The Due Drop Events Centre was once again filled with outstanding singing as the 2026 Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition Final Round brought together some of New Zealand’s finest emerging and established classical singers. Nearly 80 applications were received for the Digital Round, with finalists travelling from across New Zealand as well as Australia, Russia, China, Switzerland, Canada and the United States to compete in the Final Round.
The afternoon opened with the highly competitive 18 & Under Division, where seven outstanding young singers impressed the audience with performances of music by Mozart, Handel, Bizet, Stradella and Jeanine Tesori. Winner Nikau Grace Chater captivated the judges with her spirited performance of Près des remparts de Séville (the Habanera) from Bizet’s Carmen, while runner-up Sophie Yun Hu delivered a poised interpretation of Batti, batti, o bel Masetto from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The judges remarked on the remarkable standard of the youngest competitors, whose repertoire reflected an increasingly strong operatic focus.
The Tarling Trophy for singers aged 36 and over once again attracted an impressive international field. Six finalists presented music ranging from Verdi and Dvořák to Korngold, Rossini and Johann Strauss II. The Trophy was awarded to Olga Shanina for her dazzling performance of the Czardas from Die Fledermaus, while Yang Liu was named runner-up after a moving performance of Glück, das mir verblieb from Korngold’s Die tote Stadt. Reflecting on the event afterwards, Shanina wrote: “The event was organised at a very high professional level. It is truly inspiring to see how the competition continues to grow and provide valuable opportunities for young performers.”
The Scholarship Division produced another exceptionally high standard, making for a closely contested evening of operatic favourites by Handel, Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti, Gounod, Boito, Meyerbeer and Mozart. Countertenor Jack Doyle claimed First Prize with a compelling performance of Inumano fratel… Stille amare from Handel’s Tolomeo, while Rong Zhang was awarded Runner-up for her dramatic interpretation of L’altra notte in fondo al mare from Boito’s Mefistofele. As part of their prize, both singers will perform with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra at its Family Concert later this year.
Following his win, Doyle said: “Thank you so much! I feel so lucky. I had such an amazing time at the competition.”
Special prizes recognised two further outstanding young artists. The Most Promising Award was presented to Molly Ryan, while the Sally Stone Award for Outstanding Talent went to Samuel Mataele, whose artistry and musical maturity made a lasting impression on the adjudicators.
Professor Uwe Grodd announced the winners on behalf of adjudicators Patricia Wright, Claire Caldwell and Terence Dennis, who praised the consistently high standard across all three divisions. Claire Caldwell summed up the feeling of the judging panel, writing afterwards: “Thank you, Uwe, for your continued drive and passion for this competition and young singers across NZ… It’s my absolute pleasure to be involved.”
Throughout the day, accompanist Rosemary Barnes once again provided superb support at the piano, partnering every competitor with remarkable musical sensitivity and skill.
The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition continues to strengthen its reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading vocal competitions, providing a valuable platform for emerging artists while welcoming singers from around the world. Congratulations to all finalists for their outstanding performances, and thank you to our adjudicators, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for helping make the 2026 competition another memorable success.
For more information on the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, please visit www.tarlingaria.org.nz
