A true celebration of song | Lockwood Homes

A true celebration of song

The Lockwood NZ Aria: A Night of Opera Excellence Since 1946

In the world of music, certain events stand out as legendary, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience them. The Lockwood NZ Aria, a prestigious singing competition for opera enthusiasts, has been doing just that since 1946. This year, on Saturday, November 4th, the tradition continued with an exceptional evening of talent by the finalists and a special guest performance by past winner Anna Leese.

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, renowned for their talent, provided the perfect backdrop for the performers who were ready to showcase their exceptional operatic prowess.

In this showcase of opera excellence, three exceptional finalists emerged. In first place, Felicity Tomkins stole our hearts with her extraordinary voice. A huge congratulations to Felicity for her well-deserved victory. Her remarkable talent promises a bright future in the world of opera.

Madison Horman, with her extraordinary performance, earned a well-deserved second place. Her talent and dedication shone brightly, leaving us eager to witness the next chapters of her musical journey. Madison is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of opera.

Taylor Wallbank, with his mesmerizing talent, secured the third spot with grace and style. His performance captured our hearts and left us eager to see the spectacular future that awaits him in the world of opera.

The Lockwood NZ Aria not only highlighted the remarkable talents of Felicity, Madison, and Taylor but also showcased the immense talent of all the finalists. The audience was treated to an unforgettable performance by these gifted individuals, leaving us eager to see what the future holds for these remarkable artists.

The Lockwood NZ Aria, in existence since 1946, stands as the largest competition of its kind in New Zealand. Its fame has spread far and wide, garnering recognition throughout Australasia’s world of opera. This competition serves as a nurturing ground for aspiring opera stars. The Lockwood New Zealand Aria not only offers the opportunity for these gifted performers to showcase their talents but also provides substantial prize money that contributes to their further development in this demanding art. Many entrants to this prestigious competition have gone on to forge successful careers in the opera world, both in New Zealand and overseas.

A heartfelt congratulations and thank you go to Jo-Anne La Grouw MNZM, the current NZ Aria Trust President, and her dedicated team, who tirelessly work to make the Aria the monumental event it is each year.

As we celebrate the Lockwood NZ Aria, we recognize and applaud its long-standing tradition of nurturing singing talent and providing a respected platform for entrants to showcase their operatic talents, both in New Zealand and on the international stage. We eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of this iconic event that has touched the hearts of many for over seven decades.

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