New Zealand soprano Katherine Wiles graduated from Auckland University with her BMus(Hons), FTCL from Trinity College, London and a Masters (Opera) from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, Glasgow. She is currently a full time member of the Opera Australia Chorus living in Sydney.

In 2011/12 Katherine performs the role of Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Papagena in The Magic Flute, and covers numerous principal roles with OA.

Katherine’s recent opera engagements include Elvira in The Italian Girl in Algiers for NBR New Zealand Opera, Madrigal Singer in Manon Lescaut, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music and First Bridesmaid in The Marriage of Figaro for Opera Australia, and Adina in L’elisir d’amore for State Opera of South Australia. Katherine also covered the lead role of Betty in Bliss for Opera Australia at the Edinburgh Festival.

Recent concert highlights include the soprano solo part in Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music conducted by Mark Wigglesworth with Sydney Symphony and Messiah for Sydney Philharmonia Choirs at the Sydney Opera House, Messiah for Auckland Choral Society and Christchurch City Choir, and a special performance as a guest soloist on board the Royal Yacht Britannia for an Opera Australia/Edinburgh Festival Event.

Recent roles include Adina L'elisir d'amore (State Opera South Australia); Giannetta/Adina Cover L'elisir d'amore (NZO/NZ International Arts Festival); Adina The Elixir of Love (Grange Park Opera/Pimlico Opera UK Tour); Susanna Le Nozze di Figaro (London Opera Players, UK); Despina Cosi fan tutte; Rosina Il barbiere di Siviglia; Barbarina/Susanna Cover Le Nozze di Figaro (NZO); Rosina The Barber of Seville (Swansea City Opera, UK); Adele Die Fledermaus (Sevenoaks Philharmonic, UK); Euridice orfeo ed Euridice (New Zealand Chamber Orchestra); Olympia Les Contes D'Hoffmann (Guildford Opera, UK). RSAMD roles include Lauretta Gianni Schicchi, Parasha Mavra, Satirino La Calisto, Lucy Brown Die Dreigroschenoper, Lucia Cover The Rape of Lucretia. Shadowed Despina and Euridice (Scottish Opera/RSAMD). Oratorio work includes Bach B Minor Mass, Kantate No 196, Magnificat, St John Passion (New Zealand Premiere); Beethoven Mass In C; Handel Messiah, Dixit Dominus; Haydn Harmonie Messe Mariazeller Messe; Mozart Requiem, Vesperae solemnes de Confessore; Rossini Messe Solennele; Vivaldi Gloria throughout the UK, Europe & New Zealand as well as concerts throughout New Zealand, United Kingdom, Holland and Italy. Recordings/broadcasts include Handel's Messiah, Bach's St Luke Passion, "With a Voice of Singing", L'elisir d'amore and Le Nozze di Figaro. 2008/2009 engagements include Full-Time Chorus (Opera Australia), Elvira L'italiana in Algeri (NBR New Zealand Opera); Soprano Soloist Handel Messiah (Sydney Philharmonia, Sydney Opera House); Soloist "Opera to a Tea" (Guillaume at Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House). Madrigal Singer Manon Lescaut (Opera Australia); Soprano Soloist: Vaughan Williams. Serenade to Music 'London Calling' (Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House).

Source: Katherine Wiles

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