Despite our size and population, New Zealand carries in its ranks some serious talent — part of the reason why we regularly punch above our weight. From up-and-coming sports people to burgeoning stars of the big screen, there is a vast and varied pool of talent to be tapped into in this country, but it’s the budding operatic voices that Circle100 has dedicated over 20 years to supporting, and thanks to the organisation’s upcoming event, you can too.

Set to be the ultimate occasion for anyone with an interest in opera, or even the arts more generally, Circle100 will host the Director of New York’s Metropolitan Opera Young Artist Programme, Sophie Joyce, for its winter event, at which young New Zealand opera singers — the candidates for Circle100’s 2019 scholarship will perform in a masterclass directed by celebrated international opera singers, Simon O’Neill and Iain Paterson (who will also be singing a duet).

The evening, taking place on 7th July at The Northern Club will offer a fascinating insight into the world of international opera, with Sophie Joyce set to speak on what it takes to have a successful career in the industry. Attendees will also witness the announcement of the winners of the Circle100 awards, including the Circle100 Scholarship (worth up to $20,000), Travel Awards (that help young opera singers explore their study options for the following year) and the Patrons Award (one singer will be chosen to perform in recital with O’Neill and Paterson, for a professional fee).

So whether you consider yourself an avid opera fan, or simply someone with an appreciation for the arts and a desire to see New Zealand’s up-and-coming talent make it on the world stage, this event will prove an enthralling and culturally enriching night.

Circle100’s winter event will take place at The Northern Club on 7th July from 6pm until 9:15pm. For tickets and enquiries, click here.