Sarah Hubbard (21) went up against four other opera performers in the Lexus Song Quest opera competition in Wellington on Saturday and says she did herself proud.
"My time will come," she said.
She sang three pieces in French, German and English, two of which were accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Miss Hubbard sang her heart out to Les Filles de Cadix, a piece by Leo Delibes; Durch Zartlichkeit und Schmeicheln, a Mozart piece; and The Trees on the Mountain, from Susannah.
The songs were sassy, uplifting and cheeky, and sad, respectively, she said.
The loss would not stop Miss Hubbard.
She planned to pursue an honours degree in Australia and then further her study with a master’s in Germany.
She expected to enter the Dunedin Performing Arts competition next month under the senior vocals division.
Mr Manu received a cash prize of $20,000, a scholarship of $27,000 and international travel funding of up to $3000.
