World Opera Stage Beckons

Hi, I’m Christina Orjis and I’m a young kiwi opera singer pursuing a dream I’ve had since I was 12 years old.

I have a rare Dramatic Soprano* voice type and at the beginning of September I leave NZ to take my place at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester on their 2 year Master of Music (Performance) Voice and Opera course. I am incredibly thankful that I was awarded a Scholarship for exceptional talent for a course that is extremely competitive with hundreds of applicants from around the world each year. RNCM is one of the top conservatories in the world that knows how to teach my unique voice type and winning a place at RNCM means the dream of being an opera singer working on the international stage is one step closer.

About the Course:

I will benefit from the tuition and guidance of the RNCM’s teaching staff, who are world-class performers, composers and researchers, as well as a team of visiting tutors.

All Master of Music students have:

- Regular Principal Study tuition and a wealth of performance opportunities both within the College and externally

- Vocational and academic elective modules that complement specialist tuition and performance activities including: Thorough language courses in Italian, German and French; Drama and Movement classes; Masterclasses with visiting high-profile professionals; Access to Casting Managers and Agents; Classes teaching marketing, networking and management for the Freelance Musician.

- A range of professional opportunities, including performances and auditions

About Christina:

Christina has been performing since age seven, having appeared in over 25 productions with North Shore Music Theatre, Auckland Children’s Musical Theatre, Opera Factory and New Zealand Opera during her school years.

Since leaving school, Christina has attended NZ Opera School three times and has been a finalist in Aria, Recital and Scholarship Competitions.

Christina went on to study a Bachelor of Music and a Postgraduate Diploma in Music in Classical Voice Performance at the New Zealand School of Music (Victoria University) with Margaret Medlyn and Richard Greager. During her time in Wellington, Christina became a part of the New Zealand Opera Chorus and was a soloist in many concerts, including a NZSM concert with renowned Kiwi tenor Simon O’Neill at Te Papa, and she portrayed the role of 'Gulnara' in the Australasian premiere of Verdi's ‘Il Corsaro’ at the Wellington Opera House with the NZSM Orchestra. Since returning to Auckland in 2014, Christina started studying with Dr Morag Atchison, and has starred as the title role in Puccini’s opera ‘Suor Angelica’ and as 'La Ciesca' in ‘Gianni Schicchi’ with Opera Factory. 2017 saw Christina through to the Second Round in the Australian Dame Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Foundation Bel Canto Award and the WINNER of the Ronald Dellow Memorial Vocal Recital Competition.

In 2018 Christina participated in an Opera Factory Masterclass with Simon O'Neill and a NEWZATS Masterclass with David Jones (New York), and brought her first live solo television appearance as an Anthem Singer for Netball New Zealand, singing the Malawi National Anthem. She performed was also a guest soprano and understudy soloist with Bach Musica for their performance of Dvorak Stabat Mater at the Auckland Town Hall.

Conclusion:

Without funding I will not be able to take up my place at RNCM. I would not reap the benefits from the wonderful programme and teaching and my dream of having an international career would not be viable.

My remaining fees (after my Scholarship) and my rent alone add up to £27,000 (approx $51,000 NZD) before food, set up and day to day expenses.

With your support I can take advantage of the varied aspects of the programme which will give me confidence in my vocal, performance, time management and language abilities heading into freelance life after study.

The performance experience I have had has given me an insight into how wonderful it would be to gain more performance experience on a more regular basis and at a more professional level. It also affirmed to me that the path I am chasing is definitely the right one; performing inspires me and makes me even more determined to succeed in an extremely competitive industry.

Thank you for your support! I can't do it without you!

* Definition of a Dramatic Soprano:  A rare type of operatic soprano with a powerful, rich, emotive voice that can sing over, or cut through, a full orchestra. Thicker vocal folds in dramatic voices usually mean less agility than lighter voices but a sustained, fuller sound that takes longer to mature.

PLEASE NOTE: Christina Orjis is my performance spelling. Christina Orgias is my legal name.