The newsletter of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation Dame Kiri comments . scenes etc. – these are full-on productions. ISSUE 19 | AUGUST 2015 So far 2015 has been another very interesting I am very grateful that Gillian Newson (one year for me – full of surprises and memorable of our UK Trustees) has made time this year experiences, interesting musical projects and to attend nearly every performance. I know continuous work with young singers being the singers we support really appreciate supported by the Foundation. You will read this personal contact as well as the genuine all about them later in this mid-year edition interest in their performances and future. of Aria. Another very memorable experience for me In March I received an Honorary Doctorate was the premier of ‘Between Worlds’ a new from the Royal College of Music which was English National Opera production inspired bestowed by HRH Prince Charles. HRH by the events of 9/11. Phillip Rhodes who was charming as always and was shown is supported by the Foundation sang one my portrait commissioned by the RCM of the main roles – being present to hear to be hung at the college in the Britten him sing in this World Premier was such a theatre ... it was a lovely moment when I proud moment. Welcome to the 19th saw HRH standing with one of the school’s Now with number two knee replacement edition of Aria administrators giving my portrait a serious surgery completed and recovering better view ... I did not ask Prince Charles for his than number one knee I am looking Featured in this issue . opinions of the painting. forward to the Cardiff Singer of the World competition. I was a preliminary judge for Exciting programme has far 2 I’ve had a number of students here at my reaching aims home recently for individual mentoring 65 contestants and it was our challenge to and weekend group sessions. While all the choose 40 out of those 65. One of those A memorable Anzac experience 2 students have their own teachers there are selected to progress was a singer from Fostering this most 2 always things they need to discuss in depth Mongolia – I was very pleased to see that unlikely opera prodigy he was in the final 20. By the time you read and of course sitting round a dining table Enhanced sponsorship brings 3 is far more relaxing than a study room and this the world will know the outcome and the singer that has been launched into our world-leading teacher to consequently sometimes we achieve a lot New Zealand Opera School more in that environment. Classical world. I hope you enjoy the many news items in James Ioelu – a young singer 3 Here in the UK the Guildhall, the Royal College with great potential of Music and the Royal Academy of Music this latest edition of Aria. Thank you for provide regular opportunities for students to your continued interest and support for the Jonathan Abernethy heads overseas 3 develop their talents in the presence of their Foundation. Do you have musical treasures 4 PHOTO: CHRIS CHRISTODOULOU PHOTO: peers through a series of concerts with opera cluttering up your garage? Anthony Schneider in Philadelphia 4 Oliver calling home 5 Tom Atkins – a year of experience 5 and growth UK Foundation news 6 Private coaching a huge bonus 6 Bianca Andrew selected for 7 Guildhall opera course Imagine a high profile athlete without 7 a coach – singing is the same Phillip Rhodes - his wheels are spinning 7 1 Exciting programme has far reaching aims In 2008 the Foundation initiated and funded a unique research project to identify key areas of improvement to help talented young New Zealand singers seeking to further their singing education and careers in the United Kingdom. PHOTO: CLIVE BARDA/ARENAPAL PHOTO: PHOTO: CLIVE BARDA/ARENAPAL The project was undertaken by New Zealand Now eight years later, after much research Fostering this most professional opera singer and teacher Jenny and consultation with a variety of unlikely opera prodigy Wollerman who spent three months based in organisations and individuals involved with London visiting the major UK music colleges the training and development of young Back in December 2010 Aria introduced readers to Tonga-born Ta’u Pupu’a who and institutions, interviewing teachers, singers the Foundation is on the cusp of had two passions – American football current New Zealand students and emerging launching an exciting programme which and opera. He began his working life young singers, institutional staff and other will provide a high-level, personalised, and in 1995 as a defensive lineman for the professionals in the field, particularly those sustained skills boost to a select group of Cleveland Browns but after sustaining who had worked with young New Zealand outstanding young opera singers preparing an injury he changed career direction students and singers. to leave New Zealand for international to follow his other passion – opera. post-graduate training and career Inspired by a childhood spent singing in The major findings of the 112 page report church alongside his father, a Methodist development. It will be focused on (which can be read on the Foundation’s preacher, he resettled in New York in the providing training and mentorship that will website), appropriately entitled ‘Kiwis Can hope of making it on Broadway. better prepare participants to undertake Fly’, highlighted the need for enhanced Although he got parts in amateur advanced study abroad, compete with their vocal repertoire coaching, the importance productions, Ta’u was finding it tough international peers, and establish sustainable of building a performance profile and the in 2007 when he spotted a poster professional careers. shortage in New Zealand of coaching skills announcing that Dame Kiri would be signing books at the Metropolitan Opera in vocal repertoire, languages and diction. Dame Kiri, the driving force behind the bookshop. It was there following a brief It concluded that investment in these areas programme, will be closely involved, conversation that Dame Kiri handed him will improve overall standards and ensure alongside prominent international her card and asked him to call her later that New Zealanders are better prepared teachers and coaches. Full details will that day. when they head overseas. be announced soon. Dame Kiri heard him sing and then arranged an audition at the Juilliard School in Manhattan, which contains A memorable Anzac one of the most prestigious singing academies in the world. Ta’u won a full experience scholarship which allowed him to study Earlier this year Dame Kiri was thrilled to be for three years. invited to perform on a cruise organised to Now Dame Kiri is being credited with mark the centennial of the ANZAC landings at fostering this most unlikely opera Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The ship anchored prodigy – an ex-professional American off-shore but in full view of ANZAC Cove football player. His new career began during the dawn service. The whole day was in 2011 at San Francisco Opera and spent watching films and sitting in on Lectures student Kawiti Waetford – singing the national since then he has starred in a wide about Gallipoli. During an onboard ANZAC Day anthem and some Maori songs. “To be there variety of roles. Recently Ta’u appeared service Dame Kiri presented a wreath on behalf at that moment on the 25 April at the same in the Birmingham Opera Company’s of New Zealand which she was invited to take time as the Landings with the weather it production ‘The Ice Break’ a new opera back to NZ (she will present it to the RSA in seems the very same temperature....it was by Michael Tippett where he portrayed a character based on Muhammad Ali. This Russell on her next return). In the evening all very moving, something I will remember was his British debut and second role Dame Kiri gave a concert joined by Foundation always.” Said Dame Kiri. outside the USA. 2 Enhanced sponsorship brings world-leading teacher to New Zealand Opera School Since 2012 the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation has enjoyed a very Håkan Hagegård successful relationship with the NZ Opera School Trust. Now as a result of the Foundation’s increased support, a doyenne of the opera world has accepted an invitation to join the distinguished teaching staff of the New Zealand Opera School for Jonathan Abernethy heads summer 2016. overseas The Foundation has announced its Della Jones says Since joining the Young Artist Program in she is impressed Australia, New Zealand tenor Jonathan commitment to continue as Principal Abernethy has established himself as a Sponsor for the 2016/2017 summer schools, with the credentials of the school vibrant and upcoming Australasian operatic with the further creation of the Kiri Te artist. 2014 marked a particularly successful Kanawa Foundation International Vocal year in Jonathan’s career, debuting the Faculty. This has enabled the School to secure role of Fenton (Falstaff) to critical acclaim, the services of leading teacher, Welsh mezzo- forward enormously to coming to your a performance which awarded him a soprano Della Jones, alongside last year’s highly reputable Opera School in Whanganui, prestigious Green Room nomination, and international tutor, Håkan Hagegård. and working with the up-and-coming New being named the winner of the Australian Zealand singers. I work hard, but believe Opera Awards. With 120 roles in her repertoire, and a prolific in the joy of music- making, and I will help Having completed the Young Artist recording portfolio exceeding one hundred you all in whatever challenges you need to Program and following performances in the works across every major record label, Della overcome.” Melbourne season of Don Carlos, Jonathan Jones is a stellar addition to the school’s Dame Kiri believes the School is “a natural has headed overseas to pursue further teaching resource, says Executive Chairman artistic and technical training in Europe and Donald Trott.