At NYOA, we design every programme with your journey in mind. Where you are now, and where the future could take you.

Young singers need more than training, they need experience that mirrors the expectations and realities of the professional world. That’s why NYOA creates real opportunities: roles in fully staged productions with orchestra, rehearsals that reflect professional standards, and the guidance of artists, creatives and mentors, who know the pathway ahead.

This is your chance to discover what true readiness feels like. It’s about building confidence, credibility, and connection — the foundation you’ll carry forward to auditions, advanced training, and professional stages in Aotearoa and abroad.

Here, the stage is yours.

Here, the stage belongs to you

Step onto the stage.

NYOA offers three dynamic programmes — Young Artist, Chorus, and Orchestra — designed to challenge, inspire, and launch the next generation of opera talent. Whether you’re a singer stepping into your first professional rehearsal, a young artist preparing for a career on the world stage, or an orchestral musician bringing the music to life, you’ll receive world-class training, be coached by leading professionals, and be part of extraordinary productions across the year.

  • Emerging opera singers aged 18–25

    Annual Programme with three intensive blocks

    January 19 - 31, 2026 (Hawke’s Bay)

    Opera-in-concert with Chorus Programme & orchestra, ensemble training, and Recitative performance

    April 11 - 18, 2026 (Waikato)

    Role preparation, language coaching, and ensemble development

    August 24 - Sept 6, 2026 (Hawke’s Bay)

    Fully staged opera (Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro) with orchestra and creative team

    Training Includes:

    Vocal coaching

    Language and interpretation

    Stagecraft and movement

    Professional development and industry preparation

    Performance Opportunities: Public Concerts, Fully Staged Opera, Educational Outreach and collaborations with NYOA Chorus & Orchestra

  • Singers aged 16–25

    January Intensive (19th - 31st, Hawke’s Bay)

    Choral and ensemble singing within a professional opera rehearsal environment

    Training Includes:

    Individual coaching & masterclasses

    Ensemble technique and blend

    Language and diction

    Stage movement and presence

    Collaboration with Young Artist Programme singers and tutors

    Performance Opportunity: Opera-in-concert alongside YAP artists with full orchestra

  • Orchestral Instrumentalists aged 18 –25

    Annual Programme with two intensive blocks

    Selected through video audition, players come together for intensive rehearsals with the conductor and cast, gaining high-level ensemble experience before performing to public audiences in both seasons.

    January 27 - 31, 2026 (Hawke’s Bay)

    Opera-in-concert with Chorus & YAP Programme, ensemble and educational outreach training

    September 2 - 6, 2026 (Hawke’s Bay)

    Fully staged opera (Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro) with full cast and creative team

    Training Includes:

    Ensemble coaching for opera

    Professional development and industry preparation

    Performance Opportunities: Public Concerts, Fully Staged Opera, Educational Outreach and other collaborations with NYOA Chorus & YAP

AUDITION FOR NYOA

Nōu te atamira | The stage is yours |

Nōu te atamira | The stage is yours |

THE PROGRAMME

Young Artists’

Young Artist Programme (Ages 18–25)

  • Full-year participation: January, April, and August intensives

  • One-on-one coaching, acting & language workshops

  • Professional headshots & audition reels

  • Fully staged opera performance with orchestra, opera in concert, recitative concert

  • Fee: $5,000 per year, includes all accommodation and meals, no travel

Chorus

Chorus Programme (Ages 16–25)

  • January intensive only (chorus performance with orchestra)

  • One-on-one coaching, acting & language workshops

  • Ensemble coaching, diction & stagecraft

  • Excellent foundation for singers new to opera

  • Opera in concert

  • Fee: $2,500 per year, includes all accommodation and meals, no travel

NYOA Orchestra

Orchestra Programme (Ages 16–25)

  • Participation: January opera-in-concert & August fully staged opera season

  • Professional ensemble training with conductor and creative team

  • Sectional rehearsals and full orchestral calls

  • Opera repertoire coaching and performance preparation

  • Performances with singers in both concert and staged productions

  • Fee: No fee to participate, includes all accommodation and meals, no travel

All singers audition together, and our faculty places you in the programme where you’ll thrive. Whether Chorus or Young Artist, you’ll rehearse, perform, and grow as part of the same creative company.

2026 NYOA Faculty

  • Neil Baker

    VOICE TEACHER

    Neil Baker is a highly respected vocal coach and baritone with international performing and teaching experience. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he has appeared with leading opera companies in the UK and Europe, and now dedicates much of his career to mentoring young singers. Neil is recognised for his supportive and insightful approach to vocal technique, helping emerging artists build healthy, expressive voices for the operatic stage.

  • John Wilkie

    STAGE DIRECTOR, STAGE CRAFT

    John Wilkie is a Scottish stage director with a wide-ranging career across opera and theatre in the UK and internationally. Known for his clear storytelling and collaborative approach, he has directed productions for leading companies and festivals, working across both classic repertoire and contemporary works. Passionate about developing emerging talent, John brings a wealth of experience and creative vision to his role with NYOA.

  • Jose Aparicio

    CONDUCTOR | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

    José Aparicio is a Spanish conductor and educator recognised for his versatility across opera, symphonic, and choral repertoire. He has led ensembles and productions throughout Europe and New Zealand, bringing energy, precision, and a deep musicality to every performance. Alongside his conducting work, José is a dedicated mentor to young musicians, committed to fostering excellence and inspiring the next generation of artists.

  • ANNOUNCED SOON

    VOICE COACH

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.

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

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.

APPLY HERE

Application & Audition - Orchestra

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

  • Be aged 16–25 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:

  • Concerto as per the audition requirement list HERE

  • Both pieces must be recorded in one continuous take

  • Orchestral excerpts found HERE

Please note: not all instruments will be needed in both orchestral sessions

Submission Deadline:
🗓️ 14 October 2025

Results Announced:
🗓️ End-October 2025

APPLY HERE