The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition
The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition celebrates and supports vocal talent at every stage of development.
Based in Manukau, South Auckland, the Competition is rooted in a region with a remarkable musical heritage. South Auckland has produced some of New Zealand’s finest singers, from internationally celebrated tenors Pene and Amitai Pati, who spent much of their youth in the region, to the many outstanding performers who have emerged from its schools, churches and communities.
Established in 2023 by the Manukau Symphony Orchestra in partnership with the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust, the Competition provides singers with opportunities to perform before experienced adjudicators, develop their performance experience and compete for significant prizes and awards.
From its inaugural field of more than 50 entrants, the Competition has grown into an increasingly international event, attracting singers from across New Zealand and overseas. It now embraces performers at different stages of their musical journeys through three divisions: Junior, Emerging Artist and Tarling Trophy.
In 2027, the Competition enters an exciting new chapter. For the first time, it will culminate in a Gala Finale with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra, giving six Emerging Artist finalists, together with the Junior and Tarling Trophy winners, the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra.
The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition is about more than winning a prize. It is an opportunity to perform, compete, gain experience and be heard – and to take the next step in a singer’s artistic journey.
Emeritus Professor Nicholas Tarling and The Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust
Nicholas Tarling, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Auckland, was an internationally renowned historian of Southeast Asia and a passionate opera lover.
A regular attendee of concerts and operas in Auckland, Sydney and elsewhere, Nick shared his knowledge of opera and musical history through talks on radio and in person, programme notes and international study tours.
The Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust supports the two fields to which he devoted so much of his life: Southeast Asian history and music. Through the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, his passion for music and education continues to support and inspire future generations of singers.
Emeritus Professor Nicholas Tarling and The Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust
Nicholas Tarling, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Auckland, was an internationally renowned historian of Southeast Asia and a passionate opera lover.
A regular attendee of concerts and operas in Auckland, Sydney and elsewhere, Nick shared his knowledge of opera and musical history through talks on radio and in person, programme notes and international study tours.
The Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust supports the two fields to which he devoted so much of his life: Southeast Asian history and music. Through the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, his passion for music and education continues to support and inspire future generations of singers.
Patron Simon O’Neill ONZM
Simon O’Neill ONZM is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading heldentenors. He has appeared with many of the world’s foremost opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Teatro alla Scala, the Vienna State Opera, the Paris Opera, the Berlin State Opera and the Bayreuth Festival, collaborating with conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Gustavo Dudamel, Sir Antonio Pappano and Riccardo Muti.
Renowned for his acclaimed Wagner interpretations, Simon has performed many of the composer’s most celebrated roles, including Tristan, Siegmund, Siegfried, Parsifal and Lohengrin. His repertoire also includes the title role in Verdi’s Otello, one of opera’s most demanding tenor roles.
A Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Simon was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2017 for services to opera. He is also a Fulbright Scholar, a New Zealand Arts Laureate and holds an honorary Doctor of Music from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
Deeply committed to supporting emerging artists, Simon is proud to serve as Patron of the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, encouraging and inspiring the next generation of New Zealand singers.
Our People
Dr Sam Girling, Director
Sam Girling is a musicologist, timpanist and arts manager. Originally from the UK, he studied percussion and timpani at Trinity College of Music before completing a Master’s degree in musicology at Royal Holloway, University of London, in 2012 and a PhD at the University of Auckland in 2018, specialising in percussion writing in the early nineteenth century.
During more than a decade living in New Zealand, Sam taught music theory and worked on two postdoctoral projects at the University of Auckland’s School of Music. Alongside his academic work, he has performed as a timpanist and percussionist with ensembles including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, English National Ballet, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Pipers Sinfonia and Manukau Symphony Orchestra, and has taught percussion at Baradene College, Sacred Heart College and Rosmini College.
Sam has worked with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition since 2023 and was Production & Marketing Manager of Auckland Choral from 2023 to 2026. Now based in Münster, Germany, he is a Visiting Scholar at the Beethoven-Haus Archive in Bonn and continues to travel regularly between Germany and New Zealand.
Professor Uwe Grodd, Chairperson
Professor Uwe Grodd is Chair of the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition and Music Director of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.
A distinguished conductor, flautist and teacher, Professor Grodd has been Music Director of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra since its foundation in 1993. His long association with the Orchestra has helped establish its reputation for ambitious programming, high-quality performances and opportunities for musicians at all levels.
As Chair of the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, Professor Grodd brings extensive experience as a conductor, performer, educator and adjudicator, together with a deep commitment to supporting emerging artists and developing musical talent in New Zealand.
Manukau Symphony Orchestra
The Manukau Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a community orchestra based in South Auckland, bringing together youth, community and professional mentor musicians.
Based at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, the Orchestra presents a varied programme of symphonic concerts, opera, family concerts, free Schools concerts, workshops and community events. Its Tuakana Mentorship Programme and youth scholarship initiatives provide opportunities for musicians to develop their skills alongside experienced professionals.
The MSO values the diversity of the communities it serves and is committed to making orchestral music accessible and inclusive. Through its performances and education programmes, the Orchestra provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience and participate in live orchestral music.
The Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition is a natural extension of this commitment, providing singers with a platform to develop their artistry and connect with audiences and professional musicians.
In 2027, the Competition and the MSO will come together for the first time for a Gala Finale featuring the Competition’s leading singers performing with a full symphony orchestra – creating an exciting new opportunity for emerging vocal talent.
