow in the future.”
Felicity Tomkins, aged 25, from Te Puke in Bay of Plenty has received a scholarship to support her continuing studies towards a highly regarded Artist Diploma in Opera Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in the United States. She has previously completed a Master of Music with Honours and conjoint Bachelor of Music with Honours and Bachelor of Science at the University of Waikato.
After a strong musical grounding in New Zealand, including as a Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera and in four of New Zealand Opera’s summer schools, Felicity is excited to be taking her first steps overseas. She has been described as a voice to watch on the national scene.
Highlights of Felicity’s first year at CCM have included being the soprano soloist in Mahler’s Fourth Symphony with the CCM Chamber Orchestra and she is looking forward to an immersion course in Germany for six to eight weeks as part of a new initiative for Artist Diploma students.
“I am thrilled to have experienced further development in my artistry since my arrival at CCM and I cannot wait to see how this continues to be strengthened over the remainder of my time on the Artist Diploma programme and beyond,” says Felicity.
The Kia Ora Foundation Patricia Pratt Scholarship is funded by the Kia Ora Foundation, established in 1997 by New Zealand-born philanthropist Annette Campbell-White in memory of her mother, Patricia Pratt, to help outstanding young New Zealand musicians continue their musical development at a renowned international music school or conservatorium for up to two years. The scholarships are awarded for classical music performance, including vocal or instrumental performance or conducting.
Applications for the 2023 Kia Ora Foundation Patricia Pratt Scholarship open on 1 November and close on 1 March. Further details are on the scholarship’s page on the Universities New Zealand – Te Pokai Tara website.
The scholarship is administered by Universities New Zealand along with around 40 others worth more than $2 million.
Images (from left): Bethany Angus, Gracie Francis and Felicity Tomkins. Article link click here.
CCM launches International Opera Language and Culture Immersion Experience
Students in CCM Opera’s AD programs will have the opportunity to travel to Italy, Germany or France
By Rebecca Butts May 9, 2022
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is at the center of a new groundbreaking international program that sends the college’s graduate-level opera students abroad to study language and culture in Italy, Germany or France. CCM Opera’s Language and Culture Immersion Program gives student singers, coaches/accompanists and directors the opportunity to embed themselves abroad to live, work and study with the industry’s leading conductors, directors and opera houses.
Open to students enrolled in CCM’s Artist Diploma in Opera programs, the language and culture immersion experience is tailored to each student’s career aspirations and ambitions. During year one, CCM faculty will work with students in the college’s major opera productions in Cincinnati. During year two, the students will each embark on a 6-8-week language and culture immersion experience in Europe that is customized based on each student’s abilities and interests. This new program is planned and coordinated by CCM Opera, in consultation with Professor Marie-France Lefebvre and Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director Evans Mirageas.
“At CCM, we prepare whole artists and scholars to take their places on the world’s stages,” says CCM Dean Stanley Romanstein. “The college is ranked amongst the world’s elite opera training programs, with alumni and faculty regularly appearing on the stages of prestigious opera companies around the world. Now, our AD Opera students will step into the international spotlight to work with professional artists abroad while earning their graduate degrees.”
To prepare students for successful opera careers after graduation, CCM provides in-depth voice training, superb teaching from acclaimed faculty, world-class coaching and directing, as well as opportunities to learn and perform major repertoire in public performances in Cincinnati. The innovative new Language and Culture Immersion program embeds second-year AD Opera students abroad to give them first-hand experience as they gain a comprehensive understanding of the traditional languages and cultures of opera — Italian, French and German. The program gives CCM’s next generation of opera singers, coaches/accompanists and directors an advantage as they transition into their professional careers on national and international stages.
CCM’s AD Opera Language and Culture Immersion program launches in May 2022, when current student Felicity Tomkins, soprano, travels to Germany for an internship with the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. From May 27-July 14, she will work on performances of Tristan and Isolde and Peter Grimes at the Teatro Nacional de Munich and will study German language and culture at the Goethe Institute of Munich. Additional second-year AD Opera students will be placed as international openings become available during the 2022-23 school year.
Participants will be provided with a stipend to cover round-trip airfare, 6-8 weeks of intensive language study, housing and living expenses. Participants will also receive a professional association with an international opera company and will have weekly voice lessons/coachings during their time abroad. When they return to CCM, students will also receive 4-6 weeks of language coaching to continue their learning. CCM AD Opera singers, coaches/accompanists and directors can learn more about the Language and Culture Immersion program on the UC International website.
“This new international program expands CCM Opera’s network and connects our students with experiences to work with and learn from professional artists in Europe,” says Stuart Skelton, J. Ralph Corbett Distinguished Chair in Opera at CCM. “I am excited about what we can do in service of our incredibly gifted and dedicated students, to make them the best they can be and to be ambassadors both here and internationally for the excellence that is espoused and embodied here at CCM.”
Link to article, click here.
Felicity Tomkins, Harry Grigg and Shuan Liu
Soprano Felicity Tomkins, tenor Harry Grigg and pianist Shuan Liu are the latest recipients of Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Awards for the Auckland/Waikato region.
Dame Malvina Major Foundation Auckland/Waikato Committee Chair James Harrison says every single applicant was impressive and exceptional in their own way.
“In the end though a few stood out as not only highly capable and hugely devoted to their craft, but also musicians with a particular generosity and heart in their performance.”
Felicity Tomkins, a former Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera, has been awarded $5,000 towards her first year at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. She says she is very encouraged to receive this award and all that it represents.
“This money will go a long way towards helping me meet the costs associated with living and studying overseas. As a New Zealander, I am very proud to have a strong and growing association with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, particularly through my time as a Studio Artist. I feel that its focus on providing practical and meaningful assistance to developing young New Zealand artists is truly invaluable.”
Harry Grigg has been awarded $2,500 towards his studies at the Royal College of Music in London. He says he has been fortunate to receive the Foundation’s help over the past few years, most recently as a 2020 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera.
“This award is not only a great help to funding the next year of my studies, it also shows the Foundation’s faith in me. The positive effect of the Foundation can be seen in New Zealand and all over the world, so thank you so much to Dame Malvina and the Foundation.”
Shuan Liu has been awarded $2,500 towards an audition tour of Germany and says she is incredibly honoured to have the recognition and support of the Foundation.
“The news came as further inspiration for me to pursue my audition tour in Germany next year, and it will surely help me audition and travel with a lot less financial stress!
‘Bringing opera to Kiwi kids’ From RNZ Upbeat, 12:30 pm on 18 March 2021
Photo: Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School
Donizetti’s comic opera Don Pasquale is touring NZ primary and intermediate schools as part of NZ Opera’s Opera in Schools season.
It's the 10th anniversary of the tour, which is part of New Zealand Opera’s participation programme and aims to bring opera to children from as many regions as possible.
Shortened to about 45 minutes and sung in English with piano accompaniment (but including sets and costumes), Don Pasquale has been updated to 21st century New Zealand, and for many children it's their very first encounter with opera.
Upbeat spoke with two of the cast members: soprano Felicity Tomkins (who’s alternating in the role of Norina) and Stuart Coats who sings the title role of Don Pasquale.
NZ Opera's Opera in Schools tour
22 February - 1 April 2021
SOUNZ: Janet Jennings, Composer’ ‘Myself When Young’ (Filmed November 2019)
Janet Jennings, Composer’ ‘Myself When Young’ is a cycle of three songs for soprano and piano setting poems by Jean Alison Bartlett (1912-2006) that were published in 1930 when the precociously gifted writer was only 18 years old. Janet writes that the poems, “speak with confidence of the poet’s joy in reading and writing poetry, her pride in its publication, and her keen perception of the power of words. 'The New People' is a remarkable text that expresses the determined sense of purpose of the poet’s generation, and an awareness of the dangers of its relentlessness. The composer’s intention in setting the texts to music is to immerse the performers and listeners in the world of the words.”
Felicity Tomkins (soprano) and Maria Mo (piano) perform ‘Myself When Young’ in this Resound film recorded at the Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber, University of Waikato.
Audio recorded by Atoll Records (producer Wayne Laird, sound engineer Simon Kevin Leary). Film funded by NZ On Air.
New Zealand Opera February 2021
“Our Opera in Schools team has had a full-on but exhilarating week as they prepare for the nationwide school production of Don Pasquale. To find out more about this year's tour, including places we are visiting and the full cast and crew line up, go to:" https://nzopera.com/opera-in-schools/ ”
‘Opera in the Parks’ 30th January 2021 - New Zealand Opera
“Standing ovation for the beautiful performers at Opera in the Park tonight.
Don't forget to enter the competition to win tickets to one of our productions.” https://nzopera.com/
Article: The 2021 New Zealand Opera School
“The 2021 New Zealand Opera School was very special. At a time when most of the world couldn’t even consider a residential summer school, we came together, we enjoyed amazing tuition and coaching, and we performed to delighted sell-out audiences.
Our international (but local) tutors, Dame Malvina Major, Amina Edris, Emma Pearson, Pene Pati, and our patron Simon O’Neill were a triumph, bringing not only their expertise but also their knowledge of a very current world of opera – one that they would be performing in were the rest of the world not locked down. The development seen across the broad spectrum of students was truly impressive.
To complete the week, after the magnificent final Gala Concert the school presented their annual awards and here are the results:
The Dame Sister Mary Leo Scholarship, presented in association with the Susie and Guy Haddleton Emerging Artist Award went to soprano Felicity Tomkins. The Merle Higgie Memorial Award went to tenor Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, and the Spirit of the School Award went to repetiteur/pianist Ben Kubiak.
All were richly deserved, but after a very complicated year, everyone involved in the 2021 New Zealand Opera School was a winner. We are lucky to be where we are in the world and for the talent that this country continues to deliver.”
Photos taken by John Wansbrough.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 (See https://nzopera.com/dmmfsa2020/ for full article)
END OF YEAR WRAP FOR THE 2020 DAME MALVINA MAJOR FOUNDATION STUDIO ARTIST PROGRAMME
This year marked a new era for our Artist Development programme, with the first intake of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist Programme with New Zealand Opera. Our 2020 DMMF Studio Artists were Anna Simmons, Harry Grigg and Felicity Tomkins.
The new programme builds on two decades of our partnership supporting the development of young opera talent with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, offering a more robust schedule of coaching and professional development including vocal and dramatic training encompassing languages, movement, interpretation, stagecraft, and mentoring by in-house and external experts.
The programme culminated in two performances of opera scenes …it is animal to invited guests, giving the DMMF Studio Artists the opportunity to bring together what they had learned in a performance setting.
“…it is animal has been one of the highlights of the year, which combined all our in-depth musical lessons, coachings and acting sessions into a practical learning experience,” Felicity said.
Like many projects in 2020, the DMMF Studio Artist programme was impacted by Covid-19, and was reshaped to include coaching and teaching sessions via Zoom.
“Over lockdown we had a Q&A with kiwi singer Bianca Andrew. A great piece of advice I took from this was to let the work you do speak for itself,” said Harry. “Essentially, do what you do to the best of your abilities and avoid any extraneous things that may get in the way.”
In the middle of the year the DMMF Studio Artists returned to The Opera Centre for three days every week for sessions with in-house and external experts.
“We worked with a wide variety of people – accompanists, coaches, language tutors, singing teachers, directors, performance psychologists – and I thoroughly enjoyed absorbing so many ideas and opinions,” Anna said.
“One of the very practical pieces of guidance that has stuck with me has been our breathing and acting work, which gave me new insight into the importance of being fully aware of our breathing,” said Felicity. “Being in the present moment, and listening to your subconscious, i.e. how your body wants to move, subsequently allows for a special connectivity with ourselves and our audience.”
What’s next for these talented young singers? Anna and her husband Angus (a 2019 DMMF Emerging Artist) have left for Germany to pursue their singing careers, Harry has arrived in London to begin his Masters of Performance at the Royal College of Music, and Felicity is covering Elle in The Human Voice as well as finishing her studies at Waikato University.
“This rewarding experience would not be possible without the generous and continuing support of Dame Malvina Major and her foundation, to whom I will always be extremely grateful,” said Felicity.
Thank you to the Dame Malvina Major Foundation and everyone who has been part of making the DMMF Studio Artist Programme possible. We look forward to introducing our 2021 Studio Artists in the near future.
CD Release - Click here to see this PACT article below on Facebook
“Exciting news! Voices of Women is now available on CD...
We are absolutely delighted to let you know that 'Voices of Women - a celebration of the successful struggle by women to gain the vote' is now available on CD from Marbeck's in-store or online here: https://www.marbecks.co.nz/detail/583986/Voices-Of-Women
With its release so close to Suffrage Day (same as General Elections day this year on 19 September), this will make a wonderful gift for the women in your life. Huge aroha to all the women who made this project possible - from the poets and speakers present and past, composer, musicians and vocalists. The CD has been released by Atoll Records and is an album that New Zealand can be proud of - and the Waikato can be very proud that another international quality arts project has come from here.
Special thanks to our key sponsors without whom the concert and recording could not have happened - WEL Energy Trust, Trust Waikato, CCS (Creative Waikato and Hamilton City Council), Norah Howell Trust, University of Waikato and private donors.
CD Photo: Kerry Blakeney-Williams
Janet Jennings, Composer, Jacinda Ardern, Jamie Strange, Stephanie Acraman, Felicity Tomkins, Katherine Austin, Maria Mo, Yoshiko Tsuruta, Rachel Thomas - Music, Rachel Fuller, Catrin Johnsson, Mere Boynton,Jayne Tankersley, Maia-Dean Martin, Noelle Dannenbring Rachael Griffiths-Hughes, David Bennett MP, Tim Macindoe”
DMMF Studio Artist Scenes Concert
The 2020 Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artists, Anna Simmons, Felicity Tomkins and Harry Grigg, present - "It is animal" - a performance of staged opera scenes. Directed by Jon Hunter, with pianist Rosemary Barnes. Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August, 4pm at New Zealand Opera, 5/69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell.
JUNE 9, 2020 (See https://nzopera.com/studio-artist-news/ for full article)
During lockdown, the three singers involved in this year’s Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist Programme spent their time at home, but they have not been idle. As well as the musical offerings we enjoyed from Anna Simmons, Harry Grigg and Felicity Tompkins (click the names to watch and listen), the Studio Artists have continued their programme via the internet with weekly online voice lessons and language coaching, organised by New Zealand Opera’s Glenn Meade.
They also participated in three very special workshops, the first with Kiwi singer Bianca Andrew who talked through her career so far and her path to Oper Frankfurt. The second online workshop was with Wendy Doyle, Life and Wellness coach who worked on their professional development including coping strategies, action plans and goals and aspirations. In the third workshop we were fortunate to welcome internationally reknown Vocal and NLP Coach Claude Webster from Opera Montreal, who focused on Performance Psychology and Preparation.
Facilitated by New Zealand Opera’s Kristin Darragh, the workshops provided extremely valuable insights for the singers from two different perspectives in the opera world.
“I wanted them to sense the grit and determination that is required, as you progress along this path, and I think they all felt that. The importance of learning German came to the fore, as did the need for humility, flexibility and resilience to move through ups and the downs,” Kristin said of the session with Bianca.
“It was wonderful to talk candidly to a singer who is a couple of steps ahead of me, figuring out the German system that I am transitioning into at the end of this year,” said Anna.
“Bianca was thoughtful, honest and positive, and really impressed upon us the need to embrace our artistic individuality and celebrate it. We discussed the importance of preparation and hard work, and how coming back to the reasons why we do what we do will help us get through the tough times.”
“I loved our session with Bianca, it was great to chat to someone who was so honest and realistic, but positive as well,” Harry said. “The main point I took away from our Q&A session was that no matter what is going on, the only thing we can control is ourselves, so we need to focus on doing our best.”
“What I thought was great about the call, was that Bianca was honest about the struggles and challenges, as well as sharing the positives,” said Felicity.
Claude’s session focused on goal setting – emotional, musical and technical, and he shared practical pre-performance tools and tips as well as discussing how to work with your inner dialogue and transform the critical narrative.
Importantly, Kristin says, he coached the singers on “Remembering how to reconnect with the inner motivation and true enjoyment of singing.”
“Our performance preparation for singers online workshop was a practical, hands-on look at how our minds, without us being aware of it, can influence our performance abilities. Claude took us through some of the many ways that we can be influenced both in a positive and negative way by both the environment around us and also intrinsically from within ourselves. By using practical examples, he stimulated us to look with new insight into the dynamics of how we both think and interact to instructions given to us by others, giving consideration to the fact that we may well, sometimes do the opposite of what is being asked of us. His talk provided some real food for thought.” said Felicity
“My biggest takeaway was to remember to find the joy – “Your job is to find the joy in what you do… Your job is to enjoy it.” I was losing sight of this in all my intense technical work, and my blinkers were giving me tunnel vision,” said Anna.
“Working with Claude was an absolute joy,” said Harry. “His positivity is infectious, and a very important reminder that we do this for the love of it, and no other reason. He also gave us some great exercises to add to our toolbox if we are feeling anxious or overexcited or anywhere on that spectrum before and during performances.”
Now we’re out of lockdown, the Studio Artists are back to having in-person voice lessons and repertoire coaching, beginning a four-part acting module with Juliet Furness and preparing a programme of arias, duets and trios for their Opera Scenes showcase in July.
SONGS FROM LOCKDOWN: FELICITY TOMKINS
Please see https://nzopera.com/songs-from-lockdown-felicity-tomkins/# for the full article.
New Zealand Opera Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist 2020 Announcement
Please see the following links for the full announcement: https://dmmfoundation.org.nz/2020-dmmf-studio-artists-with-nz-opera/ and https://dmmfoundation.org.nz/grants-scholarships/internships/ and https://nzopera.com/studio-artists/ for more information.
NZ Opera Dame Malvina Major Foundation Studio Artist 2020