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Rose Aldridge
Voice Type
Mezzo-Soprano
Home Town
Wellington
Nu'u
Mangaia (Cook Islands), Lepea, Apia (Samoa)
How did you become interested in opera singing?
I became interested in opera singing when my voice teacher at Newlands College had gotten me to try some Italian art songs and Barbarina’s aria from Le nozze di Figaro, ‘L’ho perduta, me meschina.’ Up to that point, I knew I really enjoyed performing and acting on stage, whether in the choir or in productions our college used to put on. I knew I wanted to develop my voice further and found that opera combines the best of vocal technique and character work. From that point onwards, I became increasingly interested in opera throughout my time at the NZSM.
Performance highlights so far?
Some highlights include working with the Wellington Opera and NZ Opera choruses (2023 - 2025). Ever since I was a little girl, I had always wondered what it would feel like to perform on the St. Jame's Theatre stage, so to have accomplished this was quite a big highlight for me. I have also enjoyed playing Dido for the NZSM’s Opera Scenes in 2024; it was my first time playing a character, and I enjoyed the whole process. I am also grateful to have sung for the Wellington Dawn Service and National Service for Anzac Day 2025; it was an honour to represent and sing for the veterans who served and continue to serve.
Photo © Richard Wood
What are you looking forward to about being part of TANZOS?
I am looking forward to collaborating with different coaches; it feels like a privilege to work with International Coaches and to understand how the industry works from home. I also look forward to the consistent practice and feedback I will receive from different coaches on the programme, as well as working on my vocal technique. I also look forward to the opportunities that can emerge from this programme and the exposure I will gain as an artist.
What are your career hopes following TANZOS?
I hope that by the end of TANZOS, I feel more confident about putting myself forward for overseas auditions and looking into Young Artist Programmes in the UK or Germany - even just getting the chance to travel and develop my understanding of opera would be amazing. I hope to make the most of every opportunity TANZOS offers, and continue to share my gift with others.
Supported by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation
Biography
Rose Aldridge is a proud Cook Island/Samoan mezzo-soprano currently studying at the Te Pae Kōkako - The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS) and is supported by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Opera Grant. She has also been a recipient of the Moyra Todd Foundation Scholarship and the Mona Ross Excellence in Singing Award for 2025.
Rose completed her undergraduate studies at Te Kōkī - The New Zealand School of Music under the tutelage of Dr Margaret Medlyn and Rosel Labone. During her studies, Rose has been a part of various NZ Opera and Wellington Opera choruses, including Le Comte Ory (2024), Tosca (2024), La Bohème (2025) and Un Ballo in Maschera (2025). She was a part of the chorus for the NZSM’s staging of Massenet’s Cendrillon in 2024 and played Dido in ‘Part(y)ing is Such Sweet Sorrow’ for 2025. Rose also sang as a soloist for the Dawn Ceremony and National Service on Anzac Day in Wellington 2025.
Rose recently received the ‘Robin Dumbell Memorial Cup’ for Most Potential at the Hutt Valley Performing Arts Competitions for 2025 and competed in the Lockwood New Zealand Aria competitions, receiving the ‘Mike Steiner Interior Design Junior Award’ and ‘Kowhai Award for Highest Mark in New Zealand Composer’ for 2024.
Rose looks forward to developing her voice at TANZOS and overseas travel in the future.