Opera Superstar Adds Masterclasses To Her New Zealand Debut

1 September, 2025

Grammy and Olivier Award winning American opera star Joyce DiDonato is to host two innovative masterclasses in addition to her first-ever performances in Aotearoa New Zealand in November.

The acclaimed Kansas-born mezzo-soprano will perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, led by Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New, in Wellington and Auckland for the concerts Joyce DiDonato Summer Nights.

Winner of the 2018 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera and multi–Grammy Awards, DiDonato was proclaimed “perhaps the most potent female singer of her generation” by the New Yorker and with a voice “nothing less than 24-carat gold” by the UK Times.

Now DiDonato, known globally for her Carnegie Hall Masterclass Series, will offer an intimate look into the artistry and discipline that has defined her celebrated career with masterclasses in both cities presented by NZSO and its partners Te Pae Kōkako – The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS) and Dame Malvina Major Foundation in Wellington, and NZ Opera and Circle100 in Auckland. The masterclasses will be an extraordinary experience for young New Zealand singers and music lovers alike.

DiDonato, always in demand on the international concert and recital circuit, is known for her dynamic performances, impeccable technique, and passionate advocacy for arts education. Her masterclasses are celebrated for their insight, intensity, and generosity of spirit.

“Artists need time and space to develop,” she has said.

“Opera lovers can see behind the gloss … to the profound amount of work it takes… These young singers are so brave … and I love that the public can come along for the ride.”

NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman says the NZSO is thrilled that DiDonato has added masterclasses during her New Zealand debut.

“We’re genuinely delighted that Joyce DiDonato has chosen to offer masterclasses as part of her New Zealand debut. Her generosity—on stage and in the studio—is legendary. Her work with young singers in her renowned Carnegie Hall programme has inspired countless artists around the world. For the NZSO this is truly an honour, it's more than a teaching moment; it’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and help shape the next generation of operatic talent here in Aotearoa.”

The Wellington masterclass on 27 November will feature select TANZOS artists working one-on-one with DiDonato in an open teaching setting at the Michael Fowler Centre. Tickets will be available from the NZSO website.

In addition, the masterclass, presented with support from The Dame Malvina Major Foundation will be livestreamed for free, ensuring that students, educators, and opera enthusiasts around the world can view this extraordinary event.

Pianist Caroline Dowdle, Head of Opera at the Atelier Lyric at the Verbier Festival and senior repertoire coach at The Jette Parker Artist Programme at The Royal Ballet and Opera, Covent Garden, will provide accompaniment.

This masterclass is part of TANZOS’ ongoing mission to cultivate and champion New Zealand’s finest emerging operatic talent, and underscores the NZSO’s dedication to educational outreach and artistic excellence.

TANZOS singers will also perform for the first time in Wellington on Sunday 30 November in Una Serenata Italiana—an evening of Italian Opera Favourites in Wellington, with Caroline Dowdle and Head of the Jette Parker Artists Programme, Elaine Kidd, presented in association with the Italian Embassy.

The Auckland masterclass, presented in partnership with NZ Opera with generous support from Circle100 and the NZSO Foundation, offers an up-close and personal experience with the superstar singer on 30 November in a more intimate space with strictly limited tickets.

Circle100 provides scholarships to assist talented, young New Zealand opera singers to travel and study abroad, predominantly at prestigious international conservatoires or young artist programmes in the world’s leading opera houses. Circle100 has awarded annual scholarships along with travel grants and career support awards for over 25 years to more than 40 scholars, totalling over $750,000.

Their support of young New Zealand singers at a crucial stage of their development has assisted many scholars to go on to international career success in leading opera houses. Prior Circle100 Scholars have included Simon O’Neill, Philip Rhodes, Eliza Boom, Edward Laurenson, Madison Nonoa, Benson Wilson, Natasha Te Rupe Wilson, Oliver Sewell, Katie Trigg, Felicity Thomkins, Morgan Andrew King, Emanuelle Fonoti Fuimaono, Samson Setu and Manase Latu. Following a Circle100 masterclass with Sophie Joyce of the Lindemann Young Artist Programme of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, two of Circle100’s singers were accepted into the programme for the next intake.

Circle100’s chair Carmel Walsh is delighted Circle100 can support DiDonato’s Masterclass and notes: “Our support of young singers ready to take the next step toward their opera careers could not be better advanced than through a masterclass with international superstar and consummate performer, Joyce DiDonato. We are excited to have the opportunity to view her work at close quarters and know that all our singers and the audience will be immensely impacted experiencing such a skilful and delightful proponent of the artform.”

NZ Opera General Director, Tumu Whakarae, Brad Cohen says it is an honour to welcome DiDonato into the heart of NZ Opera.

“Her presence strengthens our commitment to manaakitanga and the development of young artists, creating an invaluable connection between New Zealand and the wider international opera community. Bringing in world-class expertise like hers enriches our entire opera whānau.”

The masterclass will be held at NZ Opera’s studio in Parnell and features Felicity Tomkins, Breony Bearman and Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, three gifted New Zealand singers who have all previously auditioned for or won the Circle100 Scholarship and performed with NZ Opera. Pianist David Kelly will accompany them. With a smaller space, the audience will have the chance to interact with DiDonato afterwards during an informal conversation session.

Tickets to the Auckland masterclass are $50, available at nzso.co.nz from October.

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