Susan Boland, is owner and co-founder of Operatunity. She has been a professional singer for 30 years. Her achievements include winning all major aria competitions in NZ, finalist in the Mobil song and Dame Sister Mary Leo competitions and soloists with most of the NZ major companies including New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonic and New Zealand Opera. She has also sung in and produced numerous commercial CDs, radio and TV recordings. She has a 3 year Diploma of Music from Auckland University studying under Anthea Moller.

Founder and artistic director of Class Act Opera New Zealand’s most successful Opera for Schools touring company she toured, created, and sung in over 1000 performance over 18 years taking opera to NZ schools between 1980 and 1998.

Combining their shared vision for a new music company to cater to the senior market Susan and her husband John started Operatunity in 1990

For Operatunity she is the Managing Director and Creative Director co-ordinating and driving her vision of all musical aspects of the business including choosing all artists, concerts styles and programming as well as singing in well over 100 concerts per year. She also escorts many of their music based tours both in New Zealand and internationally while providing performance opportunities and employment to New Zealand artists.

Since its inception Operatunity now performs to over 65,000 seniors annually throughout New Zealand and in 2005 expanded to include travel, based around music.

 A registered Nurse before she became a full time singer. Her speciality in nursing was care of seniors with a post graduate diploma in Gerontology. So Operatunity provides a platform for both her loves: music and care of seniors 

Susan has been responsible for numerous charitable initiatives and fundraising events including for The Hearing House, Alzheimer’s NZ, Kaikoura and Christchurch Earthquakes and a project which resulted in a sustainable water supply for Yasawa High School, Fiji. Since 2016, Operatunity has partnered with Sistema Aotearoa, a South Auckland educational institution, resulting in both monetary donations and over 50 instruments, providing more children access to music tuition. 

In 2020 Susan was awarded an MNZM for services to music and seniors in the New Year’s Honours List

John Cameron, owner and co founder of Operatunity has enjoyed a singing career spanning several decades. His primary musical love is the romantic ballad and he gets a chance to sing those in plenty in Operatunity concerts and on tours.

 Past singing experience has included pretty much all tenor leads in Gilbert and Sullivan including Nanki- Poo five times plus lead roles in musicals and operas for every community theatre around Auckland over a period of 30 years.

He was a member of the New Zealand Opera Chorus for over 10 years starting from the early days with the company.

John has been involved in arts administration over many years, firstly being Tour Manager and Business Manager for Class Act Opera, an opera for schools programme that ran for over 18 years then was employed by New Zealand Opera under Alex Redick as tour manager for their national tours of Barber of Seville, Cosi fan Tutti and Don Pasquale.

Combining their shared vision for a new music company to cater to the senior market John and his wife Susan started Operatunity in 1990 and has since its inception has been the business manager and CFO as well as singing in the concerts and escorting many many of the music tours both in New Zealand and further afield.

."Life is not about money, it is about instilling value into others' lives” says John. “Life can be hard for people. We want our audiences to leave their troubles at the door and come and be themselves for a while, allowing the music and fun to transport them away from the burden of life

Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua was awarded the Iosefa Enari Scholarship Award for the support and development of Pacific Island Opera Singers in 2004 and was a finalist for the New Zealand Aria competition in 2007-08. One of Operatunity’s New Zealand Three Tenors he has toured with Operatunity in both the Class Act Concert series and the Daytime Concert Series over a 20year period.

He has a Bachelor of Music from Victoria University and has sung as a soloist with many of the major opera companies in New Zealand including New Zealand Opera.

Bonnie has grown within the company to become a permanent member of our team. Firstly employed as a singer on tour, he now is our full time Principal Resident Artist, managing concert tours and is our principal singer as well as singing in well over 100 concerts per year.

He also escorts and leads many of the companies music based tours both in New Zealand and internationally.

As one of New Zealand’s finest operatic tenors his voice is at home with many different styles from opera to crooning, music theatre to songs from the 40s and 50s.

He also works behind the scenes co-ordinating programmes and assisting with all aspects of music direction and arrangements with the Artistic Director Susan Boland.

Karl Perigo has a string of credits to his name having performed lead roles in Les Miserables and recently in the title role as 'The Phantom' in The Phantom of the Opera. He has recorded an album with good friend Vicki Lee called 'Music of the Night' a gentle mix of popular standards and musical theatre as well as numerous CD’s for Operatunity. A career highlight has been touring NZ with Dame Malvina Major for her heartland tours.

Karl is one of Operatunity’s key artists and full time tour managers, managing tours and artists, co-ordinating programmes and main MC for many of our concerts. His versatility ranges from singing, dance, comedy and MC ing over a wide range of styles and genres.

He also escorts and leads many of the companies music based tours both in New Zealand and internationally being renowned for his zany charter and massive shoe collection.

“Absolutely amazing. I have to pinch myself and think, this is my job."

In 2019 Karl was nominated for Best Male Artist in the Variety Artist Club Awards

Alexandra Claire Foster has a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Performance at the University of Auckland. Singing and entertainment are her greatest passions and her main source of employment is with the Operatunity Daytime Concerts.

Recently Alexandra has had the honour to understudy one of New Zealand’s most successful artists Annie Crummer at the Bruce Mason theatre. (We Will Rock You! in the role of Killer Queen)

Alexandra is now a regular performer and is scheduled to appear in 90 concerts  with Operatunity in the 2020 season around New Zealand and overseas.

Alex holds a BMus (Performance) from the University of Auckland. Since graduating, Alex has maintained a busy and varied performance career around New Zealand including regular appearances with Operatunity over the past six years. Alex has also performed in the NZ Opera Chorus in their productions of The Flying Dutchman, The Rakes Progress, Otello, An afternoon of Gilbert and Sullivan and Opera at Ayrlies Garden. Other appearances include performing as a soloist with the Pakuranga Choral Society, post-concert entertainment for the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Rotorua Lakeside Concert and many private events and functions around Auckland. A highlight of his career has been performing as a backing vocalist for Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on several occasions with the Opera Factory ensemble. He has also performed leading and principal roles in The Pirates of Penzance, Curtains, Anything Goes, The Wizard of Oz, Orpheus in the Underworld,  The Impresario, The Daughters of the Late Colonel and Carmina Burana.  

New Zealand soprano Amanda Atlas embarked on her international career in 1999, spending ten years singing for various opera companies and orchestras in the US and Europe. Role highlights include Verdi’s Amelia, Leonora, Alice Ford and Desdemona; Puccini’s Tosca, Suor Angelica, Musetta, Mimi, and Madama Butterfly; Poulenc’s one-woman opera La Voix Humaine; Mascagni’s Suzel; Weill’s Rose; Offenbach’s Giulietta.

Recent concert repertoire includes Bruckner’s F Minor Mass, and Strauss’ Four Last Songs and Mahler’s Second Symphony with the Birmingham Philharmonic. Ms Atlas has also appeared in concert with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonic, Auckland Choral, Cantando Choir, and the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra. 

2016 saw Amanda make her role debuts with New Zealand Opera and Opera Australia, where she sang Siegrune in their acclaimed international production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

Bridget recently played the lead role of Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End. Joining the company in 2016 in the role of Swing, she moved up to understudy Christine in 2017-19 and played Alternate Christine in 2019-20. 

Bridget moved to London in 2013 to study a PGDip in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. Prior to this she graduated from the New Zealand School of Music with a BMus and PGDip in Performance Voice. 

Her theatre credits include Princess Beautiful in The Tinderbox (Charing Cross Theatre), Princess Ida in Princess Ida (Finborough Theatre), Soloist/Ensemble at Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Ensemble in Madame Butterfly (NZ Opera), Ensemble in The Bartered Bride (NZ Opera).

In 2019, Bridget had the honour of singing the New Zealand and British national anthems at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Hyde Park Corner. In 2016, she featured as the Opera Singer in an Etihad Airways Virtual Reality commercial staring Nicole Kidman, and in 2015 performed on This Week (BBC One) and In Tune (BBC Radio 3).

Her credits while training include Amy March in Little Women (RAM), Ivy in On the Town (RAM), Marianne in Constellations (RAM), Tytania in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (NZSM), Cover Iris in Handel’s Semele (NZSM). 

One of New Zealand's most respected sax players and a professional musician for most of his life, Bruce has performed with a wide variety of artists including Tom Sharplin, Sonny Day, Ritchie Pickett, Mark Heke, Peter Morgan and Bunny Walters. Bruce currently performs with Auckland bands Tongue And Groove and The Recliner Rockers.

Bruce also performs on his own playing a wide range of popular instrumentals; he has played at The Auckland Home Show, The Ellerslie Flower Show and Heineken Tennis Open as well as many weddings, restaurants, shopping malls, garden parties and various other events and functions. Bruce has performed in many of Operatunity’s concert tours, including Rock Around The 50’s’, Era Of Swing, Hits Of The 60's and 70's, Quintessentially Kiwi, and Tribute to the Rat Pack.

Born in Canterbury, England, Bryony spent much of her life in New Zealand until moving back to the UK in 2012. She completed a Bachelor of Music and a Postgraduate Diploma in Classical Voice at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington in 2011. A review in the New Zealand Listener commented that Bryony was ‘one to watch’ after her much praised performance as the role of Helena in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the NZSM in 2011. She also sang the title role in Handel’s Alcina in 2012, the role of Ino in Semele in 2009, and has sung with the New Zealand Opera in both Cavelleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci and Macbeth.

In 2011 Bryony was one of five finalists in the 2011 IFAC Australian Singing Competition held in the Sydney Opera House. From this she was awarded her overseas study scholarship for her first year at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Bryony played the lead role of Adina in the RNCM’s 2013 December production of L’elisir d’amore, and during her Postgraduate year she was the winner of Frederic Cox Award for Singing and the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss. She then took up a place on the prestigious Opera and Voice studio leading to the International Artist Diploma for 2013/2014, generously supported by the Sir John Fisher Foundation who awarded her the Lady Maria Fisher Opera Scholarship. Bryony also had experience with live broadcasts; featuring on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ with a set of five songs by Richard Strauss, and singing national anthems at two major international rugby test matches in New Zealand.

In September 2014, Bryony joined the highly publicized tour of the Orchestre Symphonique de Kimbanguiste from the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Beethoven Choral Symphony No.9 soloist. They performed in Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, the Royal Festival Hall in London and the Colston Hall in Bristol in collaboration with The Halleì, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the London Philharmonic Choir.

Bryony was a member of the 2014/2015 Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, and during her first year she was lucky enough to perform in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in Der Rosenkavalier as well as performing La Traviata in seven cities across the UK and Ireland during their touring season. Singing Strauss's Vier Letze Lieder with the Stockport Symphony Orchestra in March was a notable highlight of 2016, as well as performing a recital of Schumann song in the Oxford Lieder Festival with David Owen Norris playing Clara Schumann's very own piano. In between various singing engagements in the UK, Bryony also spent three months in Berlin studying German.

2017 took Bryony back home and to her musical theatre roots with the New Plymouth Operatic Society, singing Mary Poppins to much acclaim, before a trip back to England at the end of the year to perform in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

Cameron is a graduate of both the University of Auckland and the New Zealand School of Music, where he studied singing, French and Italian.

He was a 2010/2011 PwC Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist for NBR New Zealand Opera and was also a member ChapmanTripp Opera Chorus for three years.

Cameron has performed extensively throughout New Zealand and abroad on the opera, musical theatre and concert stage. Some of his recent highlights include appearing in New Zealand Opera’s production of Sweeney Todd, performing in Ken Hill’s Original Phantom of the Opera in Tokyo, Japan, performing the role of Frederic in the New Zealand Tour of The Pirates of Penzance, singing the National Anthem of Argentina for their match against the All Blacks in Wellington, New Zealand and recording Margaret Wegener’s Ode to a Nightingale with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the first recording of this work.

His operatic roles include Alfred, Die Fledermaus; Peter Quint/Prologue, The Turn of the Screw; the title role in Candide; the title role in Albert Herring; Ferrando, Così Fan Tutte; and Beppe, I Pagliacci. Cameron’s concert and oratorio repertoire includes Messiah, Handel; Missa Solemnis, Beethoven; Ninth Symphony, Beethoven; Creation, Haydn; Magnificat, Bach and Serenade for Tenor Horn and Strings, Britten.

Cameron is also one tenth of the Australian-based classical-crossover ensemble: The TEN Tenors. Since joining the group at the beginning of 2014, he has performed in over 500 venues across Europe, Asia, America and Australasia as well as recording three studio albums.

2020 marks 10 years since his first performance with Operatunity and he can’t wait to get back out on the road with the gang!

Charlotte West is a Musical Theatre and Jazz singer based in Auckland. Charlotte attended Rangitoto College on Auckland's North Shore before heading down to Christchurch to attend NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts), graduating in 2007. In 2008 Charlotte met her husband to-be, Aidan, in the cast of Les Miserables, where she was playing the role of Cosette. They now have two wonderful Daughters, Lola who will be three in January and Bonnie who will be two in April, 2020.

Charlotte has been involved with many musical theatre productions around Auckland and also works as a vocal coach, specialising in vocal rehabilitation, with clients ranging from teachers and business professionals to singers and actors. You can also hear her as a regular voice over artist - Charlotte has been a station voice for all TVNZ channels since 2013 and an in house voice for Mediaworks Radio since 2011.She also voices for a range of other  companies, recent clients include, Chorus, Spark, Westpac, Air New Zealand, Paseo and many others. 

Charlotte is thrilled to be joining the Operatunity family and can't wait for her first concert tour in January-February 2020. 

Chet O’Connell has earned a formidable reputation as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic, in-demand guitarists at the same time as receiving accolades as a fine vocalist and entertainer in his own right.

His vast musical ability and knowledge has enabled him to move freely around the music scene, working with a variety of artists in many different genres.

It’s that ease and dexterity that sees Chet in constant demand on the touring circuit and in the studio. The professionalism, passion and energy he brings to his music make him the first point of call for a number of top entertainers in New Zealand and on the international stage.

Chet’s earliest influences were guitar greats such as Chet Atkins, The Shadows, The Ventures and the rock ’n’ roll stars of the ’50s and ’60s. This music has formed a solid backbone to the work he has been offered over the years and he believes it was the perfect start to pursue a full-time career in the music industry.

He has shared the stage with guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel, and been involved with opening for artists such as Dr John, Joe Cocker, Kenny Rogers and Cher, as well as touring with Gerry and the Pacemakers and New Zealand veterans Midge Marsden, Hammond Gamble and the Ladykillers.

Besides all his work with others, Chet O’Connell has released four albums of his own and works as a solo artist or with his own band.

David Kelly has been principal repetiteur for New Zealand Opera since 2008. David studied at the University of Canterbury with Diedre Irons and Dr. Maurice Till, and at the Australian Opera Studio in Perth, Western Australia.

He is an accompanist and coach at the University of Auckland, and appears regularly with the Auckland Philharmonia and Auckland Chamber Orchestra.

He has been a coach at the New Zealand Opera School since 2006, accompanying classes given by Paul Farrington, Dennis O’Neill and ​ Håkan Hagegård. David has collaborated frequently with flutist Luca Manghi; their well-received album 'Quays' was released on Atoll in 2012.In 2014 he undertook a Chamber Music New Zealand regional tour with the Donizetti Trio. 

Derek is a graduate of Montreal University and has performed with many NZ opera companies including NBR NZ Opera. He is a Freemasons Opera Scholar, proudly supported by Freemasons Roskill Foundation. 

Gail has been singing on stage since single digits. Her love of music led to her involvement in Kapa Haka, school choirs, duos, trios and quartets, and country music competitions around New Zealand. She quickly became aware of her passion for harmony and at age 15, she and her duo partner took out the Country Music Intermediate Entertainer of the year awards in 1991. That same year she provided backing vocals for Dennis March on his album Lucky Star and toured with the great Toni Williams who she describes as a true gentleman.

As an adult, she broadened her musical spectrum and has made her living off music, performing in numerous bands, doing session work in Auckland and backing many of New Zealand's music legends. A few highlights have been; Backing Vocalist for Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer, Sharon O’Neill, Margaret Urlich, Julia Deans, Shona Lang and Lisa Crawley in Give it a Girl Show; Co writing, performing and touring to Norway with Chris Thompson of the band Manfred Mann Earth to release the album Rediscovery; Backing Vocalist for John Rowles - Recorded, performed and toured with John and Elvis Presley's original TCB band; Backing vocalist for Annie Crummer - Toured to Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Melbourne and Perth; Musical Director and Singer for Purrzazz Modern Swing Vocal Trio; Singer in the Wildflowers.

Her latest adventure has been writing and recording an album in Te Reo Māori with her group Kōtahi te Wairua, which was nominated for the “World” song category at the 2019 Hollywood Music in Media Awards. 

Television appearances include: Yellow Ribbon "Fight For Life" Maori TV Anzac Show, Circus X, Telethon, Good Morning Show, Christmas in the Park, Symphony in the Park, Fast 5 Netball (singing the NZ national anthem), Waiata mai (doing backing vocals for Tina Cross). Recording work includes session singer for TV / Radio and Worldwide Gyms (Les Mills Music).

Gail says “Music makes me happy, people make me happy, my job, it’s a win win kind of thing!”

Grant Winterburn is one of New Zealand’s leading keyboard players. His wealth of experience across a wide range of musical genres has made him in demand as a musical director, pianist, accompanist, jazz organist, session musician and music tutor. Grant has also been an Artist Teacher at the University of Auckland School of Music.

Grant has been a musical director for many theatre productions including - Short-land Street The Musical directed by Simon Bennett for Auckland Theatre Company, The Pirates of Penzance directed by Raymond Hawthorne, Cabaret directed by Mi-chael Hurst for Auckland Theatre Company, Assassins directed by Oliver Driver for Silo theatre, RENT for Auckland Music Theatre, The Threepenny Opera directed by Michael Hurst for Silo theatre, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee di-rected by Murray Lynch for ATC, Falling In Love Again starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand as Marlene Dietrich, The Rocky Horror Show directed by Simon Prast for ATC and Geoff Sewell (Amici Forever) NZ tour and concert DVD.

As an accompanist he has worked with Richard O’Brien, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Helen Medlyn, and The Lady Killers - Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch and Annie Crummer, to name but a few.

As a freelance keyboard player Grant’s credits include - Priscilla Queen of the De-sert, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Lady Sings the Blues, NZ’s Got Talent, Stars in their Eyes, Midge Marsden, Carly Binding, Eye TV, The Ladykillers, Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys, Cats, Anything Goes, Avenue Q and organ on the Rat-tle Jazz album Ace Tone - Ron Samsom and the Neutrino Funk Experience.

Grant is a regular performer appearing in approx. 90 concerts a year with Operatunity around New Zealand and overseas,

Hamish McGregor is a musical theatre performer who has spent the last 18 years performing in productions throughout the country for various musical theatre societies. Born and bred in Invercargill, Hamish has a Bachelor of Education and has been a primary school teacher for 13 years. He has taught throughout New Zealand and Asia and continues to relief teach in Auckland.

An Actor/Singer, Hamish has performed in some of the greatest musicals of all time including Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, Oliver, Mamma Mia and My Fair Lady. Over the last 4 years Hamish has moved into directing musicals and in 2016 alone directed 4 musicals including one that he co-wrote called Hungover, which had an extremely successful season in Auckland. Directing Highlights have included 2 seasons of adult puppet musical Avenue Q, The Wizard of Oz, Oliver and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

Hamish also has a passion for arts education for teenagers and as part of his directing portfolio has been working with two Auckland secondary schools directing their annual school productions. He is also busy traveling the country teaching acting at musical theatre workshops around the country. In 2017 Hamish was also the director for CCMT a non profit organisation that runs affordable 10 day work shops for teenagers during January based out of the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland.

Having toured with Operatunity in 2014 and 2015, Hamish is delighted to be hitting the road again to see the best parts of beautiful Aotearoa and looks forward to seeing you all again soon.

Hank Trenton is a bass player that is nearing the conclusion of his music studies at the University of Auckland. He has played music from a young age and has performed in rock bands, folks groups, jazz bands, orchestras and theatre groups. Hank is passionate about music and using music to make people smile. He has been able to perform and study with many New Zealand jazz legends. Fortunately, many mentors have encouraged Hank and he has had the chance to play with many great musicians around the country. Hank hopes to continue enjoying music and having the chance to meet great people and make people smile.

Isaac graduated from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. His recent theatre credits include Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, Badjelly the Witch, The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde the Musical and Chicago as Mary Sunshine. His other theatre credits include lead roles in Pippin, Sweet Charity (NASDA) and as Tick in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Showbiz Christchurch). He also travels around New Zealand and Australia throughout the year performing Motown classics with The Midtown Boys (DKCM).

Jess has successfully toured internationally with world music show “Barrage” for almost 5 years through 5 continents. Her work encompasses classical, world, gypsy, jazz, country, and Celtic music.

Kalauni is a member of the Auckland Chamber Choir, that represented Auckland University overseas in Singapore and the United Kingdom in 2010 under the conduct of Professor Karen Grylls. He is a winner of the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation Award for the most promising classical singer at the NZ Singing School 2013 and winner of many other awards.

Kelly Lim Harris is an Auckland based, New Zealand born crossover soprano of Malaysian and NZ European descent. 

Most recently she was selected as a singer for New Zealand Opera's 6:24 new opera development project and performed in Figuring it Out - A Cabaret with Auckland Music Theatre, 

Operatically trained, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music and Arts in Classical Voice Performance and European Studies from the University of Auckland where she was a recipient of the prestigious University of Auckland Scholarship, Evelyn M Harrison Scholarship, and Palazzo Italia Scholarship funding her studies in Venice, Italy. Highlights of her time at university include performing the title role in Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges, spending a summer at the Auckland Art Gallery giving patrons 'The Gift of Song’ as part of the exhibition Lee Mingwei and His Relations, and performing as a soloist with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as an APO Young Achiever.  

Committed to connecting with a wider audience Kelly held several prominent positions as a young arts influencer during her studies, including Auckland Student Ambassador for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Coordinator of the Young Friends of New Zealand Opera (Vanguard), and President of the School of Music Student’s Association. 

An accomplished actress as well as singer, Kelly won the Sam Wanamaker award for Most Promising Actor at the SGCNZ National Shakespeare Festival and subsequently was invited to perform as Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Globe Theatre in London as part of the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company. Kelly stepped once more onto the Shakespearean stage performing as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing at the Pop-Up Globe. 

While studying saxophone at The University of Auckland, Lukas spent his summers performing with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines around the Americas. Having recently completed his Jazz Honours degree, Lukas enjoys teaching woodwinds at several high schools, while moonlighting as a freelance performer amidst Auckland's diverse music scene.

Lynette is well known to Operatunity audiences. She has performed for over 30 years including principal roles with Auckland Opera, Wellington City Opera and Opera Hawkes Bay along with many local theatre companies.  Lynette’s performing experience extends to TV, Radio and the concert platform. She first joined Operatunity over 10 years ago performing in both Class Act Opera and the Daytime Concert Series and of course was Operatunity’s first staff member when they opened their office.  These days she spends less time in the office but still helps to escort our trips and never misses a chance to perform in our concerts.

One of New Zealand’s iconic entertainers, Marian's unstoppable energy and joy sweeps you up in her path. Picking up her first violin at the age of six and being inspired by the band at her mother’s wedding reception at age eight, Marian knew that music was what she wanted to pursue in life.

Marian performs both solo and within bands, playing with “Beau, Luke & Duke”in 1992, “Boot Scootin Boogie Band” in 1993, and currently plays with Irish band “The McSweeney Brothers.”

Marian has on many occasions been awarded for her music, including the “2012 Benny Award” from the Variety Artist Club of NZ, the “Life Time Achievement Award” and the “Best Fiddler as a Soloist” at the Golden Fiddle Awards.

Living and breathing the music running through her veins, she is famous for her electric live performances and will take you on a foot-stomping, musical ride and leave trying to catch your breath.

For more please visit www.marianburns.nz

Mike Booth (trumpet) has maintained a freelance career performing a wide variety of music. Before locating to Europe Mike performed with Cats Away, Netherworld Dancing Toys, Dave Dobbyn and many other familiar NZ icons.

Returning to NZ early in 2008 Mike is teaching (NZSM Auckland and Wellington; Auckland University; High School itinerate in Auckland and Hamilton), has co-founded the Auckland Jazz Orchestra, and performs with a wide variety of musicians including Tui Jazz award winners Phil Broadhurst, Nathan Haines, and Rodger Fox.

Pat Urlich grew up in West Auckland, studying piano and singing. After leaving school he studied classical singing with Dorothy Hopkins and performed in several musical theatre productions.

He was awarded NZ Male Vocalist of the Year in 1986 as lead singer of hit pop band Peking Man. Since that time Pat has performed in various shows including Porgy and Bess and Messiah.

Pat lives in Auckland where he plays solo jazz and popular classics, accompanying himself on piano and guitar. He also runs a couple of bands and a men's choir.

Paul is a pianist, song accompanist and musical director whose performance interests span classical genres, opera, jazz and musical theatre. Paul grew up in Hawkes Bay where he maintains a teaching practice and is a faculty member of the New Zealand Singing School. Away from the piano Paul’s interests include architectural history and practice, which he studied at Victoria University between 2003 and 2010. Paul has performed with Operatunity since 2013.

Penny Dodd is a pianist, arranger, and conductor with over thirty years experience in NZ, UK and Australia. 

She spent five years as a musical director at Mercury Theatre before moving to London and working in the West End, the National Theatre and in touring shows. She has arranged and conducted Symphonic Rock Concerts with the APO, and seventeen years of Coca Cola Christmas in the Park. Musicals Penny has conducted at the Civic in Auckland include Evita, Chicago, 42nd St, Cats, and Anything Goes. 

Penny has performed with Helen Medlyn in their "hell" cabarets since 1998 and is a well known regular accompanist with Operatunity.

Pete has played at jazz festivals and concerts throughout New Zealand with the Rodger Fox Big Band, One Million Dollars, King Kapisi, Shane Cortese’s band Class of 58, Natalie Cole, Randy Crawford, Steve Smith amongst others. He has performed in Australia, UK, Europe, Asia and USA as well as performances at the Monterey Jazz festival USA and other international festivals. He is a tutor of saxophone, theory and improvisation at the New Zealand School of Music. He was currently voted NZSM, Albany lecturer of the year and on several previous years.

Ray lives in Auckland but was born and raised in Invercargill. Ray developed his immense musical skills on the Bass guitar in various Invercargill groups including the legendary ‘Vision’ band.  He moved to Auckland in 1979 and joined up with Tom Sharplin.  Becoming Tom’s musical director, Ray has performed in Australia, Fiji, Rarotonga and Papua New Guinea.  Ray has appeared many times on television over the years and has worked with almost every Kiwi entertainer over the last 40 years.  In 2009 Ray was indoctrinated into the ‘Southland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’.

Rebecca Wright has enjoyed an illustrious career in the Musical Theatre industry, most recently performing the lead role of Eva Peron in Hamilton Operatic Society’s successful production of ‘Evita’, where she received critical acclaim. Previous highlights include the title role of ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Mimi’ in ‘Rent’ - both staged at Auckland’s beloved Civic Theatre. Prior to that she lead a stellar cast around the country and learned to roller skate as the lead role of Pearl in the Starlight Express NZ Arena Tour. Other credits include the lead role in homegrown musical, ‘Amour Fantastique’ and the beginning of her professional Musical Theatre career as part of the cast of the NZ tour of ‘Evita’ in 2004. She has starred in both Coca Cola Christmas In The Park and Symphony Under The Stars, was a finalist in NZ Idol back in 2006 and even held the Guinness World Record for Singing Upside Down.

Rikki Morris’s musical history is rich and varied. He currently works as Operatunity’s full time audio engineer however his achievements go well beyond his sound engineering skills. In 1988 Morris wrote and released the No.1 hit ‘Nobody Else’ earning him Songwriter of the Year at the NZ Music Awards.  In 1991 he won an APRA Silver Scroll for his top 20 hit ‘Heartbroke’. His debut album ‘Everest’ produced by Eddie Rayner was released in 1996. Morris set up his very own recording studio, 'The Bus', from 1998-2006, during which he recorded a plethora of bands and artists, including Hammond Gamble, Graham Brazier and When The Cats' Away.   He also helped establish the careers of young bands and artists like Gin Wigmore, The Checks, Lorde and Finn Andrews.   In 2010 Morris co-wrote several tracks with Matt Harvey from electronica outfit Concord Dawn. Their first single ‘Forever’ reached no. 8 on the NZ Electronica charts with the album being nominated for album of the year at the 2011 NZ Music Awards. Another single ‘One Tear’ featured on Concord Dawn’s award winning 2012 album 'Air Chrysalis'.  In 2012 Morris sang on the Flight of the Conchords’ charity single 'Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That)' which topped the NZ charts for 5 weeks, selling over 35,000 copies. 2013 also saw him perform as principal vocalist in the latest Split Enz 'ENZO - Stranger Than Fiction' extravaganza.  Morris also writes radio jingles for Merlot Place Media and Mediaworks and performs corporate functions as well as live sound engineering gigs for dozens of top NZ bands and artists, including Nathan Haines, Greg Johnson, The Feelers, The Mockers, Finn Andrews and Tami Neilson.   

Rory Nolan is a singer/actor with vast experience in musical theatre.

Rory has toured regularly with Operatunity since 2013, and is currently balancing a singing and acting career whilst practicing as a commercial Barrister in Auckland.

Previous theatre credits include: Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny in Phantom of the Opera (2016) (Auckland cast - Amici Productions), a leading role in the concept show Home is Where the Art Is (2016) (Rebel Theatre Company),Sky in Mamma Mia! (2014) (Auckland cast - Amici Productions), The Artilleryman in Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds (2012), a leading role in Songs for a New World (2011), and a member of the company in Miss Saigon (2011). 

His film and television credits include: Constable Brent Grant in Westside (2018 - South Pacific Pictures), Michael in The Interns (2017 - TVNZ), Mike Antonovic in Dear Murderer (2016 - Screentime NZ), and Jimmy Taylor in Shortland Street (2014 – South Pacific Pictures).  

Rory has studied the Meisner Acting Technique under Michael Saccente and trained in voice with Robyn Kennerly.  

Russell’s professional theatre career spans 25 years. He has worked on major productions throughout New Zealand and Japan, British touring productions throughout the UK and the Middle East, and most recently playing the comic leading role of ‘Alberto Beddini’ in the triple Olivier Award winning musical Tophat on London’s West End.

His ‘screen credits’ are numerous including three years as the TV3 Weatherman, a celebrity chef for numerous food companies and roles in British & American Movies as well as various TV Shows. 

He recently filmed the movie ‘The Otherside of Heaven 2’ in Fiji, playing the role of Thomas S. Monson which will premiere in the USA in 2019.

Entertainer, Rutene Spooner is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre. In the final year of his training, Rutene was awarded the position of the 2009/2010 summer intern actor with the professional theatre company, The Court Theatre, in Christchurch. His passion lies in musical theatre however he has been fortunate enough to work professionally throughout New Zealand as a singer, actor and dancer.

Since Graduating, he has been working professionally, touring with various companies like Duffy Theatre Company, NZ Playhouse, Echelon Productions (AUS) and also with Tim Bray Productions based in Auckland.

As a soloist, Rutene has performed to some of New Zealand’s largest audiences. He has featured as a Soloist in TV3s Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and with the likes of the Christchurch Symphony orchestra. He was also a member of the Southern Opera's Solid Energy Ensemble.

Rutene also jumps at the chance to teach. Delivering workshops in Maori Performing Arts, Vocal coaching and Drama. He is delighted to be back, working with the talented team at Operatunity and looks forward to seeing you all once again.

Sharon Emirali is a charismatic singer, entertainer, artist & mother of two. She is one of New Zealand’s sought after vocalists. Sharon's versatility, stage presence & energy exudes into every audience delivering songs full of passion, heart and soul.  Sharon has recently been nominated with her group “Kotahi te Wairua” for the “world” song category at the 2019 Hollywood Music in Media Awards!

I have a true love affair with singing and performing. It all started within the New Zealand Country music scene from the age of 8yrs old:  Mum loooved to dress me up, her sewing machine was overrun from making a new costume for every competition I ever entered and there were a lot!!  Sadly I never continued the art of dressmaking, however, I did master the art of dancing in heels, styling my hair and painting my face before belting out a tune. Dolly Parton was so inspiring to me back then and with her hit song “Coat of Many Colours” I landed a New Zealand title at the age of 10yrs. In 1993 I was plucked from the country music scene by an American manager who threw me into the whirlwind world of pop music.  I released a single with Festival Records that landed a number 8 on the New Zealand charts. Then jumped on tour with Charley Pride, DJ Fontana & The Jordinaires (Elvis Presley’s original Drummer & Backing vocalists), John Rowles and support act for the amazing Tom Jones.

The highlight of my career, to date, is the ability to do what I love, in a variety of ways, with other talented humans.  Especially with our kiwi icons Tina Cross, Jackie Clarke, Annie Crummer, Suzanne Lynch, Frankie Stevens and the epically talented Rikki Morris!! My ability to sing and entertain has allowed me to travel around the world and perform in a variety of shows and events in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Europe, Japan, Rarotonga, Fiji & Papua New Guinea. I have made made TV appearances in Coca Cola Christmas in the park for 6 consecutive years performing to audiences over 200,000.  Netball Fast5 World series, The Halberg Awards.  Fashion week, Cult couture, Queenstown Winter Festival, Rotorua’s Lakeside concerts.  “The Music is Bond” with the Auckland & Christchurch Philharmonic orchestras.  Also a regular supporter and performer at various Hospice & Breast cancer events.

I could go on and tell you about the time I produced a “Burlesque” show and a “James Bond” themed show or that you hear me most times you turn on the radio singing on advertisements and TV shows like Dancing with the Stars but I feel like I have waffled on enough.  Ask me about it when you see me next.  I am very happy to have joined the world of “Operatunity”.

Arohanui 

Stuart is a veteran of the New Zealand Opera Chorus, having done his first production (for then Wellington City Opera) in 1994. At that time he was completing his BMus at Victoria University. Since then he has performed for many other organisations, including Capital E’s National Theatre for Children, Class Act Opera, Operatunity and Stetson Productions. Stuart has never entered any singing competitions, let alone won any prizes, as he believes that his is a talent that cannot be judged by conventional means. He has written and performed in an award winning comedy show, entertained thousands of corporate clients and provided voice-overs for many websites and phone systems.

Most recently he was part of the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Ensemble for the touring productions of Sweeney Todd and The Mikado, and toured schools as the title role in New Zealand Opera’s Don Pasquale.

Suzanne was discovered along with her sister Judy by New Zealand guitarist Peter Posa. The two sisters became regular performers on the New Zealand  television show ‘C’Mon’ in the late 60’s and in 1971 as a soloist, Suzanne was also a regular on the television show ‘Happen In’, having established a name in New Zealand as the blonde member of the popular 60's duo "The Chicks" and then as a solo performer. She travelled to England and soon became one of London’s first call session singers, singing on albums by Chris De Burgh, Art Garfunkel, ShaWaddyWaddy, Cleo Lane, The Walker Brothers and Cat Stevens to name just a few and also performing on tour with Neil Sedaka and Charles Aznavour.  Suzanne performed on many English TV shows including a Lulu Special and a series with Leo Sayer.

Suzanne has been vocal coach for NZ Idol, Stars in Their Eyes, and for New Zealand’s Got Talent. 

Currently Suzanne teaches contemporary vocal technique and stage performance, and is still busy performing as a soloist, and as a member of the well known vocal group “The Ladykillers, with Tina Cross, Jackie Clarke and the The Ladykillers special guest Annie Crummer.

Tainui earned a Bachelor’s Degree (Music Theatre) at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) at the end of 2012. In his final year, he received the degree prize for outstanding achievement in his studies.

Since graduating, Tainui has been in high demand working solidly in various entertainment roles. Musical theatre remains his main focus with shows such as Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast,Cats,The Mikado, The Music Man, Grease, Guys and Dolls and Saturday Night Fever. Tainui is proud to say he has worked for many of New Zealand’s major theatre companies including The Court Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company.

As a soloist, Tainui has sung for DanceSport NZ National Ballroom Championships, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Currently based in Auckland, Tainui is signed with Graham Dunster at Auckland Actors.  

If it is an engaging artist you wish to bring warmth and music magic then look no further than Tracey Collins and the incredible talent, energy and engagement she brings with her accordion.

Performing for 3 decades, beginning when she was 6 years old, Tracey has finely tuned her mastery of the keys into a stunning artform when experienced ‘live’! Her talent and skill ensure a brilliant and exciting performance at every event, whether it be accordion classics, favourites and or modern electronic music.

Graduating from the Academy of Music, and an accredited member of the accordion orchestra, Tracey recorded her first CD  at the age of 17 and has not looked back.

Her incredible talent has seen her travel the world and perform alongside some of New Zealand’s most highly respected artists; including Hello Sailor, James Reid, Jan Hellreigel, Sarah Brown, Bic Runga, Annie Crummer, Peta Mathias, Jackie Clark, Andrew McLennan.

Her extensive touring and numerous awards have seen Tracey Collins recognized throughout New Zealand and Australia as the premier accordion entertainer and New Zealand’s only female professional accordion entertainer.

Tracey is driven by her love for the accordion and has her sights set on performing internationally once more as a professional musician and having her music reach as large an audience as possible. She works passionately on showing audiences how vibrant and versatile the accordion is, and proves that it is a very modern and relevant instrument for both the older and younger generations.

Tracey’s accordion is also uniquely specialized electronically, which allows her to experiment with sounds and styles of music not normally, identified with the instrument. Therefore, bringing a wow- factor to her shows, where the audience is left truly amazed at how she plays her accordion.

When not performing, Tracey is writing her own compositions, which allow her to explore the instruments potential. You can expect to see the musical fruits of her journey in the near future as she will release these new tracks for all to enjoy.

Tracey Collins has earned extensive praise throughout New Zealand and Australia from her industry peers and audiences as an artist and entertainer. Her amazing talent and beautiful, humorous and engaging personality see her as a highly sought-after professional musician. She is a spectacular highlight of any show.