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Niamh Bentley
Voice Type
Soprano
Home Town
Hawke's Bay
How did you become interested in opera singing?
My interest in opera singing began at a young age, largely thanks to my grandmother. She encouraged my sister and me to sing from an early age, whether it was visiting the elderly or participating in church services. She always believed we had a gift and encouraged us to share it. My grandmother had an extensive record collection of opera music, which she often played, and she would share stories about her aunt, Dame Sister Mary Leo, who was a huge influence in the family’s passion for music. After moving to Hawke's Bay, I joined Project Prima Volta, and from that point, there was no turning back—opera became my focus.
Performance highlights so far?
My performance highlights include:
Performing 'Queen of the Night' (Die Zauberflöte) with Festival Opera and the NZ Symphony Orchestra
Performing the role of Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi) in the University of Waikato production in the Hamilton Gardens Festival in 2023.
Photo © Richard Wood
What are you looking forward to about being part of TANZOS?
I am looking forward to being part of TANZOS because of the opportunity to grow both vocally and personally. Observing past graduates, I’ve seen how the experience has helped them become more confident, skilled, and resilient. I’m excited about the personal challenges and the chance to push my limits. Under Nikki Li Hartliep’s expert tutelage, I’m eager to refine my craft and gain valuable insights that will help shape my future as an artist.
What are your career hopes following TANZOS?
After TANZOS, I hope to perform internationally and use this experience as a stepping stone in my career. I’m looking forward to receiving expert guidance and exploring opportunities I wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Ultimately, I want to be the best I can be, sharing my craft with others and continuing to grow as an artist.
Niamh is supported by The Dame Malvina Major Foundation
Biography
Niamh Bentley is a 25-year-old soprano from Hawke’s Bay. Her journey into opera and classical singing began in 2016 when she joined the opera youth initiative Project Prima Volta, which sparked her passion for the art form.
Niamh is a graduate of the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music, where she completed both her Bachelor of Music and, more recently, her Master of Music under the mentorship of Kristin Darragh and Francis Cowan.
Early in her career, she made notable debuts, including performing the role of the Queen of the Night in Festival Opera NZ’s production of Die Zauberflöte by Mozart. In 2019, she portrayed Olympia in the University of Waikato’s production of The Tales of Hoffmann, and in 2022, she performed the role of Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi at the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Niamh has a passion for visual art. In 2021, she combined both interests in her exhibition Wings Unfolded at the David Lloyd Art Gallery, exploring themes of nature through art and singing. In mid-2024, she opened another exhibition at The Meteor Gallery and Theatre, reflecting on her experiences during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Niamh attended the New Zealand Opera School in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. In 2024, she was awarded the Merle Higgie Award for Most Potential, and earlier this year, she received the Bryan Wyness Spirit of the School Award.
Niamh is currently thriving as a Te Pae Kōkako - The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS) Artist under the tutelage of Nikki Li Hartliep, and is supported by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.