This is an extraordinary achievement.  Manase and Samson are the first New Zealanders to be accepted into this programme, arguably the finest opera training ground in the world. Samson and Manase, as young artists, have the opportunity now to draw upon the vast pool of world-renowned talent available at the Met, including current and former Met artists, internationally recognised coaches, and master teachers.

 

Along with unparalleled operatic study opportunities Manase and Samson will also be appearing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in principal roles following a great tradition of New Zealand opera singers at the Met including Dame Kiri te Kanawa and Sir Donald McIntyre and more recently Simon O’Neill, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Paul Whelan and Jonathan Lemalu.

 

This incredible opportunity was made possible by Circle100, the opera patron’s group, who award an annual scholarship to young New Zealand singers. Last year Circle100 invited Sophie Joyce, the then director of the Lindemann Young Artist Programme, to come to New Zealand and hear our finest young opera talent audition for the scholarship.   

 

Sophie is known for her ability to scout and nurture extraordinary talent and is also a judge at the international Neue Stimmen (New Voices) competition. She is also the casting consultant at Opera National de Paris.

 

Circle100’s Patron, tenor Simon O’Neill ONZM made the connection between Sophie Joyce and Circle100.  Simon’s prestigious international opera career means he is in the unique position of being in regular contact with celebrated and influential individuals within the classical music world.  It has always been his dream to invite important figures from the world of opera to see the level of New Zealand’s young operatic talent, which answers for the unusually high number of New Zealand opera singers performing internationally at the highest levels.

 

Circle100 sponsored Sophie Joyce’s trip to New Zealand to hear 14 young singers from around the country and guide them on auditioning, repertoire and career progression alongside the singing masterclasses provided by Simon O’Neill and renowned Scottish bass Iain Paterson.  Manase and Samson were awarded Circle100’s Scholarship and Career Progression awards totalling $25,000.

 

LINKS AND FACTS

 

Since its founding in 1980 the Program has trained a number of major artists including Dawn Upshaw, Aprile Millo and Christine Goerke

 

Circle100 was founded in early 1996 by Auckland based opera patrons and has annually awarded a scholarship and other awards whos recipients include Simon O’Neill, Edward Laurenson, Philip Rhodes, Madison Nonoa, and most recently Eliza Boom, Oliver Sewell, Natasha Burton and Benson Wilson.

 

Its current Chair is Carmel Walsh who is also on the board of the NZSO, NZTrio and NZ Opera School.

 

Simon O’Neill is Patron of Circle100, NZ Opera School, NZ Singing School, NZ Association of Singing Teachers and many other music organisations.

 

https://www.metopera.org/about/auditions/lindemann-young-artist-development-program/2020-21-roster/