Taste of opera: The NBR NZ Opera workshop team (back, from left) Mark Dorrell, Barbara Paterson and Terry Barry, (front row) Jacqueline Coats, Hadleigh Adams and Barbara Graham. Picture: Supplied

Twenty-five year 9 and 10 Roncalli College pupils will set aside traditional school subjects and immerse themselves in the world of opera when the NBR New Zealand Opera comes to Timaru this month during its national tour of Hansel and Gretel.


The pupils will gain some insights into the opera world from a diverse team of professionals from the opera company, who will visit the school on July 23. They will then attend the performance of the opera at the Theatre Royal in the evening.

The tutors will be assistant director Jacqueline Coats, singers Hadleigh Adams, Terry Barry, Barbara Graham and Barbara Paterson, and accompanist Mark Dorrell.

Ms Coats said the workshops were designed to give pupils a taste of opera.

‘‘We show them that opera is enjoyable and accessible, that all it is really is music and drama.

‘‘The students learn the difference between the singing voice types and consider which voice might match different character types.

‘‘They also get to hear an opera singer up close and learn about the way they sing and project their voices.''

The pupils would talk about the plot of Hansel and Gretel and work on different sections and themes of the story to get a better understanding of what lay beneath the surface of the well-known fairytale, she said.

The Timaru performance is part of a 15-city national tour by the company.

Bookings for the July 23 performance, which begins at 7.30pm can be made at Newmans Pianos on (03) 688-5597. Ticket prices start from $40, with children under 12 years $25.