| New Zealand Opera - Auckland | 24 April 2024 |
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Duke Bluebeard's Castle
The Unruly Tourists
Macbeth
Le nozze di Figaro
Il barbiere di Siviglia
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Mansfield ParkNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Blissful Mansfield Park in Auckland |
 24 Apr 24 / Bachtrack |
(m)OrpheusNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
orp0923A.jpg "New Zealand Opera - (m)Orpheus - Click here to open the gallery")
Once again NZ Opera reveals strength, innovation and rising stars |
| 8 Sep 23 / New Zealand Arts Review |
Gluck reimagined |
| 8 Sep 23 / Bachtrack |
NZ Opera and Black Grace’s (m)Orpheus is a stylish, triumphant and emotional depiction of love and grief |
| 7 Sep 23 / Andrew Whiteside |
Duke Bluebeard's CastleNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Exceptional production of a dark love story |
| 18 Aug 23 / Stuff |
A bold, brilliant reimagining of Bartók’s opera |
| 11 Aug 23 / Theatreview |
A compelling, convincing and amazingly moving production |
| 11 Aug 23 / Theatreview |
more reviews [+]
A bold, brilliant reimagining of Bartók’s opera |
| 11 Aug 23 / Five Lines |
Così fan tutteNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A masterful Così fan tutte in Auckland |
| 2 Jun 23 / Bachtrack |
A clever, beautifully balanced confection, both crisp and sweet |
| 2 Jun 23 / Theatreview |
The Unruly TouristsNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
'The Unruly Tourists' was a big step out of the usual comfort zone for NZ Opera |
| 3 Apr 23 / Broadway World |
A brilliant New Zealand musical satire |
| 25 Mar 23 / New Zealand Arts Review |
The unruly tourists is fun, but facile |
| 24 Mar 23 / The Spinoff |
more reviews [+]
Too little material and too much rep |
| 24 Mar 23 / New Zealand Herald |
associated articles [+]
The Unruly Tourists
An opera, a composer and a departing director.
An opera, a composer and a departing director.
MacbethNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Opening the gates of hell |
| 11 Oct 22 / Five Lines |
Simply stunnung |
| 29 Sep 22 / Ambient Light |
Passion, pain and a triumph for Netia Jones |
| 22 Sep 22 / New Zealand Arts Review |
The Strangest of AngelsNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Disjointed Janet Frame opera bursts to life in final act |
| 30 May 22 / Stuff |
Le nozze di FigaroNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Was opera always this horny? |
| 11 Jul 21 / Cityscape |
A refreshing new Nozze di Figaro from New Zealand Opera |
| 11 Jun 21 / Bachtrack |
NZ Opera’s Figaro is a dazzling piece of theatre |
| 9 Jun 21 / New Zealand Arts Review |
SemeleNew Zealand OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A sumptuous operatic feast |
| 11 Nov 20 / Five Lines |
A lustrous new production of Handel’s Semele |
| 3 Nov 20 / Radio 13 |
Ultimately it is Emma Pearson who is our luminous star |
| 31 Oct 20 / Ambient Light |
more reviews [+]
NZ Opera’s stunning interpretation of Handel’s Semele |
| 30 Oct 20 / New Zealand Arts Review |
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 |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
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News & Articles
| New Zealand Opera appoints new General Director |
Brad Cohen replaces a Helsinki-bound Thomas de Mallet Burgess as General Director of New Zealand Opera. |
| 3 Apr 2023 / Limelight |
| The Unruly Tourists |
An opera, a composer and a departing director. |
| 31 Mar 2023 / Five Lines |
| NZ Opera receiving hate mail over repertoire choices |
NZ Opera has taken serious flack—complete with hate mail—from New Zealand opera-goers for daring to veer away from the standard repertoire and providing a mix of classic and contemporary offerings. |
| 28 Mar 2022 / OperaWire |
| ‘Opera On The Harbour’ to debut on Auckland’s iconic waterfront |
NZ Opera will present concert performances of the famous, crowd-pleasing musical Carousel in an open-air setting on the Auckland waterfront across three nights in February. |
| 26 Oct 2021 / Scoop |
| Three NZ Opera board members resign |
The three board members who resigned from NZ Opera last week have spoken out about their decision, hitting back at suggestions it was linked to a new performance based on the antics of a group of unruly tourists. |
| 31 May 2021 / Radio New Zealand |
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