Jarvis Dams chosen for The Kiri Programme

Baritone Jarvis Dams

Belgian-Kiwi barihunk Jarvis Dams is one of six singers chosen to take part in The Kiri Programme, which is a young artist development program under the auspices of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. The singers were chosen for thier potential to progress to successful international careers after participating in the one-year program. In addition to singing, they will learn key business skills and communication tips to further their career.

Originally from Belgium, Jarvis has lived in New Zealand for 16 years and now resides in Hamilton. He holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from The University of Waikato. He completed a vocal apprenticeship program at Astoria Music Festival in Oregon and was a recipient of the University of Waikato Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship. Jarvis placed third in the 2015 New Zealand Aria competition and in 2016 he was selected as both a semifinalist in the Lexus song quest and as a finalist in the IFAC Australian Singing Competition in Sydney.

He will be joined by soprano Eliza Boom, tenor Felipe Manu, soprano Katherine McIndoe, soprano Madison Nonoa and soprano Natahsa Wilson. 

The first of five training modules begins at the end of August, with the singers gathering in Auckland under the direction of program head Kathryn Harries, who is Director of the National Opera Studio in London. Harries was a senior judge for the Lexus Song Quest in New Zealand in 2014.

Benson Wilson wins 2016 Lexus Song Quest

Benson Wilson

Benson Wilson has won the Lexus Song Quest at today's Grand Final Gala at the Auckland Town Hall. Benson will receive a cash prize of $20,000 and a Study Scholarship of $27,000, plus economy international travel up to the value of $3,000. Benson said he was “blessed to receive this honor and was ready to step up to the challenge.”

Second place was awarded to Auckland tenor Filipe Manu, third place went to Hamilton soprano Madison Nonoa, and Auckland bass-baritone Tavis Gravatt took fourth place. The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation scholarship ‘for the singer who shows the most promise’ was also awarded to Madison Nonoa.

The four finalists each performed three pieces in front of a live audience, one accompanied by pianist Terence Dennis, and two arias alongside the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edo de Waart.