Kiwi Soprano defying setbacks
Determined opera singer hoping to head back to the U.K. to launch her career after health setbacks
Northcote, Auckland
I’m Christina Orjis and I have just completed my Master of Music degree with Distinction at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
My journey!
Sept19: Begin my Masters landing the role of Aunt Norris in ‘Mansfield Park’
Mar20: ‘Mansfield Park’ cancelled 5 days before opening night due to Covid
Mar20: Catch Covid in the UK
Oct 20–Feb22: Back in NZ, I suffer from severe long covid, am housebound for a year, unable to sing for 15 months and I defer
Jun22: Land the lead role of Rosalinde in ‘Die Fledermaus’ at the RNCM
Dec22: 2nd to last rehearsal of ‘Die Fledermaus’ I rupture and tear ligaments in my knee. I miss every performance!
Feb23: My knee needs surgery but can finish my year in a brace
Mar/Apr23: Perform as Aunt Norris in ‘Mansfield Park’ with brace
Apr23: Develop muscle tension dysphonia in my voice caused by putting unequal weight through my legs while singing.
Jun23: Got through my recital with good marks
Jul23: Successful major RIGHT knee reconstruction surgery in NZ (insurance)
Sept23: Left knee (with previous injury) succumbs to pressure of taking the strain for 9 months
Oct23: Successful major LEFT knee reconstruction surgery in NZ
Dec23: Muscle tension dysphonia in my voice has resolved.
Jan24: Hope to head back to UK to launch my career.
*Unable to work from Oct 2020 to present*
20th Jan 24: NZD$4000 now required for Visa (takes up to 8 weeks), I must be in the UK and am prohibited from working while processing. I also need to live!
Use of funds
A U.K. Graduate Visa and living costs while it’s processing.
Other page links
Latest update
I’ve made it to the U.K.! 27 January 2024
I’m now back in the U.K. and have applied for my Visa just within the deadline! I set off for my first pet sitting “job” today which gives me free accommodation and I have more lined up in the coming months to keep costs down. So at this point the remaining funds will help me with food costs and singing lessons and coachings. I will still be sharing my fundraising link as I will still need costs to be covered for a little longer as I am not allowed to even apply for a job until the 25th March, and who knows how long it will take to actually get one!!
But, I’m here and able to get singing which is very exciting!!
Thank you again for your support! I wouldn’t be here without you!
Kindest regards,
Christina
Latest donations
Thank you very much Chris! I really appreciate your support! Kind Regards, Christina
Thanks very much Richard!! Cx
Thank you so much Debbie! I really appreciate your support! Hope you are well! Cx
Thank you very much! A very kind gesture! Cx
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