New Zealand Aria Marks 80 Years With Expanded Festival Of Song
by New Zealand Aria · SCOOPOctober 15, 2026
Eighty years since it was founded in Rotorua, the New Zealand Aria is celebrating a milestone anniversary with an expanded Festival of Song, a $40,000 prize pool and performances across three Rotorua venues from 5 to 8 November.
First held in 1946, the New Zealand Aria has grown into one of Australasia's leading singing competitions, attracting competitors from throughout New Zealand, Australia and further afield. Over eight decades, it has helped launch the careers of singers who have gone on to perform on international stages.
The four day festival this year will include opera, classical singing, sacred music and musical theatre, providing more opportunities for people to enjoy live performances and support emerging vocal talent.
NZ Aria Trust President Liz Carrington says reaching 80 years is a significant milestone for a competition with strong roots in Rotorua.
“Over the past eight decades, we've seen some extraordinary talent come through the New Zealand Aria, with many of our competitors going on to successful international careers. It's something Rotorua can be really proud of, and we're excited to celebrate this milestone with our community.”
The highlight of the festival will be the Coombes Johnston BMW NZ Aria Finals Night on Saturday 7 November at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
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Ten finalists will compete for the top honours, accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia, giving Rotorua audiences a rare opportunity to hear one of New Zealand's leading professional orchestras perform live in the city.
“Finals Night is always a fantastic evening, and this year will be particularly special. Having the Auckland Philharmonia here in Rotorua is a real treat, and the standard of singing is exceptional. We'd love to see the theatre full of locals enjoying a night of wonderful music and supporting these talented performers,” says Carrington.
The evening will also feature internationally acclaimed New Zealand soprano Madeleine Pierard as guest artist.
Pierard began her international career as a Jette Parker Artist at The Royal Opera, Covent Garden, and has since performed extensively throughout Europe and Australasia. She says she is delighted to be part of this milestone year and to share the stage with the Auckland Philharmonia.
“For a young singer, the opportunity to perform with a full orchestra is about so much more than the performance itself. It’s a chance to listen, learn, take risks and discover what you’re capable of as a musician. Experiences like these build confidence and artistry at a crucial stage in a singer’s development.”
“The New Zealand Aria has been creating these opportunities for 80 years, and that’s something really worth celebrating.”
“I’m delighted to be part of this milestone year and to share the stage with the Auckland Philharmonia and a new generation of talented singers. I hope audiences in Rotorua will come along to experience the excitement of live music and support the remarkable talent coming through,” says Pierard.
For 2025 winner Sarah Mileham, the competition has played an important role in her development as a singer. She first reached the finals in 2023, when she had her first experience performing with an orchestra.
“It taught me to pick the right repertoire, it taught me how to work with a conductor and a really amazing orchestra.
"The financial support that comes with this competition is also life-changing. I couldn't have gone on my audition tour without it," says Mileham.
While most competition classes will take place at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, the Festival of Song will also bring performances to Shambles Theatre and the historic St Faith's Church in Ōhinemutu.
The Steiners By Design Musical Theatre Competition will be held at Shambles Theatre on Friday 6 November. With $2,000 in prizes available, the competition will feature performers ranging from those starting out to experienced entertainers.
Audiences can expect an entertaining showcase of musical theatre, with plenty of personality, storytelling and strong vocal performances. Tickets are available through Humanitix.
On Sunday 8 November, senior competitors in the Oratorio, Sacred and Masterclass sections will perform at St Faith's Church.
The opportunity to sing within one of Rotorua's most significant historic and cultural landmarks will provide a distinctive experience for competitors, many of whom will be performing in the church for the first time.
Melissa Bennett, Chair, St Faiths Vestry Committee says hosting the competitions will be a special occasion for both the church and the performers.
“We’re delighted to welcome the New Zealand Aria to St Faith’s in its 80th year. Our church has a rich history, and it will be wonderful to hear these talented singers perform in such a special setting.”
“We encourage the Rotorua community to come along and enjoy the performances in this unique setting.”
The St Faith's performances will be open to the public, with entry by donation.
The New Zealand Aria has been a fixture on the country's singing competition calendar since 1946, providing opportunities for emerging performers to develop their skills, gain experience and build connections within the music industry.
As it enters its ninth decade, the festival continues that tradition while creating more opportunities for Rotorua audiences to experience live vocal performances.
The New Zealand Aria Festival of Song runs from 5 to 8 November 2026.
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