SO Ensemble

The newly formed Solid Energy Ensemble of Southern Opera Ensemble has been created to offer professional performance opportunities and training to singers from the region and give them a head start in the competitive world of professional music.  This new elite choral group consists of 15 carefully selected singers and will essentially provide a chance for local singers to perform regularly in public.  These performances will give the singers opportunities and training to develop stage craft, form the nucleus of the Southern Opera chorus, be well placed to be selected to sing small roles in Southern Opera’s productions and, with professional tuition and through experience, grow into quality soloists and outstanding ensemble singers.

The singers have already commenced rehearsals for their first concert programme, which is scheduled to tour in May (see concert dates folder).  The Solid Energy Ensemble will provide three programmes of opera choruses interspersed with solos, duets and ensembles and it is planned that these three programmes will be repeated in different venues throughout the South Island. 

The concerts will include performances in centres such as Ashburton, Akaroa, Blenheim, West Coast, Oamaru, Timaru,etc.  in order to bring quality opera experiences to outlying residents of the South Island.

As well as the concerts the Southern Opera Ensemble is perfect for performing at Corporate gala dinners, conference openings and private functions. These singers will also be provided with unique opportunities to work with professionals in the opera industry to develop their skills, receiving vocal coaching and language tuition, as well as workshops on stagecraft, grooming, media training and operatic disciplines.

Southern Opera is grateful for the financial support of the Opera Foundation in helping to bring celebrated vocal coach, Sharolyn Kimmorley, from Australia to work with local singers for a week on at least four occasions throughout the year to improve the education and performance standards of the singers.

Sponsors

Solid Energy, a major New Zealand energy company and a leading producer of high-quality coal, is the major sponsor of the Solid Energy Ensemble of the Southern Opera. The company’s sponsorship of the Ensemble builds on established support for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s Education and Outreach programme in the South Island.