Dame Malvina Major opened Napier's 25th New Zealand Singing School, which brings students together with top teachers, international inspiration and patrons from the world stage.
The 10-day school brings 80 students and 35 teachers from around the world together and includes a number of concerts for the public.
NZ Singing School Trust
chairperson Eileen von Dadelszen said the idea started 30 years ago when a group of local singers wanted the opportunity to learn more, brought a top singing tutor to Hawke's Bay.
"From that it grew into doing it every year," Mrs von Dadelszen said.
"It's a huge job to organise and it wouldn't get done without the volunteers."
The annual school became too much for the unpaid organisers so the schedule was changed to be every second year.
At last night's opening, school patron Dame Malvina spoke about thanking the support people such as parents, schools and the community.
The school's other patrons are Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Sir Donald McIntyre.
"We have been very lucky to have very prominent people support us," Mrs von Dadelszen said. "Dame Kiri was the first when she was at the start of her career."
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson also spoke and commended the community and businesses, specifically EIT and Black Barn, for support organisations such as the NZ Singing School.
Mrs von Dadelszen said without the support of such sponsors students would have to pay much more to attend and many would probably not be able to.
Napier-born singer Anna Leese is the school's first artist in residence, sponsored by Black Barn. A soprano based in London, she will offer advice and inspiration.
"Her performance was wonderful, you couldn't hope for better," Mrs von Dadelszen said. "I think many of the students now know what to aspire to."
