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There is nothing like the power of opera to move, to exalt, to thrill… and in 2016 we will move, exalt and thrill more New Zealanders than any other year in New Zealand Opera’s history. For the first time, we are able to offer two pieces in each of the three cities in which we perform—three of the greatest works from each of the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries.

Our Auckland and Wellington audiences will experience Mozart’s valedictory opera for the people, The Magic Flute, in a fresh new production. Christchurch will see our sumptuous and very moving production of Verdi’s great La traviata, and all three cities will thrill to the delicious terror of Sweeney Todd. All three offerings will bring home many New Zealand singers, as well as showcasing some of the best singers the world has to offer.

We are also collaborating with our colleagues at the New Zealand Festival, Auckland Arts Festival and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to bring you even more opera nights. Our co-productions range from Verdi’s Otello, an opera in concert starring arguably New Zealand’s greatest living tenor, Simon O’Neill, and featuring our brilliant Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus; Brass Poppies by Ross Harris, a contemporary New Zealand work telling the profound and moving story of one of our country’s defining moments; and finally John Adams’ Nixon in China, a modern American opera telling the story of one of the world's defining moments.

So welcome. The ability of opera to make people feel something deeply and strongly within themselves is the reason we do what we do. In 2016, NZ Opera is proud to offer more opera for more New Zealanders than ever before. We’ll see you at the opera!

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1NZOPERA

The Magic Flute Mozart

La traviata Giuseppe VerdiSweeney Todd

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

A MusicalThriller

In Mozart’s The Magic Flute, comedy and philosophy unite to produce a work that extols the virtues of courage, wisdom, and the enduring power of true love. This enchanting fairytale follows Prince Tamino’s quest to prove that he is worthy of the love of Pamina, playing out once more the age-old conflict between good and evil, darkness and light. As quirky as it is profound, this unique and transcendental opera stands apart from anything written before or since.

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As the heroic Tamino, young American tenor Randall Bills makes his debut with NZ Opera, joining returning New Zealand soprano Emma Fraser as the beguiling Pamina. Ruth Jenkins-Róbertsson is the embodiment of evil as the Queen of Night, raging against the noble, resonant bass of Wade Kernot’s Sarastro, while Samuel Dundas performs the hopelessly loveable Papageno.

Brought together by the inspired direction of Sara Brodie and conducted by NZ Opera's Director of Music, Wyn Davies, The Magic Flute soars towards the sublime. From the first rousing chords of the overture, to the resplendent final chorus, this is life-affirming opera at its most powerful.

Creative TeamConductor: Wyn Davies** Director: Sara Brodie Set & Props Designer: John VerrytOriginal concept by: Su ProebsterCostume Designer: Elizabeth WhitingDesign Assistant: Lisa HolmesLighting Designer: Paul Lim

CastTamino: Randall Bills Pamina: Emma Fraser First Lady: Amelia BerrySecond Lady: Catrin JohnssonThird Lady: Wendy Doyle+

Papageno: Samuel Dundas Queen of Night:Ruth Jenkins-RóbertssonSarastro: Wade KernotThe Speaker/Armed Man/Priest: James Clayton Armed Man/Priest: Derek Hill+

Monostatos:Bonaventure Allan-MoetauaPapagena: Madison Nonoa*

Accompanied by Orchestra Wellington and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Featuring the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus. Sung in English. A New Zealand Opera production.

** Wyn Davies proudly supported by Friedlander Foundation* Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist+ Freemasons Resident Artist

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Wellington28 May, 2, 4 June 7.30pm31 May 6pmSt James TheatrePre-Show Talks31 May 5pm2, 4 June 6.30pm Auckland16, 18, 22, 24 June 7.30pm26 June 2.30pmASB Theatre, Aotea Centre Pre-Show Talks18, 22, 24 June 6.30pm26 June 1.30pm

From the same brilliant creative team who gave you last year's Madama Butterfly, this is opera at its most sumptuous and beautiful.

From the moment the besotted Alfredo sings, “Love is the heartbeat of the universe, mysterious, unattainable, the torment and delight of my heart” we are swept into a portrait of love that is achingly intimate. Amongst the glittering chandeliers, masked guests and fountains of champagne is the seductive fragility of Violetta—the ultimate fallen woman, who is forced to sacrifice her happiness and abandon Alfredo, the only man she has ever loved, to save his family from ruin.

Creative TeamConductor: Wyn Davies** Director: Kate Cherry Restage Director:Jacqueline CoatsProduction Designer:Christina SmithLighting Designer: Matt Scott

CastVioletta Valéry: Elizabeth FutralAlfredo Germont: Shaun Dixon Giorgio Germont: Phillip Rhodes Flora Bervoix: Rachelle PikeAnnina: Amanda Atlas+

Gastone: Andrew Glover Baron Douphol: Robert Tucker+

Doctor Grenvil: David Griffiths

Accompanied by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Featuring the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. A co-production between New Zealand Opera, State Opera of South Australia and Opera Queensland.

** Wyn Davies proudly supported by Friedlander Foundation+ Freemasons Resident Artist

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This lavish production stars American coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral as Violetta Valéry, with New Zealanders Shaun Dixon as Alfredo and Phillip Rhodes as his father, Giorgio Germont. Under the baton of NZ Opera’s Director of Music, Wyn Davies, this will be a night at the opera you won’t forget.

Whether you have yet to experience the seductive charms of this glittering score, or are returning to this masterpiece like a beloved old friend, you will delight in this fresh take on Verdi’s heartbreaking tale. Don’t just take our word for it. As the New Zealand Herald declared,

“the magnificence of La traviata is not to be missed.”

Christchurch14, 16, 21, 23 July 7.30pm19 July 6.30pmIsaac Theatre Royal Pre-Show Talks16, 21, 23 July 6.30pm19 July 5.30pm

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Deliciously scary, Sweeney Todd has entered the repertoire of all the great opera houses of the world. The stuff of urban legend, Sweeney Todd is without doubt one of the most powerful, dramatic and theatrical horror tales ever set to music. It is all the more compelling in that, for all its dark humour, it tells a very human tale: revenge, obsession and lust, yes, but also pain, yearning, even love.

Bringing this musical thriller to life, we are delighted to welcome back to our shores one of New Zealand’s most beloved operatic sons, Teddy Tahu Rhodes. The haunted intensity of Teddy’s Sweeney meets its match in Antoinette Halloran’s seductively manipulative and very funny murderess, Mrs Lovett.

Auckland17, 21, 23, 24 September 7.30pm18 September 2pmThe CivicPre-Show Talks18 September 1pm21, 23, 24 September 6.30pm

Wellington30 September, 1, 5 October 7.30pm2 October 2pm, 4 October 6pmSt James TheatrePre-Show Talks1, 5 October 6.30pm2 October 1pm, 4 October 5pm

Christchurch12, 13, 14, 15 October 7.30pmAlso, 15 October 2pmIsaac Theatre Royal Pre-Show Talks13, 14, 15 October 6.30pmAlso, 15 October 1pm

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A co-production with Victorian Opera, Sweeney Todd is directed by NZ Opera’s General Director, Stuart Maunder, and conducted by Benjamin Northey, Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Reviews have hailed this production of Sweeney Todd as

“magnificent”, “revelatory” and a “superb union of technical, musical and artistic balance”.

A meaty night out at the opera, in more ways than one.

Creative TeamConductor: Benjamin Northey Director: Stuart Maunder Production Designer:Richard Kirk Lighting Designer:Phil Lethlean

CastSweeney Todd:Teddy Tahu Rhodes Mrs Lovett: Antoinette Halloran Anthony Hope:James Benjamin RodgersJohanna: Amelia Berry Judge Turpin: Phillip Rhodes Beadle Bamford: Andrew GloverBeggar Woman: Helen Medlyn

Accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Featuring the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus. Sung in English. A New Zealand Opera co-production with Victorian Opera.

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Music and Lyrics by Book by STEPHEN SONDHEIM HUGH WHEELER

From an Adaptation byCHRISTOPHER BOND

Originally Directed by HAROLD PRINCEOriginally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr,

Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer,Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards

In Association with Dean and Judy ManosBy arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive

agent for Music Theatre International (NY)

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InvolvementAs a company with charitable

status, we rely on the generosity of our funders, partners, benefactors and friends to sustain the work that we do in bringing international standard opera to the people of New Zealand as well as enabling us to support, nurture and develop our talented New Zealand singers. While a significant portion of our income comes from the box office and public funding, we still depend heavily on the individuals and organisations that choose to support our work.

Become a FriendWe invite you to join our Friends of

the Opera groups and become part of our family of supporters. As a Friend, you will enjoy priority booking, discounted entry into special events outside the main opera seasons, regular newsletters, ticket exchange privileges and the joy of supporting your national opera company. Friends of the Opera groups are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and bring people together from all walks of life to share their love of opera. We also offer a Young Friends membership to people aged under 30. All donations over $5 are tax deductible.Annual Joint Membership: $80Annual Individual Membership: $50Annual Under 30s Membership: $30friends@nzopera.co.nz

Become a BenefactorOur benefaction programme is a

way that you can personally help us to develop and sustain opera in New Zealand. Year after year, our benefactors support the work we do through a tiered donation programme, receiving great privileges for their generosity. Benefactors enjoy a special relationship with the company and are offered benefits ranging from complimentary programmes and dress rehearsal tickets to access to the new NZ Opera VIP Lounge and unique opportunities to attend events with principal artists. All donations over $5 are tax deductible.Annual Benefaction: $250—$25,000 + benefaction@nzopera.co.nz

Corporate PartnersThe support of our corporate

partners is vital to enabling NZ Opera to produce work of the highest artistic standard. We work in partnership with businesses in different ways to meet their needs and to generate income to support the work of the company. We enable our corporate partners to deliver a broad range of organisational and marketing objectives, while associating their brand with one of New Zealand’s leading national arts organisations. We specialise in providing unique experiences and opportunities, tailored to meet the needs of your business.partnership@nzopera.co.nz

Community and SchoolsWe are committed to working within

our communities to share our love of opera with as wide an audience as possible. Each year, we welcome people of all ages to pre-show talks, open days, interactive workshops and other activities, all of which are designed to enrich the opera experience.

We involve future audiences by offering a range of learning pathways, including live performance and interactive creative workshops. These opportunities enable young people to participate in and engage with different aspects of opera and the performing arts. Our 2016 education programme includes:Opera in Schools TourExplore Opera workshopsDesign Creative workshopsDress Rehearsal attendance(special rate for school groups)education@nzopera.co.nz

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This ground-breaking new chamber opera from Ross Harris and Vincent O’Sullivan (Requiem for the Fallen) brings powerfully to life how Gallipoli was a domestic New Zealand story as well as a military one. Wives and families at home in Wellington are as much to the fore as men in uniform at the front in an innovative depiction of the 1915 battle of Chunuk Bair.

Directed by Jonathan Alver, with award-winning tenor James Egglestone as Wellington Regiment lieutenant-colonel William Malone, and the score performed by Stroma, Brass Poppies offers fresh perspectives on World War I, along with music and emotional resonances that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

“extremely visionary … thunderous and awe-inspiring” – Peter Mechen on Requiem for the Fallen, Radio New Zealand Concert’s Upbeat

Wellington3, 4, 5, 6 March 2016 Shed 6

Auckland10, 11, 12 March 2016Maidment Theatre

Creative TeamComposer: Ross HarrisLibrettist: Vincent O’SullivanConductor: Hamish McKeich Director: Jonathan Alver Costume Designer:Elizabeth Whiting

CastWilliam Malone: James EgglestoneMary/Luck: Anna LeeseJoyce: Madison Nonoa*Mrs Malone: Wendy Doyle+

Lucy: Mary Newman PoundTommo: Robert Tucker+ Billy: Jonathan EyersFred: Wade Kernot Turk/Patriot: Andrew Glover

Accompanied by Stroma. Sung in English. A New Zealand Festival, Auckland Arts Festival and NZ Opera co-production.

*Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist+Freemasons Resident Artist

With support from

Brass Poppies

Troop image courtesy of R

ichard Stowers collection; m

anipulated cottage image (ref: 1/1-026571-G

) courtesy of Alexander Turnbull Library.

An extraordinary international event, John Adams’ Nixon in China makes its New Zealand debut at Auckland Arts Festival 2016.

One of the most celebrated operas of our generation, Nixon in China is an ambitious work on a grand scale, an iconic piece of operatic writing. Combining pulsating energy and soaring lyricism, with influences from big band to Wagner, it relates a compelling story of the historic meeting of two of the 20th century’s most titanic and controversial figures – Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong.

Auckland Arts Festival 2016’s Nixon in China season brings together a stunning cast and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of conductor Joseph Mechavich (USA), as well as an all-star creative team led by Sara Brodie (Don Giovanni). With a set designed by John Verryt, and video created by Louise Potiki-Bryant, this semi-staged production has all the might worthy of the history-making visit.

Find out more about Auckland Arts Festival at aaf.co.nz

Co-produced by

Presented by Auckland Arts Festival in association with

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and New Zealand Opera

Composer: John Adams Conductor: Joseph MechavichDirector: Sara Brodie

CAST INCLUDESMadame Mao Hye Jung LeePatricia Nixon Madeleine Pierard Mao Zedong Simon O’NeillRichard Nixon Barry RyanZhou En Lai Chen Ye Yuan

Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus

WHEN Thursday 17 March, 7.30pmSaturday 19 March, 7.30pm

WHERE Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall

“A huge sensation... too good, too beautiful, too necessary” New York Times

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O tello, commander of Venetian forces in Cyprus, is blissfully married to

the beautiful Desdemona. Driven by a motiveless evil, Otello’s ensign Iago poisons him against his blameless wife. Otello’s desperate, harrowing disintegration into catastrophe is the essence of timeless tragedy. It’s no surprise that Verdi, a life-long worshipper of Shakespeare, was lured out of retirement to write Otello.

It requires a mighty tenor for the title role, and in New Zealand’s Simon O’Neill we have a singer whose Otello was hailed as “thrilling” and “a triumph” by the London critics. Verdi’s quicksilver score also requires a superb dramatic conductor, which is why Giordano Bellincampi’s New Zealand operatic début is not to be missed.

Taut, concentrated and overwhelmingly powerful, Otello lays bare the extremes of human emotion.

7.30pm, Friday 29 JulyAuckland Town Hall

The Trusts Community Foundation

OPERA IN CONCERT

O T E L L OVERDI’S

Conductor Giordano Bellincampi

Cast includes:Otello Simon O’Neill Desdemona Maria Luigia BorsiIago Scott HendricksCassio James Egglestone Emilia Sarah Castle

Chorus The Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus

Presented by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestrain association with New Zealand Opera

BenefitsAs a Season Subscriber, you will enjoy a range of benefits.

Big savingsSubstantial savings on ticket prices. Subscription packages start from as little as $136. Booking fees apply.

The best seatsChoose the best seats in the house before single ticket sales open on 9 February 2015.

Bring the family Subscribers can introduce additional family members under 18 years of age for just $20 each. This is both great value and a great way to support the future of opera in New Zealand.

It’s simpleYou can subscribe online in a few easy steps at nzopera.com, by mail using the enclosed booking form, by email to bookings@nzopera.co.nz, or simply give us a call on 0800 NZOPERA (696 737) and we’ll take you through the process over the phone.

Subscription BookingsTickets on sale from 2 November 2015

NZO Box OfficePhone: 0800 NZOPERA (696 737)Email: bookings@nzopera.co.nzOnline: nzopera.comIn person: Level 3100 Mayoral Drive, AucklandMon-Fri, 9am-5pm

Single Ticket BookingsTickets on sale from 9 February 2016

Auckland SeasonsPhone: 09 970 9700 or0800 TICKETMASTER (111 999)Online: ticketmaster.co.nzIn person: Aotea Centre50 Mayoral Drive, AucklandMon-Fri, 9am-5.30pmSat & Sun, 10am-4pm

Wellington SeasonsPhone: 04 384 3840 or 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)Online: ticketek.co.nzIn person: Michael Fowler Centre 111 Wakefield Street, WellingtonMon-Fri, 9am-5pmSat, 10am-4pm

Christchurch SeasonsPhone: 03 377 8899 or 0800 TICKETEK (842 538)Online: ticketek.co.nz In person: Isaac Theatre Royal 145 Gloucester Street ChristchurchMon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm

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Auckland Venue The Magic Flute ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre

B B Reserve G Gold

A A Reserve P Premium

Auckland Venue Sweeney Todd The Civic

B B Reserve G Gold

A A Reserve

CIRCLE CIRCLE

STALLS STALLS

STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE

STAGE STAGE

STAGE STAGE

GRAND CIRCLE GRAND CIRCLE

STAGE STAGE

STAGE STAGE

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Christchurch Venue La traviata Isaac Theatre Royal

B B Reserve G Gold

A A Reserve

Christchurch Venue Sweeney Todd Isaac Theatre Royal

B B Reserve

A A Reserve

Wellington Venue The Magic Flute St James Theatre

B B Reserve G Gold

A A Reserve P Premium

Wellington Venue Sweeney Todd St James Theatre

B B Reserve G Gold

A A Reserve

CIRCLE CIRCLE

STALLS STALLS

GRAND CIRCLE GRAND CIRCLE

CIRCLE CIRCLE

STALLS STALLS

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NZ Opera would like to thank the followingorganisations for their generosity and support

O U R P A R T N E R S

Principal Funding Partner

Local Government Partners

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Bronze Partners

Corporate Associates

All information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of printing (October 2015). NZ Opera reserves the right to change all dates, times, artists, repertoire, seating arrangements, venues and price reserves without prior notice. Where changes such as these are made, tickets are non-refundable unless required by law. For the latest information, please visit www.nzopera.com. Selected terms and conditions are also printed on the back of tickets.

nzopera.com

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When do bookings open for the 2016 opera season?Subscription bookings open on 2 November 2015 and are only available through the New Zealand Opera Box Office and nzopera.com. Early subscribers who book before 9 February 2016 also get their preferred choice of seating. After this date, all bookings will be processed in order of receipt. Subscription bookings close following the final performance of La traviata in July 2016. When are single tickets available for the 2016 opera season?Single ticket bookings for each opera go on sale through Ticketmaster (Auckland performances) and Ticketek (Wellington and Christchurch performances) on 9 February 2016.

Does the opera offer concessions for senior citizens and students?Absolutely. Concessions for senior citizens and students are available at all performances. To qualify, simply enclose proof of eligibility with your booking form or present your ID when booking at the box office or collecting your tickets. Discounts are available on B-Reserve, A-Reserve, Gold and Premium Reserve seats. Senior Citizens are classified as anyone over the age of 65.

Are there facilities at the venues if I have a mobility issue?Yes. All venues have mobility access and wheelchair facilities. For details contact our Box Office on 0800 NZOPERA (696 737).

Are there facilities for patrons who are hard of hearing?Yes. Our main stage opera venues have hearing loop facilities. For details contact our Box Office on 0800 NZOPERA (696 737).

What are surtitles?English surtitles are projected on screens above the stage at all of our performances so you can easily follow the story. A few seats can have a restricted surtitle view—please check with the box office at time of booking.

Do your operas always start on time? Yes. Out of respect for our audiences and artists and to minimise interruptions, we implement a lock-out policy once the performance has begun. Latecomers will be admitted when a suitable break in the performance occurs. At times this can be well into the first act, so we suggest allowing as much time as possible for parking and arrival.

Where can I get dinner before the show?NZ Opera has superb restaurant partners in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington who offer pre-opera dinner packages on performance nights. Visit our website for details closer to each opera season.

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