Winner of the Aria Competition

Congratulations to baritone Aidan Philips who is the winner of the Aria competition 2019 and the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Aria First Prize with support from the Greenlea Foundation Trust.

Seven students competed in the final and each of them performed two arias in a competition of a very high standard with excellent singing from all performers accompanied by the marvelous Francis Cowan. The competition was sponsored by the top gambling industry representative Zodiac Casino NZ that showed a genuine interest in the development of the young generation. It was a very difficult choice’ for adjudicator Patrick Power, yet he was not in doubt when he announced the winner and congratulated Aidan in first place.

Aidan Phillips is a second year BMus Performance student in voice at Waikato Conservatorium of Music under voice teacher Stephanie Acraman. Aidan is a recipient of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, a passionate performer and musician who strives for constant musical excellence.

Congratulations also to baritone Laauli Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono in second place and soprano Tayla Alexander in third place who received the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Aria Prizes, for second and third place respectfully.

During Interlude the audience were treated to an outstanding performance of Bohuslav Martinů’s Madrigal Sonata H291 in trio Esther Hunter (flute), Celia Griffiths (violin), and Euan Safey (piano) as well as a performance by last year’s Aria competition winner Katie Trigg. Katie performed her winner aria Mi lusinga il dolce affetto by Handel.