TANZOS 2026 eNews, Issue #2: Including upcoming performances and successes

A Word from our Chair in Opera...

Tēnā koutou katoa, 

It’s hard to believe we are already nearing the end of May. Since welcoming our new cohort in early March, the TANZOS artists have achieved an extraordinary amount in a short time, growing steadily through their work with Head Teacher Nikki Li Hartliep, pianist Jonathan Dunlop, and an exceptional roster of guest coaches. In particular, the wonderful David Harper and Catherine Norton have been working intensively with the singers on recital preparation and role study repertoire, while esteemed Europe-based New Zealand artists Jonathan Lemalu and Julien Van Mellaerts have also shared their expertise through specialist coaching sessions.  

A major highlight this trimester was our inaugural Opera Gala Concert with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Performing under the baton of Dionysis Grammenos, the full cohort delivered a memorable evening celebrating Dame Malvina Major’s remarkable legacy. We are deeply grateful to the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for their generosity, collaboration, and warm welcome to the TANZOS whānau, and the singers all performed exceptionally well. Please see our Upcoming Performances below for your chance to see our artists in action! 

We are also thrilled to celebrate the success of six current and graduate TANZOS artists who have been selected as semi-finalists in the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest: Sarah Mileham, Ridge Ponini, Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono, Sam McKeever, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, and Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono and wish them well as they head in to the semi-final rounds in Wellington in early July.

The months ahead promise even more exciting opportunities.  

• In June, acclaimed tenor Bryan Hymel joins us from the United States for an intensive residency in Hamilton, and for the first time, we will be taking him on the road, including a masterclass at the University of Auckland.  

• In July, European casting agent Julien Benhamou — whose work includes the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, Aix-en-Provence Festival and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées — will lead workshops and audition sessions for our artists and alumni. We are also delighted to welcome international social media strategist Olivia Kahler, who works with many of the world’s leading opera singers, including Jonas Kaufmann and our own Pene Pati and Amina Edris, to deliver sessions on professional profile development and international industry expectations. 

• In August, internationally renowned stage director Justin Way joins us from Teatro Real in Madrid to work with the cohort on characterisation and stagecraft. Formerly Head Staff Director at The Royal Opera, London, Justin brings an extraordinary depth of experience to TANZOS.  

• We are also very pleased to welcome back Australian coaches Sharolyn Kimmorley and Thomas Johnson, both long-standing and valued members of the wider TANZOS artistic community. 

If you’re on social media, we encourage you to follow our journey and keep up to date with our artists and activities, or visit us at www.tanzos.org. 

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all those who support Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS. Our programme relies entirely on donor generosity, and your support enables us to continue providing world-class training opportunities for New Zealand’s emerging opera artists. If you would like to be part of this effort, please visit www.tanzos.org/support 

Ngā mihi nui,

Madeleine Pierard

Dame Malvina Major Chair in Opera

Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS Director

University of Waikato

Upcoming Performances...

Winter Warmers 2026

TANZOS presents Winter Warmers: An Operatic Gala. Join us for a feast of music to warm the soul. The 2026 TANZOS Studio Artists will present an evening of astonishing vocal talent and beloved arias for opera fans and newcomers alike! 6:30pm, Friday 26 June, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts Concert Chamber. Book here! 

TANZOS Artist Recitals

TANZOS Artist Recitals: Our first-year cohort will present their first solo recitals as TANZOS artists. All recitals will take place in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts Concert Chamber – entry by koha. 

• 4pm Sunday 7 June – Cadence Chung 

• 7pm Wednesday 10 June – Szilvia Hernyak 

• 7pm Thursday 11 June – Caitlin Roberts 

• 7pm Friday 12 June – Rose Aldridge 

• 2pm Saturday 13 June – Emma Jones 

HAMILTON SAVE THE DATE! 

Dame Malvina Presents: A Night at the Opera – August 6, 7:30pm Opera at the BNZ Regional Theatre, Hamilton, starring TANZOS artists and a surprise guest with orchestra. Tickets and information will be released on 6 June.

AUCKLAND SAVE THE DATE!

Opera in the Cathedral - August 21st TANZOS is collaborating with Auckland Opera Studio to present our popular ‘Opera in the Cathedral’ Concert at Holy Trinity in Parnell, with pianist, Thomas Johnson (Opera Australia, Deutsche Oper Berlin).

If you know of anyone who might be interested in hearing more about Te Pae Kōkako - The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio, please ask them to contact tepaekokako@waikato.ac.nz to be added to our mailing list.