Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists with NZ Opera 2019
From left: Angus Simmons, Pasquale Orchard, Will King
The Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists for New Zealand Opera’s 2019 season have been named. Will King (baritone), Pasquale Orchard (soprano) and Angus Simmons (baritone) are selected for the company’s key internship programme.
As Emerging Artists, the singers will participate in a professional development programme that includes coaching, career guidance and performance opportunities.
The 2018 cohort made up of Manase Latu, Samson Setu and Natasha Wilson, have each performed in several mainstage productions this year, as well as performing alongside newly named 2019 Emerging Artist Angus Simmons in the Opera in Schools production of The Elixir of Love, which is currently touring the South Island after highly successful visits to Auckland and Wellington. The 2018 Emerging Artists will also perform in a semi-staged production of Trial by Jury in Christchurch this month.
New Zealand Opera General Director Thomas de Mallet Burgess says that New Zealand Opera has an important role to play in finding, developing, nurturing and employing the extraordinary talent emanating from this country.
“We’re grateful to the Dame Malvina Major Foundation for continuing to support the Emerging Artist programme each year as we work with young opera performers to hone their craft ready to take their next steps on the global stage.
“It was particularly exciting to see a number of current and former Emerging Artists performing in the recent Lexus Song Quest, he said.
Dame Malvina Major says her Foundation has enjoyed a longstanding and successful partnership with New Zealand Opera, with the Emerging Artists programme at the heart of it.
“The Emerging Artists programme can be life changing for a young opera singer, offering a unique opportunity to work with professionals in the opera industry and develop the skills required to prepare for a career in opera.
“I will watch Pasquale, Angus and Will’s progress with great interest.”
