The NBR New Zealand Opera has announced a new three-tier internship structure, adding a Young Artist and Resident Artists to the already established Emerging Artists. "The development of new talent is the lifeblood of opera," says the NBR New Zealand Opera's General Director Aidan Lang. "And one of the key roles of our Company is to identify that local talent and give these young singers a head-start in the competitive world of professional music.

Image: Wade Kernot, 2007-2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Young Artist.The NBR New Zealand Opera has announced a new three-tier internship structure, adding a Young Artist and Resident Artists to the already established Emerging Artists. "The development of new talent is the lifeblood of opera," says the NBR New Zealand Opera's General Director Aidan Lang. "And one of the key roles of our Company is to identify that local talent and give these young singers a head-start in the competitive world of professional music.

Image: Wade Kernot, 2007-2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Young Artist."We are continually investigating ways to improve our internship structure, and in collaboration with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers we have initiated a new three-tier approach which will provide singers with a flow-through, from the beginning of their careers to a point where they can have a sustainable relationship with the Company.

"In short, selected singers start as Emerging Artists, may move on to become Young Artists, and after some time overseas, training and performing, can return home and apply to be Resident Artists."

Artists chosen to participate as 2007-2008 interns

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Young Artist is Aucklander Wade Kernot (bass).

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists are Hadleigh Adams (bass baritone, Wellington); Barbara Graham (soprano, Wellington); Michael Gray (baritone, Dunedin); Julia Hill (soprano, Hamilton); Matthew Landreth (baritone, Dunedin); Barbara Paterson (soprano, Wellington).

The NBR New Zealand Opera Resident Artists are Wendy Doyle (mezzo soprano, Auckland); Susie Ewart (soprano, Auckland); Derek Hill (tenor, Auckland); Kate Lineham (soprano, Wellington); Morag McDowell (soprano, Wellington); Emma Roxburgh (soprano, Auckland).

Each of the interns is exposed to a learning environment that places emphasis on practical experience within the professional opera world. This includes vocal tuition with Dame Malvina Major and coaching sessions with other industry professionals.

In addition, Emerging Artists will be given small supporting and/or understudy roles and will be part of the Company's chorus, while Young Artists and Resident Artists will be suitable for roles and understudies in the Company's mainstage and/or touring productions. A variety of concert engagements will also be a feature of the Artists' internship.

11/7/07