Education and outreach work has long been valued by NZ Opera.  Our new strategic vision continues to invite you to journey with us as we explore all the mystery and possibilities opera presents! Three strands – Connecting Children, Connecting Young People, and Connecting Communities frame the programme, and last year alone over 28,000 of you joined us at over 80 events in parks, theatres and schools! We can’t wait to see you again soon.

Our popular, annual Opera in Schools tour helps us realise our aim of providing regional access to opera and developing audiences of the future; all the while employing a talented team to devise, design, direct, accompany, and perform the show all over the country.

This year’s tour, The Magic Flute and the Broomstick (Simon Butteriss) kicked off at the start of March in Christchurch. From there, we performed 21 shows reaching just over 5100 students and teachers as we journeyed north through Cheviot, Nelson, Wellington, Whānganui and Rotorua before Covid-19 lockdown restrictions suspended the tour.  We’ll be back as soon as we’re able to safely return to finish what we started – in Hamilton and Auckland.

These students at Enner Glynn school in Nelson issued a challenge to the team – how long can you sing a note without taking a breath?  See the result in the clip, below. 

Our post-performance Q & A sessions are often entertaining, as well as informative!

“This was a first for many. They were surprised at how powerful the singer’s voices were without amplification. they really enjoyed this. Showed a considerable interest in the school for Opera.”

“The children loved it [and] were impressed by the range of each singers voice”

“Junior children loved the performance. This was evident in their writing the next day. I would also have to say that some of the senior children who were very against going became glued to the stage !!!!”

“Great show and the opera itself was amazing.”

“The performance was superb- especially for the girls in the audience. The show was understandable and accessible for all.”

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