New Zealand Opera School: Soprano Olivia Forbes selected for the Royal College of Music in London

Soprano Olivia Forbes has been at the New Zealand Opera School in Whanganui. Photo / Debbie Macpherson

Young soprano Olivia Forbes has been selected for the Royal College of Music in London in September.

Forbes is in Whanganui for her second New Zealand Opera School and the young Aucklander received the news just a day ago.

Three months ago she had sent an audition video to five music colleges in Britain and was accepted by all of them.

“But this is the right offer for me together with a small scholarship for the two years,” she said.

“It’s so tough financially for international students so I’ll be working as hard as I can in school and after school in some sort of job as well.”

It has been her time at the opera school, with tutors who have taught her the rigours of an opera career, that has spurred her on.

“They have been very clear about what you could be facing,” Forbes said.

“I am thankful for the preparation here, it has helped so many of us and look how many of us have been so successful overseas.”

Until September, Forbes will continue working 20 hours a week in her retail manager’s job in a clothing store and continue with a voice coach.

“I need to be really ready when I get there.

“My parents are so supportive ... my mum is even thinking about going with me and having a short trip.”

And waiting at the school are three friends so it will be an amazing reunion, she said.