Sophie Sparrow: Pamina

Sophie Sparrow: Pamina

• 2014 Graduate: BMus Honours in Classical Voice at Otago University
• Lexus Song Quest Masterclass 2014 with judge Kathryn Harries; finalist Dunedin Aria
• Enjoys the outdoors and travelling; plays Hockey for the University of Otago

“This has always been a dream role of mine. I enjoy singing Mozart’s music – at times, it can be technically challenging, but it is an amazing opportunity! Rehearsals have been great and well-structured, we have got through the blocking. I look forward to developing my character more through understanding the inner-workings of Pamina.”

James Adams: Tamino

James Adams: Tamino

• Dunedin-born, but has been in Wellington for the last 10 years. Recently returned with his wife to be closer to family – in time for the arrival of their now ten-month-old baby!
• Has a degree in performance from NZSM – he completed it as a baritone
• Played ‘Samuel Marsden’ in Opera Otago’s production of Anthony Ritchie’s This Other Eden in 2014
  

  “John’s ‘renovation’ brings a new angle to Tamino – he’s not a prince anymore, but more an everyman who falls into a strange and unexpected situation. It’s a new way of shaping the character that I’m really enjoying.”

Ingrid Fomison-Nurse: Queen of the Night

Ingrid Fomison-Nurse: Queen of the Night

• Originally from Canterbury
• Age 25
• Studies privately with Judy Bellingham“I am incredibly excited to be singing the role of the Queen of the Night. The music is of course magical, and the Queen’s arias are fantastic to sing: challenging but incredibly energising and rewarding. Rehearsals have been lots of fun with a great group of people. It’s really exciting to watch characters forming and the story becoming real.”

Benjamin Madden: Monostatos

Benjamin Madden: Monostatos

• Born and bred Dunedinite, Otago Boys educated
• Recent Graduate: BMus (Classical Singing) and BA (Philosophy)
• Currently enjoying the challenges of teaching and directing choirs, whilst balancing a busy performance schedule around the country
  

  “I’m enjoying the challenges of inhabiting a nasty character, Monostatos. I’m also looking forward to seeing the many aspects of this production come together – particularly some of the rumoured hi-tech wizardry!”

Robert Lindsay: Sarastro

Robert Lindsay: Sarastro

• From Invercargill
• Age 19, this is his first operatic role
• In his 2nd year of voice studies at Otago University, studying under Judith Henley
  

  “Playing an old man at 19 is definitely a challenge, but I’m really looking forward to the performances. It’s going to be a great experience!”

Tyler Neumann: Papageno

Tyler Neumann: Papageno

• 3rd year physics and classical singing student at University of Otago
• Musical background of musical theatre and choral singing
• Singing ‘Papageno’ is his first operatic role
  

  “As a cast composed of nearly all Otago music students, there is a huge sense of comradeship that has been a tremendous pleasure to be part of. Papageno is such a fun character to play. His simple wants and quirky nature, putting him so firmly at odds with his morally-driven counterparts, places him at the heart of this opera’s comedic nature.”