Olivia’s journey to the Royal College of Music

Hello, My name is Olivia Forbes, a 23-year-old soprano from Auckland, New Zealand. This August, I’m thrilled to be moving to London to begin a Master of Performance at the Royal College of Music — the world’s top-ranked institution for music.

After five years of study in Auckland, completing a Bachelor's Conjoint degree in Classical Voice and Italian, followed by a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours, this next step marks a life-changing opportunity to grow as an artist on the world stage.

My operatic journey so far has been marked by national success in competitions and performances with the New Zealand Opera and Auckland Philharmonia and each performance is rooted in my passion for sharing the beauty of classical music with audiences.

However, pursuing this dream comes with significant financial challenges, from tuition fees to daily living costs. I’m aiming to raise $10,000, and every contribution — big or small — will make a meaningful difference, helping to ease the financial burden and allowing me to fully dedicate myself to this journey.

Your support means the world to me. I am committed to making my community proud and represent Aotearoa on the international stage.