Morag Atchison soprano
Morag Atchison has firmly established herself
as one of New Zealand’s leading sopranos. She
studied at the University of Auckland and Royal
Academy of Music (London), and was a finalist in
the Kathleen Ferrier and Royal Over-Seas League
Competitions. She has performed operatic roles
including Helmwige, Die Walküre (NZSO); Lady-in-
waiting, Verdi’s Macbeth; First Lady, Magic Flute
(NBR NZ Opera); Fourth Maid, Strauss’ Elektra
(APO); Blumenmädchen, Parsifal (NZSO) and
Sandrina, La Finta Giardiniera (Opera Unleashed,
Hamilton Festival). In 2015 Morag covered the role of Tosca for NZ Opera.
Morag’s concert engagements include a recital at the Glenn Gould Studio (Toronto)
with the Toronto Children’s Chorus; Mozart Requiem and Mozart’s arrangement
of Handel’s Messiah (Voices NZ and Wellington Sinfonia); Tippett’s A Child of
our Time with the NZYC and NZSO-NYO; Beethoven’s Ah! Perfido (APO and
Manukau Symphony), and an acclaimed performance of Britten’s War Requiem
with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch City Choir, and NZSSC.
She has been a soloist with all of New Zealand’s leading choral societies, and with
Auckland Choral works include Carmina Burana, Orff; Missa Pacifica , Hamilton,
Haydn Nelson Mass and Paukenmesse; Messiah, Handel, St John Passion, and
the Renhart Requiem. This year her engagements include Carmina Burana
with Christchurch City Choir, Verdi Requiem with Bach Musica, and recitals for
Chamber Music New Zealand with Catrin Johnsson and Rachel Fuller.
Morag teaches voice at the University of Auckland, is a vocal tutor for the NZ Youth
Choir, the Auckland Chamber Choir, Auckland Choral, and the award-winning
Choralation from Westlake Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools. In 2013 Morag was awarded
a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Auckland, the first DMA in vocal
studies from a New Zealand University. Morag is delighted to be performing with
Auckland Choral, 20 years after her debut with them as a student.
Christopher Tonkin baritone
Australian baritone Christopher Tonkin is
developing a reputation as one of Australia’s
most successful young exports. Praised for
his sweet, dark timbered voice, intensive
characterisation, and striking physicality, he
has in recent years been engaged as resident
principal baritone with Hannover Staatsoper,
with guest appearances in opera and concert
halls in Australia and across Europe.
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