Acclaimed New Zealand-born Samoan baritone Benson Wilson has been named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Ryman Healthcare Dame Malvina Major Foundation Mina Foley Award.
The award supports Benson in performing the role of Schaunard in New Zealand Opera’s upcoming national production of La bohème, his debut principal role with the company, and a significant milestone in his flourishing international career.
A past winner of the Kathleen Ferrier Awards and Lexus Song Quest, Bension was a Harewood Artist at the English National Opera, and has performed with Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Opera Holland Park and a number of recital appearances.
A graduate of the University of Auckland, he completed his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio in London.
“We are delighted to recognise the wonderful Benson Wilson with this award, supporting his extraordinary journey as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young baritones,” said Dame Malvina Major.
“Benson’s artistry and perseverance reflect the legacy of Mina Foley, and we are proud to stand behind him as he makes his debut in a principal role with New Zealand Opera and continues to shine on the world stage.”
The Mina Foley Award was established in 2008 to enable talented young New Zealand artists to return home to perform in professional opera productions.
“At Ryman, we’re proud to support New Zealand communities through shared-value partnerships that celebrate excellence in performance,” said Naomi James, Chief Executive Officer of Ryman Healthcare.
“We’re thrilled to see Benson Wilson named the recipient of the Ryman Healthcare Dame Malvina Major Foundation Mina Foley Award, and we look forward to his return to the New Zealand stage in NZ Opera’s upcoming season of La bohème.”
Brad Cohen, General Director of New Zealand Opera and conductor of the Auckland season of La bohème added that the partnership with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation for the Mina Foley Award gives NZ Opera an important opportunity to honour and support worthy singers from the region.
Benson Wilson will perform in NZ Opera’s production of La bohème by Puccini, playing at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre Auckland from the 29th of May to the 6th of June, Wellington’s St James Theatre 18th to the 22nd of June, and Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch 2nd to the 6th of July.
