AUCKLAND OPERA STUDIO PRESENTS A NIGHT OF PASSION, DRAMA AND BIG VOICES AT AUCKLAND TOWN HALL

The Auckland Opera Studio, in association with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Choral Society, returns to Auckland Town Hall for one night only on Sunday 28 June with Opera Gala 2026, a full-scale evening of opera at its best, and accessible to all.

Following the success of 2024’s Verdi meets Puccini, this year’s gala goes even further, bringing together orchestra, choir and a stellar line-up of rising opera talent for a sweeping journey through some of the most powerful moments in the repertoire. From the first strike of Verdi’s iconic Anvil Chorus, audiences are drawn into a world of passion, jealousy and high drama. The programme moves through beloved works including Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, Thaïs, Faust and Carmen, before culminating in Puccini’s devastating Act 4 of Manon Lescaut, one of opera’s most unforgettable finales.

Taking to the stage are some of Aotearoa’s most exciting operatic voices, including Felicity Tomkins, Breony Bearman, Ridge Ponini and Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, joined by NZTrio’s violinist Amalia Hall. Backed by the full forces of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Choral Society, this is opera on a grand scale that is rich, immersive and emotionally charged. 

Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Uwe Grodd, with stage direction by John Davies and artistic direction from Frances Wilson ONZM, the gala brings together a powerhouse creative team with a shared focus on excellence and opportunity. “At its heart, this is about giving young singers the chance to step into something big. When you combine orchestra, choir and these voices, it becomes something truly special,” says Frances Wilson.

Founded in 2002 by Frances Wilson and Stephen Fitzgerald, Auckland Opera Studio was created to give New Zealand singers a place to grow and perform at the highest level in their own country. After years working internationally, the pair returned to Auckland with a clear vision: to prepare emerging artists for the demands of global careers, while supporting established singers to refine their craft at home.

Today, the Studio is a vital creative hub, nurturing singers at every stage of their journey and providing a bridge between Aotearoa and the international opera world.

Expect romance. Expect tragedy. Expect goosebumps.

The Auckland Opera Studio 2026 Opera Gala
Sunday 28 June, 5.00pm
Auckland Town Hall
Tickets on sale now
www.aucklandoperastudio.co.nz