| New Zealand Opera - Auckland | 23 September 2020 |
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Il barbiere di Siviglia
Tosca
La Cenerentola
Don Giovanni
La Traviata
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Performance reviews
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Eight Songs for a Mad KingNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Inside out |
 14 Mar 20 / Bachtrack |
'Eight Songs for a Mad King' well worth experiencing |
| 6 Mar 20 / Stuff |
A brilliantly thought-out and constructed performance |
| 6 Mar 20 / Scoop |
more reviews [+]
As King George, Robert Tucker's freakishly large range becomes apparent |
| 6 Mar 20 / Wellingtonista |
The Turn of the ScrewNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Ambiguity rules in New Zealand Opera's Turn of the Screw |
| 22 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
A significant achievement for New Zealand Opera |
| 20 Oct 19 / The Opera Critic |
A ghost story riddled with ambiguity |
| 4 Oct 19 / The Dominion Post |
more reviews [+]
A fabulous, compelling production |
| 4 Oct 19 / DMS Review Blog |
Il barbiere di SivigliaNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
NZ Opera's production of silly masterpiece The Barber of Seville 'a hoot' |
| 2 Aug 19 / Stuff |
Effervescent Rossini In Wellington |
| 10 Jul 19 / Seen and Heard |
The Barber of Seville is a very silly opera |
| 1 Jul 19 / Wellingtonista |
more reviews [+]
NZ Opera's The Barber of Seville a lavish but busy affair |
| 30 Jun 19 / Stuff |
NZ Opera's The Barber of Seville must be the entertainment ticket of the fortnight |
| 8 Jun 19 / New Zealand Herald |
An explosion of colour |
| 7 Jun 19 / The Opera Critic |
La bohèmeNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Superb cast, classy conductor make box-office opera La Boheme a must-see |
| 5 Oct 18 / Stuff |
Talented young cast shines in New Zealand Opera's La bohème |
| 22 Sep 18 / Bachtrack |
Thomas Atkins and Marlena Devoe are memorable as the doomed Rodolfo and Mimi |
| 17 Sep 18 / New Zealand Herald |
more reviews [+]
NZ Opera’s latest production is a feast for the eyes and the ears |
| 14 Sep 18 / Radio New Zealand |
L'elisir d'amoreNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Fun for all |
| 27 Jun 18 / The Dominion Post |
An intoxicating elixir |
| 26 Jun 18 / Scoop |
The entire work was utterly witty and charming and definitely worth seeing live on stage |
| 24 Jun 18 / Wellingtonista |
more reviews [+]
The Elixir of Love works its magic |
| 1 Jun 18 / New Zealand Herald |
An enjoyable evening of Donizetti |
| 1 Jun 18 / The Opera Critic |
Die ZauberflöteNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
An evergreen charmer |
| 5 Jun 18 / Bachtrack |
New Zealand Opera's new production of Mozart's final opera The Magic Flute is an absolute delight |
| 24 Jun 16 / Broadway World |
The Magic Flute 'an enchanting spectacle' |
| 22 Jun 16 / NewstalkZB |
more reviews [+]
Awkward direction hampers New Zealand Opera's Magic Flute in Auckland |
| 21 Jun 16 / Bachtrack |
Triumphant night of opera magic |
| 20 Jun 16 / New Zealand Herald |
A stylish, witty Magic Flute |
| 17 Jun 16 / The Opera Critic |
A magical Magic Flute |
| 17 Jun 16 / National Business Review |
Profoundly engaging |
| 3 Jun 16 / Seen and Heard |
CandideNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
NZ Opera's Candide a splendid production with a major problem |
| 29 Mar 18 / National Business Review |
Disappointing Candide in Auckland |
| 28 Mar 18 / Bachtrack |
Sparkle aplenty in Auckland Arts Festival finale |
| 27 Mar 18 / New Zealand Herald |
ToscaNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
New Zealand Opera deliver near-perfect Puccini |
| 9 Mar 18 / Stuff |
Kat'a KabanovaNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Katya’s cabin fever |
| 10 Oct 17 / Scoop |
Dina Kuznetsova as Kátya was absolutely stunning |
| 8 Oct 17 / Wellingtonista |
A heartwrenching Káťa Kabanová in Auckland |
| 22 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
A musically eloquent Katya |
| 18 Sep 17 / The Opera Critic |
This courageous production is a major achievement in our own operatic history |
| 18 Sep 17 / New Zealand Herald |
CarmenNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Ridding Carmen of cliches in Auckland |
| 27 Jun 17 / Bachtrack |
Director Lindy Hume's startling Carmen, for New Zealand Opera, captivates and confronts |
| 26 Jun 17 / New Zealand Herald |
Carmen as a contemporary drama of violence |
| 24 Jun 17 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Dramatic and innovative staging for new Carmen |
| 23 Jun 17 / National Business Review |
An extremely well-rounded production, with barely a weak link |
| 4 Jun 17 / Scoop |
Solid, but unspectacular |
| 4 Jun 17 / Stuff |
associated articles [+]
Georgian opera star Nino Surguladze in New Zealand Opera's Carmen
"I've done it in many parts of the world – Japan, Europe, the United States – and here we are."
"I've done it in many parts of the world – Japan, Europe, the United States – and here we are."
The MikadoNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Under Stuart Maunder's deftly imaginative direction, NZO's cast exudes an infectious exuberance and energy |
| 8 Mar 17 / The Press |
Despite some shortcomings, it’s great fun as a production, and works as entertainment |
| 27 Feb 17 / Scoop |
A brilliantly executed production |
| 27 Feb 17 / The Dominion Post |
more reviews [+]
NZ Opera's The Mikado features giggly girls but no geishas |
| 17 Feb 17 / National Business Review |
To say that it was a crowd-pleaser would be an understatement |
| 16 Feb 17 / New Zealand Herald |
A treasure trove of visual and aural gags |
| 16 Feb 17 / The Opera Critic |
The show is fast-paced, funny, and fabulous all the way through |
| 15 Feb 17 / Stuff |
Sweeney ToddNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
A gritty and wonderfully stylised production |
| 15 Oct 16 / Broadway World |
Rhodes' performance as the Demon Barber was the stuff of which goosebumps are made |
| 13 Oct 16 / The Press |
NZ Opera's Sweeney Todd brings blood and guts centre stage |
| 30 Sep 16 / Stuff |
more reviews [+]
New Zealand Opera has finally jumped the divide between classical opera and the stage musical |
| 24 Sep 16 / National Business Review |
Be ready for a few frights, some questionable humour and to be singing The Ballad of Sweeney Todd all the way home |
| 21 Sep 16 / Stuff |
NZ Opera's new 'Sweeney Todd' recipe a slice of success |
| 20 Sep 16 / NewstalkZB |
Broadway opera Sweeney Todd at its macabre best |
| 19 Sep 16 / New Zealand Herald |
A dark and exciting Sweeney Todd |
| 19 Sep 16 / The Opera Critic |
NZ Opera’s Sweeney Todd is disgustingly delightful |
| 18 Sep 16 / NewsHub |
La TraviataNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A visually stunning revival of La Traviata in Christchurch |
| 18 Jul 16 / The Opera Critic |
It would take a heart of granite not to be seduced by NZ Opera's new production of La Traviata |
| 15 Jul 16 / Stuff |
ToscaNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
“What IS it about Puccini’s Tosca…?” |
| 20 Oct 15 / Seen and Heard |
Puccini’s music beautifully fleshed out |
| 11 Oct 15 / Stuff |
The soaring melodies of Puccini combined with such a thrilling plot make for a great night at the opera |
| 22 Sep 15 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
NZ Opera’s version of Tosca produces the right level of villainy and melodrama |
| 22 Sep 15 / New Zealand Herald |
High-octane Tosca in Auckland |
| 22 Sep 15 / Bachtrack |
A Tosca full of passion and intensity |
| 19 Sep 15 / The Opera Critic |
New Zealand Opera's Tosca is 'simply magnificent' |
| 18 Sep 15 / Stuff |
Passion and evil collide |
| 18 Sep 15 / Time Live |
Bloody opera warmly welcomed |
| 18 Sep 15 / National Business Review |
associated articles [+]
Tosca: The ultimate diva
Puccini’s opera Tosca is a great classic, featuring powerful characters, including a heroine willing to kill and die for love.
Puccini’s opera Tosca is a great classic, featuring powerful characters, including a heroine willing to kill and die for love.
La CenerentolaNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
New Zealand Opera's La Cenerentola is a captivating night in theatreland |
| 1 Jun 15 / New Zealand Herald |
A richly, detailed Cenerentola full of visual delights |
| 31 May 15 / The Opera Critic |
Unity of vision and ensemble spirit with the X-factor |
| 12 May 15 / Theatreview |
more reviews [+]
Rossini's Cinderella treatment is a triumph in Wellington |
| 11 May 15 / Stuff |
associated articles [+]
Opera NZ has a ball with a fairytale classic
Diector Lindy Hume tells William Dart how she reworked La Cenerentola.
Diector Lindy Hume tells William Dart how she reworked La Cenerentola.
Don GiovanniNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Stimulating and thought-provoking Don Giovanni from NZ Opera |
| 17 Oct 14 / Seen and Heard |
The Don still retains charms in modern twist |
| 13 Oct 14 / Stuff |
Passionate villain and philosopher |
| 27 Sep 14 / National Business Review |
more reviews [+]
Singers the stars in New Zealand Opera's Don Giovanni |
| 21 Sep 14 / Bachtrack |
NZ Opera cleverly push the boundaries ,which never fails to surprise and delight |
| 21 Sep 14 / KUWNZ |
Nightclub setting for Opera Don makes sense |
| 20 Sep 14 / New Zealand Herald |
This NZO production is musically effective and does work theatrically |
| 19 Sep 14 / Stuff |
Fun and definitely accessible for unseasoned opera-goers |
| 19 Sep 14 / 3 News |
A gripping update of Don Giovanni |
| 19 Sep 14 / The Opera Critic |
La bohèmeNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
What carried it all was a very good cast |
| 16 Jul 14 / Stuff |
La TraviataNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Verdi's La Traviata fine theatre |
| 15 Jul 14 / The Dominion Post |
La Traviata delights the eye and ear |
| 25 Jun 14 / National Business Review |
Lorina Gore gives a starring performance as Violetta |
| 22 Jun 14 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Magnificence of La Traviata not to be missed |
| 22 Jun 14 / New Zealand Herald |
Der Fliegende HolländerNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
NZ Opera rides crest of wave |
| 9 Oct 13 / Stuff |
What a brooding tale |
| 8 Oct 13 / Scoop |
Engages and challenges as it astounds, thrills and shocks |
| 7 Oct 13 / Theatreview |
more reviews [+]
Ships in the night? |
| 7 Oct 13 / Theatre Scenes |
Just how 'Dutchman' should be |
| 7 Oct 13 / New Zealand Herald |
Sly, witty and erotic |
| 7 Oct 13 / The Opera Critic |
The production's expressionist style was bold |
| 17 Sep 13 / The Dominion Post |
associated articles [+]
From scientist to opera star
Irish soprano Orla Boylan was working towards life in a lab when she found herself singing operas all around Europe. She sings the part of Senta in the NZ Opera's performance of The Flying Dutchman.
Irish soprano Orla Boylan was working towards life in a lab when she found herself singing operas all around Europe. She sings the part of Senta in the NZ Opera's performance of The Flying Dutchman.
Don GiovanniNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Francis Yapp reviews NZ Opera's Christchurch performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni (audio) |
| 28 Aug 13 / Radio New Zealand |
Mark Stone radiates both physical and vocal assurance as Don Giovanni |
| 28 Aug 13 / Theatreview |
Outstanding line-up of soloists |
| 26 Aug 13 / Stuff |
Madama ButterflyNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Classic operatic romance a visual and musical joy |
| 20 Apr 13 / New Zealand Herald |
An elegant and emotional Butterfly |
| 20 Apr 13 / National Business Review |
An unsentimental but memorable Butterfly |
| 19 Apr 13 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Simply put, this production is visually and musically fantastic |
| 19 Apr 13 / Stuff |
The Bartered BrideNBR New Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Comic opera suffers in translation |
| 15 Oct 12 / The Dominion Post |
There is much to admire in Daniel Slater's The Bartered Bride |
| 26 Sep 12 / New Zealand Herald |
An evening of many pleasures |
| 25 Sep 12 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Glorious voices soar above Czechoslovakian-set opera gloom |
| 24 Sep 12 / National Business Review |
associated articles [+]
The Bartered Bride
NBR New Zealand Opera's staging of Smetana's 1866 opera The Bartered Bride updates it to 1972, adds a circus and tosses in plenty of humour.
NBR New Zealand Opera's staging of Smetana's 1866 opera The Bartered Bride updates it to 1972, adds a circus and tosses in plenty of humour.
RigolettoNBR New Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A memorable night of theatre |
| 11 Jun 12 / The Opera Critic |
A world class performance Of love And hate |
| 10 Jun 12 / Scoop |
A theatrical experience on a scale unlikely to be found elsewhere in our city |
| 9 Jun 12 / New Zealand Herald |
more reviews [+]
Lindy Hume’s production transplanting Rigoletto to Berlusconi’s Italy is a must-see |
| 31 May 12 / New Zealand Listener |
Vocally superb, riveting theatre |
| 22 May 12 / The Dominion Post |
A mature and intelligent production |
| 22 May 12 / National Business Review |
associated articles [+]
Rigoletto: Power and corruption
A new production of Verdi's opera Rigoletto sets the tale of lust, murder and revenge in Silvio Berlusconi's contemporary Italy.
A new production of Verdi's opera Rigoletto sets the tale of lust, murder and revenge in Silvio Berlusconi's contemporary Italy.
HohepaNBR New Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
An act of faith for all concerned |
| 20 Mar 12 / New Zealand Herald |
Hohepa - a great but flawed opera |
| 19 Mar 12 / National Business Review |
Impressive blend of Maori and opera |
| 16 Mar 12 / Stuff |
more reviews [+]
New opera celebrates imprisoned Maori hero |
| 16 Mar 12 / San Francisco Chronicle |
associated articles [+]
Warrior's legend shapes operatic journey
A new opera, Hohepa, brings to life the story of a Maori transported to Tasmania for defending his people's land.
A new opera, Hohepa, brings to life the story of a Maori transported to Tasmania for defending his people's land.
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News & Articles
| Synchronised swimmers in opera? |
What NZ Opera's new general director may bring. |
| 8 Sep 2018 / New Zealand Herald |
| NZ Opera appoints new general director |
New Zealand Opera has announced the appointment of Thomas de Mallet Burgess as general director. |
| 18 Jun 2018 / National Business Review |
| Georgian opera star Nino Surguladze in New Zealand Opera's Carmen |
"I've done it in many parts of the world – Japan, Europe, the United States – and here we are." |
| 28 May 2017 / Stuff |
| NZ Opera's exports to Europe hit the right note |
New Zealand Opera has found a way to boost funding by selling production sets including costumes and stage directions to some of the great European theatres. |
| 13 Mar 2016 / Stuff |
| Twelve Questions: Stuart Maunder, general director NZ Opera |
Australian Stuart Maunder has led the New Zealand Opera company for the past two years. He directed Tosca and confesses to an unhealthy obsession with Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. |
| 16 Feb 2016 / New Zealand Herald |
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