Defining moments orchestrated this final concert by the students of the New Zealand Opera School in Whanganui on Saturday night.
Director Sara Brodie and her assistant Karariana Walker gifted Whanganui music lovers a show at the Royal Opera House that never wavered.
It was a show that played seamlessly, not only highlighting the music and the singers but also keeping the spotlight firmly on the innovative wardrobe (Elizabeth Lee Williams) wigs, and makeup (Rebecca Henderson).
The accompanists David Kelly, Timothy Carpenter, Travis Baker, Bruce Greenfield, Liam Wooding, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Greig Neil,Terence Dennis, and Luca Manghi (flute) must also be lauded for, at times, it was hard to concentrate on the singers because these virtuoso musician were so compelling.
There were so many highlights that one was spoiled for choice - it literally was a moving feast and flew through so fast that when the finale came the audience yelled, screamed, whistled and banged their feet for more.