Soprano Natasha Wilson was the New Zealand Opera School student named winner of the Sister Mary Leo Scholarship.
Her selection was made by the school's five tutors, including international vocal coaches Cesar Alloa and Della Jones, at a party after the concert at Heritage House on Saturday night.
Natasha was presented with the $5000 scholarship to the rousing cheers of her fellow students.
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She is returning to her home town Auckland this week where she will catch up with family and head into rehearsals for NBR Opera's production of Candide in Auckland in March.