Our Artists

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.

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 2022 Karl was awarded Best Male Artist in the Variety Artist Club Awards.

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.

Lyric Tenor Benjamin Makisi was born in Wellington NZ. His magnificent voice has won him standing ovations around the world. His career began encouraged by his parents, singing in his local church choir. Early on he was able to win many scholarships including the The Lions Rotary Music Scholarship and the NZ Herald Aria Competition. He went on to win many prestigious awards including Lockwood Aria Competition in Rotorua and he is a proud recipient of the “Willi Fels” Memorial Award five times. This bolstered his performance confidence enabling him to further his studies. International travel saw him win The McDonald Aria Competition held in the Sydney Opera House in 1992 and Semi-Finalist at the Francesco Viñas Concourso Internationale in Barcelona, Spain in 2004. Completed his Masters Degree in Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2004 and a Bachelor of Music in Performance at Victoria University of Wellington, NZ in 1992.

Charlotte West is a singer, voice over artist and vocal coach. As a vocal coach she has worked for 13+ years coaching actors, musical theatre and contemporary vocalists in high schools, tertiary institutions and in her private studio. She has a particular passion and drive for vocal rehabilitation and is well known as a vocal coach in New Zealand who is experienced in this area. As a voice over artist Charlotte has worked for a range of clients for a number of years working primarily in advertising with some recent narration work as well, most notably she has been a station voice at TVNZ since 2014. As a performer Charlotte has had the privilege of being involved in many musical theatre productions, most recently playing Diana in North Shore Music Theatres production of Next to Normal. She is thrilled to be returning to the Operatunity family and looks forward to reconnecting with the audiences. Charlotte lives on a small farm in Clevedon, Auckland with her husband and four young children.

With more than 35 years of experience as a musician, Grant’s career has covered a vast array of musical situations - some of them more dangerous than others! This epic journey in live music has involved being a musical director, pianist, accompanist, jazz organist, rock musician and an artist teacher at the University of Auckland. Grant has been musical director for several Auckland Theatre Company productions including: Shortland Street the Musical, Cabaret, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Rocky Horror Show. For Silo theatre he has musically directed Assassins and The Threepenny Opera. He also musically directed the national tour of The Pirates of Penzance directed by Raymond Hawthorne and RENT starring Annie Crummer for Amici Productions. He has performed with The Lady Killers, (Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch), Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Richard O’Brien, Geoff Sewell, Midge Marsden, Carly Binding, Eye TV, the Neutrino Funk Experience, played keys on theatre shows such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys, Cats, Hair, Anything Goes, Avenue Q and television shows New Zealand’s Got Talent and Stars in their Eyes. Grant can be seen regularly as one of the core artists with Operatunity Daytime Concerts and music travel throughout NZ and overseas.

Heather is no stranger to the stage, having performed in her first musical at the age of 7 in her local Centerstage Theatre in Orewa, Auckland; She has since gone on to make many appearances throughout the country in numerous Musical Theatre productions, corporate events and on the concert stage. Some notable Musical Theatre roles include; Florence Vassy in Chess with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Cathy - The Last Five Years, Wendla – Spring Awakening, Tracy Turnblad – Hairspray, Eva Peron – Evita in both Auckland in Wellington, and Elphaba - Wicked, the latter being a role she has had the pleasure of performing in both Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Heather studied Musical Theatre at The New York Film Academy in Manhattan, and has recently moved to Australia to pursue full time employment in the performing arts while slowly ticking off some of the most demanding roles in musical theatre. Heather is thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Operatunity and looks forward to sharing her love of singing with audiences across the country.

John Bayne, born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch, has performed with numerous esteemed groups across Aotearoa, including New Zealand Opera, Toi Toi Opera, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. As a versatile artist, he served as tour manager for New Zealand Opera's Opera in Schools project, engaging over 10,000 children nationwide. He has also been a chorus representative and assistant stage manager for New Zealand Opera and made his assistant directing debut with Luminaires' acclaimed production of Heathers: The Musical. A highlight of John's career to date has been his work with Pop-up Globe throughout Australasia, where he served as an actor, swing, and vocal coach. He is a founding member of Third Bear and a former member of the Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company. John has taught at the prestigious Greenstone Academy and is currently a teaching artist at The Court Theatre John trained at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

Perhaps best known to New Zealand musos as a presenter for Radio New Zealand Concert, Kate Lineham has established herself as a leading name in the New Zealand musical theatre and opera scene - and as a professional saxophonist! Her professional music theatre credits include touring New Zealand, Australia, Japan and England in leading roles such as, Christine (The Original Phantom of the Opera), Magnolia (Showboat) and Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady). She also has a long affiliation with New Zealand opera as a Resident Artist of many years performing roles such as Cherubino (Mozart - Opera in Schools tour) and Mayor’s Daughter (Janacek). She has also covered innumerable others including The Countess, Donna Elvira (Mozart), Mimi (Puccini), Norina (Donizetti) and Tatiana (Tchaikovsky). Professional opera roles with other companies have included Donna Elvira, The Countess, Fiordiligi (Mozart), Vixen Sharper’s (Janacek) As a classical singer she has sung with New Zealand’s top ensembles including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Stroma, New Zealand Opera, Orchestra Wellington, Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

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

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.

Ravil Atlas is a much sought-after teacher, presenter, director, and conductor with many of New Zealand’s music organisations and schools. Ravil enjoyed a long and varied professional performing career including leading operatic tenor roles in 70 productions worldwide, five years in Broadway National companies of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, as well as numerous concerts. He began his performing career as a member of the renowned, Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer and finished at famed opera house Teatro alla Scala, 25 years later. Since his arrival in New Zealand he has worked as an orchestral and choral conductor, stage director, and soloist with many of Christchurch’s performing groups including The Court Theatre, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Southern Opera, Christchurch Pops Choir, and Showbiz. He has stage directed for North Canterbury Musical Society and Repertory Theatre. His love for choral music led him to create Atlas Voices and he has been awarded numerous accolades with high school choirs in national competitions. Ravil is finishing his PhD at Otago University in Education focusing singing pedagogy and techniques. He has held seminars, workshops, and master classes throughout New Zealand including a role as mentor on the nationally televised choir competition The Naked Choir.

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.

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.

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.

Kelly Lim Harris is a New Zealand singer and actress renowned for her captivating stage presence, pearlescent vocals, and remarkable versatility. With a solid foundation in classical training, Kelly effortlessly traverses a diverse array of musical styles, delivering crystal-clear classical arias, powerful show tunes, and the dynamic flair of pop divas. A seasoned performer, Kelly has completed 17 national tours across more than 22 cities and towns in New Zealand. Her international engagements have taken her to destinations including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Bali, and Australia. She has collaborated with New Zealand's leading arts organisations, with notable highlights including voicing the principal character 'Eel' in Hana the Glowworm for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, performing and creating for New Zealand Opera's Voices of Aotearoa new work development project, and portraying Ada Wells in the rock musical That Bloody Woman with Auckland Music Theatre. ​ An accomplished actress, Kelly received the Sam Wanamaker Award for Most Promising Actor at the SGCNZ National Shakespeare Festival, which led to her performance as Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at London’s Globe Theatre. She also played Don John in Much Ado About Nothing at Auckland's Pop-Up Globe and has been involved with Proudly Asian Theatre, as well as various screen and voiceover projects. ​ Academically, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies from the University of Auckland. She was the recipient of several scholarships, including the University of Auckland Scholarship, the Evelyn M. Harrison Scholarship, and the Palazzo Italia Scholarship, which enabled her to study in Venice, Italy. Among the highlights of her time at university were performing the title role in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges, singing as a soloist with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as an APO Young Achiever, and performing in the exhibition Lee Mingwei and His Relations at the Auckland Art Gallery. ​ A passionate advocate for the arts, Kelly has held leadership roles, including Auckland Student Ambassador for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Coordinator of Young Friends of New Zealand Opera, and President of the School of Music Student Association. Through these positions, she has demonstrated her commitment to engaging diverse audiences.

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.

Originally from Brighton in the UK, Beth is a singer and vocal coach based in Kirikiriroa. Until very recently, Beth had been away from the stage for five years, thanks to a few lockdowns and a couple of babies! To fill her musical cup, Beth set up her vocal studio and adores teaching Hamiltonians to sing, and has a particular interest in helping students later in life either reignite or find their passion in singing. She has just finished a season of Firebringer, where she was privileged to play the title role of Zazzalil (the Firebringer). Previous credits include a Dancer in Clarence St Theatre’s We Will Rock You, Soupy Sue in Bold’s Urinetown, Edith Piaf’s best friend Toine in a UK production of Piaf, and a particular favourite playing Poppy Norton-Taylor in Noises Off. Beth is a lifetime lover of musical theatre, and is thrilled to be joining the Operatunity family and having the opportunity to add more delicious jazz songs and upbeat pop classics to her repertoire.

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.

Frank has had a vast and varied performance career, twice touring Eastern Europe with the JM Jazz World Orchestra, performing and recording in the USA with the Rodger Fox Big Band, first clarinet for the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, lead tenor for the Air Force Jazz Orchestra, performing with the New Zealand String Quartet, playing, touring and recording with the Julie Lamb Outfit, playing lead alto and clarinet (soloist) for the Queen City Big Band, touring with the Operatunity company, performing Concerti with the Devonport Chamber Orchestra and Manukau Concert band. He has taken his own quartet on a number of successful tours around New Zealand, lead his Organ Trio through the North Island, his sextet in Auckland and Wellington and his chordless quartet project the Franktastic Four. From these projects he has released two albums, the LP Mundane Life Updates through Rattle Records with his quartet and the EP Speed Rat with his organ trio. He also currently works as an educator taking individual and group music lessons as well as ensembles at high schools throughout Tamaki Makaurau.

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).

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.

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.

Michelle is a sound engineer with 20 years of audio experience. The first 10 years she ran a recording studio called The Rock Factory along with her husband Mark Rawstron and the last 10 years she's been juggling a career in live sound engineering along with being a mum of two gorgeous children. Michelle comes onboard Operatunity tours when Rikki needs a break. She loves a wide variety of music from classical to rock n roll and has been known to write songs, run businesses, dance ballet, SEO websites and enjoy reformer pilates. Michelle is glad she was born in this day and age where women have the freedom to explore any career. She loves to learn new things. Is obsessed with audio, likes to keep up to date technology and drive trucks. Michelle has toured with many artists including Bic Runga, Holly Smith, Nathan Haines, White Chapel Jak, Lead Zipline, Push Push, Kantuta, Jakob, Lady Killers and 80s X. Michelle loves spending the summer doing live sound at outdoor events such as Music in Parks. You might see her driving the Operatunity bus on an upcoming tour!

Penny Dodd is a pianist, music director, conductor and arranger with over 40 years of professional experience in shows and concerts. Recent highlights have included conducting the musical Chess at the Aotea Centre, accompanying the OGs Pasifika opera soloists in the NZ festival, and a trip to Tokyo as Associate MD for Ken Hill’s Original Phantom of the Opera. She has produced a set of orchestrations for Che Fu for orchestral Matariki concerts, and is working on arrangements for upcoming concerts, and international cruises. Previously she conducted musicals including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and Anything Goes at the Civic in Auckland, performed with leading companies in the West End in London, directed Symphonic Rock concerts with the APO, and completed 17 years as musical director of Coca Cola Christmas in the Park. Penny is delighted to be returning to Operatunity, back to her happy place at the piano, performing live music.

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.

Award-winning entertainer Rutene Spooner has been described by New Zealand Herald as “a stalwart on the Auckland cabaret scene” and has toured his works both nationally and internationally to great acclaim. He has appeared in such musicals as Anything Goes; The Buddy Holly Musical; Grease; Avenue Q; La Cage aux Folles; Oklahoma; Chicago; Billy Elliot (New Zealand premiere); Jersey Boys (Australian Tour), Jekyll and Hyde (Australia Premier) and Little Shop of Horrors, to name a few. Outside of his busy performance schedule, Rutene also works as a creative producer, television director and performance coach.

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.

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.

Alexandra Claire Foster-Winder 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.

Aaron is a versatile freelance musician and photographer. He has played electric and acoustic bass for jazz greats Cleo Laine, Mark Murphy and saxophonist George Coleman. He has also rocked and popped with singer Annie Crummer, hip-hop artist King Kapisi, singers Caitlin Smith, Jan Hellriegel, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Tama Waipara, Hello Sailor, HammondGamble, Peter Urlich, blues band Chicago Smokeshop and the rock/dancefloor outfit Ahoribuzz. In his theatre life he has supported productions of Westside Story, Avenue Q, Shortland Street The Musical, Assassins, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, South Pacific,Berlin, Falling in Love Again, Tell Me on a Sunday, War is an Avalanche and Hey Piano Bar Lady! with Linn Lorkin. Aaron occasionally moonlights with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Born in NZ and lives in Auckland, Karen has loved singing since she was a little girl. She’s the Queen of Bling. Glitz and Glamour are her personality. Karen is a multi-award-winning singer, performer, songwriter and recording artist with 28 awards including the ‘Silver Scroll’, the ‘AGNEW’ Award for excellence in music, and just won ‘Top Female’ artist at the NZVAC’s Benny Awards. Karen is a Guinness World Record Holder for singing non-stop for 48 hours. She appeared on the Sir Howard Morrison show & NZTV show, Stars In Their Eyes as Dolly Parton where she has taken this show all over NZ, Australia, Norfolk Island and Las Vegas. She has toured NZ with Operatunity twice. Karen has an award winning 7-piece band called ‘Dreams the Fleetwood Mac experience’, Toucan Her duo, ‘The Stars show’ she takes to retirement villages all over the North Island. she is also NZ’s premier ‘Dolly Parton’ She creates the costumes for all her shows.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.