We’re excited you’re applying to join the National Youth Opera Aotearoa. This is where you’ll upload your audition videos and tell us a little more about yourself. Your answers will help our faculty get to know your background, experience, and goals, so take your time and answer as fully as you can. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and we’ll be in touch with the results after the review process.

The Journey Starts Here!

Application & Audition (Upload Below)

Eligibility - Vocal

To apply, you must:

  • Be aged 16–25 (for Chorus Programme) and 18-25 (for YAP) as of 18 March 2026

  • Be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, student (including exchange students), or hold a valid NZ work visa with at least 6 months’ validity

Audition Process – Round 1 (Video Submission)

Repertoire Requirements:

  • One arias, and one contrasting song or aria (ideally in different languages)

  • One aria/song must be by Mozart and include recitative

  • Both pieces must be recorded in one continuous take

Interview Video:

  • Short recorded responses to a set of interview questions we will provide

  • Designed to help us learn about your musical background, aspirations, and suitability for the programme

Submission Deadline:
🗓️ 14 October 2025 (ex to Oct. 18)

Results Announced:
🗓️ End-October 2025

Selected candidates may be invited to a short Zoom follow-up with the faculty as part of the final round.

Auditions

2026 National Youth Opera Aotearoa

  • JAN 19-31 2026 | Hawke’s Bay

    NYOA launches the year in Hawke’s Bay with an intensive Opera-in-concert project bringing together Young Artist Programme singers and the Chorus. Over two weeks, participants work with leading tutors in daily rehearsals, coaching, and stagecraft, culminating in 2 public performances that set the tone for the season.

  • APR 11-18 2026 | Waikato

    The Young Artist Programme gathers for a focused week of coaching, role preparation, community engagement, industry workshops and rehearsal. This intensive builds on the foundations of January’s, refining interpretation, performance skills and deepening industry knowledge in a close-knit, creative environment.

  • AUG 24-SEP 6 | Hawke’s Bay

    Back in Hawke’s Bay, the Young Artist Programme stages a full production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Over two weeks, artists work with the full creative team through staging, rehearsals, and orchestra calls, culminating in a fully staged public season.

The deadline for 2026 NYOA audition videos is October 14th (ext to Oct 18)