Country's finest for contest

Pene Pati, now of Sol3 Mio fame, performs at the 2012 Arias. Photo / File

Locals will be blown away by the talent on show at this weekend's New Zealand Aria.

Considered New Zealand's most prestigious singing competition, the Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Aria competition, will be held in Rotorua, featuring some of the country's finest up-and-coming classically trained singers backed by the sensational Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

The event begins this morning and runs until Sunday at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, formerly the Rotorua Convention Centre, with the coveted finals, on Sunday at 7.30pm.

The competition is the largest of its kind and has been held annually for over a decade.

New Zealand Aria Trust chairwoman Jo-Anne La Grouw said that over the years the competition had attracted a high calibre of entrants, judges and conductors and was always certain to draw a large audience.

"It's New Zealand's largest annual classical music competition and it's a world-class event with world-class entrants," she said.

Mrs La Grouw said she expected tickets to Sunday's finals to sell out, with all 700 seats filled up.

"We're certain Sunday will be a sell-out. It always has been. So I'd advise people to get in quick if they'd like to come along."

"It's going to be world-class entertainment, with hugely talented entrants.

"It will make for a wonderful evening of music."

The arias will feature a variety of categories, including the Maori Song class which has a top prize of $3000.

The competition begins 9.30am today. The final on Sunday begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. For more information or a programme, visit www.nzaria.co.nz

Details

What: New Zealand Aria.
Where: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
When: Today, from 9.30am to 9.30pm, tomorrow from 8.30am to 9pm and Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm, finals 7.30pm.
Cost: Adult $55, senior $40 and student/child $40