NZ Opera: Voices of Aotearoa 6:24

Voices of Aotearoa 6:24 is an exciting new opera project that invites emerging and experienced artists to explore what it might be like to create an opera.

The project will comprise six teams each featuring an opera singer, an instrumentalist, a composer and a writer. It is our intention that these teams reflect as widely as possible the diversity of our culture, musical heritage and geography.

Each team will work together to develop a narrative outline, identify a moment of song within this narrative and collaborate utilising their specific skills to realise the writing, composition and performance of the song.

Specialised input from New Zealand Opera will contribute to the development of a rich dialogue around the subject of what opera is and what it might be.

Are you an opera singer, instrumentalist, writer or composer who is keen to learn about creating opera? We invite you to send in your expression of interest by filling out our application form.

Details on NZ Opera’s website.

Wellington Jazz Festival announces four exciting jazz commission opportunities

Submissions are now open for four new jazz commissions by New Zealand composers to be presented at a re-scheduled Wellington Jazz Festival, 1822 November 2020.

We know Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on musicians, technicians and many of the Festival’s regular music venues, bars and eateries across the region and country. In response, the Festival has reshaped its planned programme, shifted it to Spring, and is putting its resource and energy into ‘loving local’ – bringing audiences the finest homegrown jazz live in Wellington’s best music spots.

As well as playing at the Festival, one way we can support artists is to invest in them to create new music. This year, we’re providing an increased number of composition and performance opportunities for Aotearoa-New Zealand jazz composers and musicians.

Made possible by support from Creative New Zealand and Todd Corporation, a fee of between $10,000 and $12,500 for each commission will be awarded to composers to create a new piece of jazz music that will premiere at the Wellington Jazz Festival in November. The Festival is committed to inclusion and developing and celebrating the sounds of Aotearoa, and at least one commission will be awarded to a Māori composer.

Submissions are open now and close 5pm, Friday 3 July. The commissions are open to New Zealand-based citizens or residents and will be selected by a panel of jazz experts.

Full details on the Jazz Festival’s website.