– NZ Opera reflects onthe past to shape the future as it celebrates 25 years ofpresenting opera in Aotearoa. The national opera company wasformed in the year 2000 through a merger of the Auckland andWellington opera companies, with Christchurch joining in2012. Building on recent momentum, NZ Opera continuesto push the artform forward with an exciting 2025 seasonfeaturing three major productions: by Puccini, by Jonathan Dove, and back by populardemand, a South Island season of , based on Jane Austen’s classicnovel.
Tumu Whakarae, General Director Brad Cohensays, “These three productions will cover more of themotu, with more performances and chorus involvement, than in2024. Each year we are determined to build continuity,distinctiveness and innovation for opera in Aotearoa. We arefierce about our mission: telling stories through the powerof the human singing voice.
” Puccini’s belovedmasterpiece serves as themain centrepiece of the 2025 season, with performances inAuckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Since its 1896premiere, has become a staple of theoperatic repertoire, appearing frequently on ‘bestopera’ lists worldwide. With timeless themes of “truth,beauty, freedom, love”, its influence extends beyond theopera house, inspiring the musical and BazLuhrmann’s Originating from aconcept first performed for Maggio Musicale Fiorentino inItaly, NZ Opera’s production of will bea poignant and visually stunning take on this timeless storyof young love, sacrifice.
