Mina Foley Award Supports Benson Wilson’s Principal Role Debut With NZ Opera

Acclaimed New Zealand-born Samoan baritone Benson Wilson has been named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Ryman Healthcare Dame Malvina Major Foundation Mina Foley Award.

The award supports Wilson to perform the role of Schaunard in New Zealand Opera’s upcoming national production ofLa bohème - his debut principal role with the company, and a significant milestone in his flourishing international career.

A past winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Awards and Lexus Song Quest, Wilson was a Harewood Artist at the English National Opera, and has performed with Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Opera Holland Park and a number of recital appearances. A graduate of the University of Auckland, he completed his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio in London.

“We are delighted to recognise the wonderful Benson Wilson with this award, supporting his extraordinary journey as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young baritones,” says Dame Malvina Major. “Benson’s artistry and perseverance reflect the legacy of Mina Foley, and we are proud to stand behind him as he makes his debut in a principal role with New Zealand Opera and continues to shine on the world stage.

“At Ryman, we’re proud to support New Zealand communities through shared-value partnerships that celebrate excellence in performance,” said Naomi James, Chief Executive Officer of Ryman Healthcare.

“We’re thrilled to see Benson Wilson named the recipient of the Ryman Healthcare Dame Malvina Major Foundation Mina Foley Award, and we look forward to his return to the New Zealand stage in NZ Opera’s upcoming season of La bohème.”

The Mina Foley Award was established in 2008 to enable talented young New Zealand artists to return home to perform in professional opera productions.

Brad Cohen, General Director of New Zealand Opera and conductor of the Auckland season of La bohème says, “Our partnership with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation for the Mina Foley Award gives NZ Opera an important opportunity to honour and support worthy singers from our region.

“I was astonished to learn from Benson, over a cup of coffee, that his appearance as Schaunard in our production of La bohème marks not only his principal role debut with the company – it is in fact his first role appearance with the Company, ever. He is without doubt the most amusing and charismatic Schaunard I have had the pleasure of conducting, and it is a delight to welcome him fully into the NZ Opera whānau. We are most grateful to the Dame Malvina Foundation and Ryman Healthcare for their continued association – the Mina Foley Award is an important part of our collaboration.”

Benson Wilson performs in NZ Opera’s production of La bohème by Puccini, playing at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre Auckland 29 May - 6 June, Wellington’s St James Theatre 18-22 June, and Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch 2-6 July. Further information www.nzopera.com

More about the Foundation’s awards and scholarships can be found at www.dmmfoundation.org.nz

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