Friday, July 16, 2010

New Zealand Opera School Newsletter - July 2010


Welcome
A warm welcome from the board of the New Zealand Opera School.    
Over the past 17 years, over 200 students have attended the NZOS and the number of students eager to attend the school is at an all-time high, with interest from overseas singers as well. We hope we can help alumni network and make the application process easier by staying in touch by way of ‘the odd’ newsletter update. This won’t be a regular addition to your inbox, simply a way to let you know our latest news.  Plenty to share this month!
Website Launch
Thanks to the skillful design of Arie Hoeflak, we are proud to launch the new face of the NZOS. A temporary site is currently available while the full site is still under construction however you can already access the 2011 Application Form at www.operaschool.org.nz 



New Logo
What better symbol to represent a New Zealand school for voice tuition than a native New Zealand songbird: “The Kōkako has a beautiful, clear, organ-like song. Its call can carry for kilometres. Breeding pairs sing together in a bell-like duet for up to an hour in the early morning. Different populations in different parts of the North Island have distinctly different songs which many people consider analogous to human dialects."
Our new school motto 'Nihil tumultus, tantum opera' is a Latin translation of one of Director Donald Trott's favourite catchphrases: "Minimum fuss, maximum outcome!". The use of the word 'Opera' is no accident, although in this case it actually mean 'works' or 'output'! Thanks to John Rosser and Warren Buckingham for putting much effort and time into what turned out to be a rather tricky translation job!
Applications for 2011
Applications are now OPEN for the 2011 School.  To maximize what the school has to offer, places are strictly limited to 22 so please complete an application immediately and correctly.  Please note that first time applicants will be required to submit a headshot and audition CD.
Applications forms are available online at www.operaschool.org.nz
Applications close September  31st.  Late applicants will not be accepted however a place will be held for the winner of the NZOS scholarship awarded at the New Zealand Aria as  the competition takes place after the closing date.
Facebook Page
We are proud to support our students in whatever way we can.  Often this means helping to advertise upcoming events or helping network with people studying and working overseas.  Good ‘ol facebook (although you won’t find Donald on there!) is the obvious place to do just that so if you haven’t already joined, go to our page:  New Zealand Opera School Alumni.  It is a closed group, reserved for those privileged enough to have been accepted at the NZOS! 
Alumni News
A number of recent alumni have found success over the past year. Tavis Gravatt recently won the North Shore Aria, Hadleigh Adams has accepted a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.  Cam Barclay, Amelia Berry and Rachel Day were recently named the 2010/2011 PwC Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists.  Kararaina Walker was runner-up at the University of Waikato Aria Competition and Frances Moore provided interesting reading in the programme notes for the NZSO’s recent tour with Dame Malvina Major.  The list is endless.  Please, if you have any news you’d like to share, don’t be shy (it’s ok to be proud!), send your updates to julia@juliabooth.co.nz 
We look forward to hearing from you!