Star eager to hear young Kiwi singers

Cousins Susanne Chambers (left) and soprano Marie McLaughlin in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by...
Cousins Susanne Chambers (left) and soprano Marie McLaughlin in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
A family connection drew leading soprano Marie McLaughlin to Dunedin to adjudicate at the Senior Vocal Festival 2014.

A cousin of festival convener Susanne Chambers, Ms McLaughlin was performing in Brisbane and accepted Mrs Chambers' invitation to attend the festival.

Based in England and France, Ms McLaughlin spends much of her time travelling and performing.

''It all just slotted in perfectly.''

Ms McLaughlin had worked often with young New Zealand singers overseas and looked forward to witnessing the ''source of all this talent''.

''I do a lot of master classes and working with young singers, which I totally love.''

She has performed with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

''I've been at the Met with her, various other venues, so I know her quite well.''

''She did some work with me on my voice, which was fabulous, and very kind of her.''

It is Ms McLaughlin's first visit to Australia and New Zealand.

She has performed at Covent Garden, La Scala in Milan, Paris Opera, and the Berlin Staatsoper.

Recently, she was on the same programme as Mrs Chambers' son, Stephen Chambers, a tenor studying at the Berlin Staatsoper.

The Dunedin Performing Arts Competitions Society Senior Vocal Festival is being held over four days at Burns Hall, First Church, Moray Pl, from today.

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz

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