The Dame Malvina Major Foundation Aria Contest

The Dame Malvina Major Foundation Aria contest (previously The ODT Aria Contest) is regarded as a springboard to a professional opera career. It's a huge stepping-stone for a young singer and second only to the Lexus Song Quest.

The Aria Contest is the highlight of the Dunedin Performing Arts Competitions Society senior vocal festival, which starts at Burns Hall, First Church at 1.30pm on Thursday 12th September.

Six singers will be selected for the Aria final on Sunday night at 7.pm at the Glenroy Auditorium.

First prize winner receives the $5000 Dame Malvina Major Foundation award, Second prize winner receives the $2000 Royal Dunedin Male Choir award, third prize the $1000 Val Braumann Award and the $250 Queen Rose Retirement Home Award will go to the Judge’s choice.

The adjudicator is NZ Bass Martin Snell, who is considered one of the finest basses of his generation and continues to perform in the world's top opera houses.

The Aria contest has been held annually in Dunedin since 1987. Previous winners include Martin Snell, Simon O'Neil, Jud Arthur, Jonathan Lemalu, Anna Leese, and Stephen Chambers who are all now singing internationally.