Opera Gala 2026 Continues to Showcase the Magic of Opera
Timothée Chalamet may say no one cares about opera anymore, but the Opera Gala 2026 proves him wrong. Auckland Opera Studio alongside Manukau Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Choral, soloists (Breony Bearman, Felicity Tomkins, Ridge Ponini, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono) and conductor Uwe Grodd celebrated the moving and magical power of opera.
Last Sunday, the Auckland Town Hall was packed with audience members of different ages and backgrounds ready to support emerging opera talent here in New Zealand.
Even for one not well versed in the world of opera, English captions supported the storytelling on a large screen above the Great Hall stage and written summaries of each piece were provided in the program. Great aids for those not fluent in the language of opera, for it allowed deeper understanding and connection to the music beyond the etheral and serene sounds.
Highlights of the show included solo violinist virtuoso Amalia Hall performing ‘Siguidilla’ and ‘Moderato’. Hall’s precision and flair captured the audience with an impressive allegro section. The Cloud Children’s Choir delighted from the moment they walked on stage, as the audience descended into a flutter of excited whispers. Performing a cute and endearing rendition of ‘Les voici! Voici la quadrille!’ alongside the orchestra and choir they enchanted. The finale delved deeper into the storytelling aspect of opera performance with stage direction/semi-staged scene, costumes and acting through song with Act IV of Manon Lescaut. Both soprano Felicity Tomkins and Tenor Ridge Ponini transformed into their characters, aiding the emotional music and captions into telling the tragic story of love and loss.
It was a beautiful night to celebrating the up and coming New Zealand opera talent. Showcasing that the love for the artform is alive and well.
As conductor Uwe Grodd promised at the top of the show, it was a night filled with more dramatics than a Shortland Street finale. If you have the chance to attend the gala next year, whether you are an avid opera lover or new to the genre, buy a ticket and support the arts!
Find out more about Auckland Opera Studio, Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Choral.
Gifted press tickets
