Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition

29/04/2026

Great to see such strong representation from Aotearoa’s emerging singers in the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest semi-finals 👏

Several of the names featured here are familiar to us from the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition – former finalists and prize winners continuing to make their mark at the highest level!

It’s a reminder of the important role competitions like NTAC play in supporting young singers at a crucial stage in their development, and it’s fantastic to see that journey continuing on a national platform.

We’ll be following the next stages with interest – best of luck to all involved!

16/02/2026

🎉 AND THE WINNER IS… 🎉

✨ Scholarship Division Winner: Countertenor JACK DOYLE ✨

Jack captivated the hall with his Handel aria – full of conviction, dramatic intensity, and superb control – earning the top prize from our adjudicators.

👏 18 & Under Division
Winner: Nikau Grace Chater
Runner-up: Sophie Yun Hu

🏆 Tarling Trophy (Over 35s)
Winner: Olga Shanina
Runner-up: Yang Liu

🎓 Scholarship Division
Winner: Jack Doyle
Runner-up: Rong Zhang

🌟 Special Prizes
Most Promising Artist: Molly Ryan
Sally Stone Prize for outstanding talent: Samuel Mataele

Congratulations to all our finalists for an outstanding afternoon of singing at the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition. The standard was exceptional, and the future of vocal performance in Aotearoa is in very good hands.

📸 Photos by Tom Hamill — more highlights to follow!

15/02/2026

Scholarship round Livestream now happening!

Sunday 15 February 2026 | Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau3.00pm 18 & Under and Tarling Trophy divisions (ages 36 and over)4.30pm Scholarship division (ages ...

15/02/2026

Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition on NOW! Due Drop Events Center, Manukau!

14/02/2026

🎼 Meet the Judges – 2026 Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition Final

Adjudicating this afternoon:

• Patricia Wright – soprano and teacher
• Claire Caldwell – vocal coach and mentor
• Terence Dennis MNZM – pianist and Professor Emeritus

Chaired by Professor Uwe Grodd, Music Director of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

📅 Today – Sunday 15 February
🕒 3.00pm (18&Under / Tarling Trophy)
🕒 4.30pm Scholarship Division
📍 Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau
🎟 Free entry, no tickets required

Yesterday’s rehearsals were exceptional – you’re in for something special.

You won’t want to miss this!

14/02/2026

13/02/2026

The Sally Stone Award is presented in memory of Sally Stone — an accomplished amateur pianist and devoted lover of choral music and aria.
She once said that if she could choose any artistic gift, it would be to have a beautiful voice.
This award honours her wish to support emerging singers — particularly those who may need financial encouragement to continue their development.
We are grateful to the Stone family for their generous support.
📅 Sunday 15 February 2026
🕒 From 3.00pm
📍 Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau
🎟 Free entry

12/02/2026

We are delighted to see Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, winner of the inaugural Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition (2023), announced as a Lies Askonas Fellow with Askonas Holt.
Currently a member of the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House, Emmanuel continues to build an impressive international career. We are proud to have been part of his journey and send him our warmest congratulations.
The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition Final takes place this Sunday at the Due Drop Events Centre – where the next group of outstanding singers will take the stage.

Askonas Holt is delighted to announce the addition of New Zealand-Samoan tenor Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono to our Lies Askonas Fellowship programme.

Emmanuel is a current member of the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House where his roles this season include Pang (Turandot), Borsa (Rigoletto), and First Philistine (Samson et Dalila). Cover roles include Rodolfo (La bohème).

Recent operatic roles in New Zealand include Arturo (Lucia di Lammermoor), Gastone (La traviata), Malcolm (Macbeth) and Tupaia (Ihitai Avei’a – Star Navigator). Other recent engagements include Gerontius/Soul (The Dream of Gerontius) with Auckland Choral, solo tenor in Mozart’s Requiem with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and performing in Auckland Opera Studio’s Verdi Meets Puccini gala concert.

A multiple prize winner, Emmanuel has received major awards across Oceania, including the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Award, the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, the Lockwood New Zealand Aria Competition, and the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Scholarship for Potential at the Lexus Song Quest (2022).

.tenor

12/02/2026

Our brilliant official accompanist, Rosie Barnes, shares her insights into what makes the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition so special – from the preparation process to what audiences can expect in the Final Round.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/concert/programmes/three-to-seven/audio/2019021940/the-best-seat-in-the-house
Join us for two Free concerts on Sunday 15 February from 3.00pm and 4.30pm at the Due Drop Events Centre Manukau to hear some extraordinary opera talent! FREE entry, free parking, no tickets – simply turn up and enjoy.

Pianist and vocal coach Rosemary Barnes is the "official accompanist" at this year's Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition on at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau this Sunday.