Winner & Competitor Testimonials

Sid Chand

“I am a tenor based in San Francisco as an Artist Diploma student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and very soon starting a contract as a resident artist at the renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The New Zealand Aria competition has been paramount in my development as a young singer. Frankly, the way the competition functions, to me, encapsulates what it means to be an artist in the zeitgeist of what the opera genre is and is becoming. I was lucky enough to perform very well in my years as a competitor, placing twice in the U21 section and then becoming a finalist in my final year and winning the John Bond award for Most Promising Voice. These accolades and the benefit of financial gain helped me tremendously as an artist and were so instrumental in my learning before I left for the United States – that extra $500 to $1000 dollars makes the world of difference when it comes to travel, audition, and coaching costs.

In addition to this, and to me, more importantly, this was everyone’s favourite competition to travel down to. Win or lose, the culture surrounding the competition facilitated an environment of aroha and support that truly does transcend the those few days. I have met artists at the competition who have become life long friends, even though we started our relationship as competitors.

I owe a lot to the New Zealand Aria competition, and I am excited for the potential of my coming back and singing for you all again.”

Isabella Moore

“Winning NZ Aria was a significant achievement in my operatic journey. The competition not only helped me creatively as a young artist – getting the opportunity to perform with a high calibre orchestra and conductor, but financially, the award meant I could continue my studies abroad. I entered a few times before I won, and the skills and artistry I developed each year through the competition boosted my confidence on stage.

The centre-stage confidence and skills I gained from entering this competition have proven incredibly transferable and have supported me throughout my international modelling career.”

Ivan Zhang

“The NZAria competitions have been an integral part of my journey as a classical singer. I distinctly remember my first competition in 2022, when I got the chance to meet singers of my age from all parts of the motu. Some of them have gone on to be my colleagues at other performances and classmates at the New Zealand Opera School.

I am immensely grateful to the team behind the competition for giving us this opportunity to sing and connect with the next generation of opera stars of the world.”

Jack Doyle

“My experience at the NZ Aria was nothing short of life-changing. There are so few opportunities in New Zealand where so many young classical singers can come together in one place, and being surrounded by that level of talent and passion was incredibly inspiring. It was such a privilege to hear everyone perform and to share the stage with my peers.

I feel so fortunate to have received the Most Promising Vocalist Prize. Support like this makes a real difference for young singers, allowing us to continue training and developing in what is such a demanding and costly career.

Competitions like the NZ Aria give emerging singers something truly meaningful to aspire to. The chance to perform at such a high level, receive thoughtful feedback, and hear some of the finest young voices in the country is invaluable. It creates a sense of community and encouragement that is so important for the future of classical singing in New Zealand.“

Manase Latu

“I had been competing in NZ Aria since I was still in high school. Growing up it was always a highlight of the year and it was so inspiring hearing and meeting all of the upcoming kiwi singers.

Winning NZ Aria really gave me the confidence to really go for it and believe that this could actually be pathway for me. More importantly it provided the financial support to put in place those important stepping stones in the pursuit of this career.

Following NZ Aria, I studied at the Royal College of Music in London before joining the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program in New York. I’m currently a member of the Opera Troupe with the Opéra National de Paris.”