Simon O’Neill ONZM
Patron
I am honoured to become a Patron of the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition. Competitions like this can play a vital role in a young singer’s journey, building confidence, creating opportunities and helping launch the next stage of a career. New Zealand continues to produce remarkable vocal talent, and I applaud the Competition’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of opera singers. I wish every competitor every success and look forward to watching the Competition continue to flourish.
About the competition
Based in Manukau, South Auckland, the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition celebrates and supports vocal talent at every stage of development. South Auckland has produced some of New Zealand’s finest singers, and the Competition builds on this rich musical tradition while welcoming participants from across New Zealand and overseas.
Established in 2023 by the Manukau Symphony Orchestra in partnership with the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust, the Competition offers singers the opportunity to perform before experienced adjudicators, develop their performance experience and compete for a range of prizes and awards.
The Competition is open to singers of all nationalities and countries of residence, with entries from South Auckland particularly encouraged.
The 2027 Competition has three divisions:
- Junior Division – 18 years and under
- Emerging Artist Division – 19–35 years inclusive
- Tarling Trophy Division – 36 years and over
A participant’s division is determined by their age on 15 November 2026, the closing date for entries. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for full eligibility requirements.
Competition Format
The 2027 Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition takes place across three stages: the Digital Round, Live Round and Gala Finale.
DIGITAL ROUND
Entries open on Monday 7 September 2026 and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November 2026.
Entrants complete the online application form and submit an accessible YouTube link to a video performance of an art song or aria of their choice, accompanied by piano. Digital Round performances must be between 3 and 9 minutes in duration.
Following adjudication of the Digital Round, participants selected to progress to the Live Round will be notified by email no later than 30 November 2026.
Full recording and submission requirements are available on the How to Enter page and in the Terms & Conditions.
LIVE ROUND
The Live Round takes place at the Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau, on Thursday 18 February 2027.
- Junior Division and Tarling Trophy Division – 4.00pm
- Emerging Artist Division – 6.30pm
For the Junior and Tarling Trophy Divisions, the Live Round constitutes the Final, with the winner of each division announced following adjudication. For the Emerging Artist Division, the Live Round constitutes the Semi Final, from which six singers will be selected to progress to the Gala Finale.
All Live Round participants must also be available for a rehearsal with the Official Accompanist from 2.00pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027.
GALA FINALE
The 2027 Competition culminates in the Gala Finale at the Due Drop Events Centre on Sunday 28 February 2027 at 5.00pm.
Six Emerging Artist finalists will perform with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra, competing for the Competition’s major prizes. The winners of the Junior Division and Tarling Trophy Division will also be invited to perform with the Orchestra.
All Gala Finale performers must be available for orchestral rehearsals on Friday 26 February at 7.30pm and Saturday 27 February at 2.00pm.
The Prizes
Emerging Artist Division
First Prise – $5,000
Runner-Up Prize – $3,000
Most Promising Singer Prize – $1,000.
Junior Division
Junior Division Winner $1000.
Tarling Trophy Division
The winner will receive the engraved Tarling Trophy, which they may retain for one year.
Special Awards
Sally Stone Award – $1,000 awarded to a participant from any division who demonstrates outstanding talent, promise, excellence and financial need.
Audience Favourite Award – awarded by audience vote to the most popular performance presented during the Live Round and open to participants from any division.
Emerging Artist Division
First Prize – $5,000
Runner-Up Prize – $3,000
Most Promising Singer Prize – $1,000
Junior Division
Junior Division Winner – $1,000
Tarling Trophy Division
The winner will receive the engraved Tarling Trophy, which they may retain for one year.
Special Awards
Sally Stone Award – $1,000 awarded to a participant from any division who demonstrates outstanding talent, promise, excellence and financial need.
Audience Favourite Award – awarded by audience vote to the most popular performance presented during the Live Round and open to participants from any division.
Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for full details.
Key Dates
Monday 7 September 2026 Entries open
Sunday 15 November 2026, 11.59pm Entries close
By Monday 30 November 2026 Live Round participants notified
Wednesday 17 February 2027, 2.00pm Live Round rehearsal with piano
Thursday 18 February 2027 Live Round
Junior Division and Tarling Trophy Division – 4.00 pm
Emerging Artist Division – 6.30 pm
Friday 26 February 2027, 7.30pm Gala Finale rehearsal with orchestra
Saturday 27 February 2027, 2.00pm Gala Finale rehearsal with orchestra
Sunday 28 February 2027, 5.00pm Gala Finale