New Zealand Singer Wins Major International Scholarship
New Zealand Bass-Baritone James Ioelu has won the Victoria League Scholarship in Singing sponsored by the Victoria League in Auckland in association with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to work with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation to play a key role in supporting this very talented singer’s development”, said Beverley Johnson, Chairman of the Victoria League in Auckland.
The young singer has been offered one of the 12 places offered each year for the National Opera Studio program which is considered one of the most prestigious training programs in the UK because of its extensive curriculum and the relationship with the six biggest Opera houses in the UK.
“The invitation to join the National Opera Studio program comes at the right time for James because it will provide a sound benchmark from which to develop his talent and keep that forward momentum on track”, said Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Chair of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation.
Accommodation at the Victoria League’s London base for 12 months is also carried by the scholarship and the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation has presented a special grant to cover James’ tuition fees while he is studying at the National Opera Studio.
“Many thanks to the Victoria League for this generosity and to the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation for their tireless efforts in helping young singers”, said James when acknowledging the scholarship.
“Most young singers need to take up a second job to be able to fund living and training in a very expensive city. So to have accommodation and tuition fees funded will allow me to maximise the opportunity I have been given.”
James Ioelu is a New Zealand Bass-Baritone, who trained at the Manhattan School of Music. He “was recently placed in three major Australasian competitions – winning the NZ Aria and being runner up in both the Dame Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Competition and the Sydney Eistedfodd Aria Competition”.
Article Source: Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, May 22, 2015.
Image Source: Alicia Khoo Photography
