Two internationally acclaimed opera singers will be performing at the next concert of the Tauranga Opera Forum Trust on August 4.

Chinese baritone Zhou Nan along with his soprano wife Lu Xuan are major drawcards for local opera enthusiasts for the event.

“Nan’s voice is rich, powerful and beautiful are we’re excited that is keen to work with us,” says Trust chair John Hodgson.

“One of the comments I’ve had from a university lecturer in opera is that there’s currently no baritone of Nan’s standing in the country. He studied in England to gain a doctorate in music and also performed in Italy.”

The first part of the concert sees performances from students who’ve been awarded annual scholarships established by the trust to promote opera in Tauranga.

“We like to give the students and our members the opportunity to enjoy opera together by including student performances,” says John.

This year’s scholarship students are Year 13s Ansh Dhot and Ashana Watene, and Year 12 Yanni Gorsame.  “All three Tauranga Girls’ College students have beautiful voices and are wonderful singers,” says John.

Unlike previous concerts, the young scholarship recipients will have their choice of songs from any genre.

‘An Afternoon of Operatic Favourites’ is at 2.30pm on Sunday, August 4, at the Wesley Centre in 13th Ave, Tauranga.

International baritone Zhou Nan of China. Photo: supplied.

The trust is also looking forward to its concert on October 20 when the 2025 scholarships are awarded. For ticket information, see the advert on this page.

The Weekend Sun has one double pass to see ‘An Afternoon of Fabulous Operatic Choices’ for one lucky reader who can tell us the name of the Chinese baritone who is performing?

Enter online here. Entries close Tuesday, July 30.