School of Performing Arts, University of Otago

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School of Performing Arts, University of Otago We offer degree programmes in Music, Theatre, Performing Arts, Dance and Postgraduate study pathways

11/10/2026

🎶 The art of performance is taught, not just caught.

Behind every confident stage presence, every perfectly shaped phrase, and every moment of musical magic is something essential: exceptional teaching.

At Otago, our Classical and Contemporary Music Performance pathways are led by professional teachers who are not only accomplished musicians in their own right, but dedicated mentors committed to developing the next generation of performers. From technique and interpretation to stagecraft and artistic identity, our students receive the kind of rigorous, personalised training that simply can't be replicated.

It's why we say our performance pathways offer specific guidance for each students needs 🎻🎤

📣 Auditions for 2027 are still open.

If you're ready to take your performance journey to the next level, now is the time to act. Don't leave your audition to the last minute.

👉 Enquire today to secure your place.

Join 2023 Dunedin Concerto Competition winner and University of Otago alumni Boudewijn Keenan as he returns to Dunedin f...
27/09/2026

Join 2023 Dunedin Concerto Competition winner and University of Otago alumni Boudewijn Keenan as he returns to Dunedin from the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne to perform a special cello recital in Marama Hall. The program will include music by Bach, Hindemith, Barriere and Popper, and he will be joined on stage by three other fabulous musicians from the university: Heleen du Plessis, Tom McGrath and Portia Bell. Boudewijn is thrilled to be performing again in Dunedin, and would love to see you there! All proceeds from the recital will contribute to his plans for future studies overseas after he completes his training at ANAM.

Tickets available here:
https://events.humanitix.com/bach-in-dunedin

🎸 Student Success!Third-year guitar performance student Harrison Marshall has just dropped his debut single, Cutting Sto...
21/09/2026

🎸 Student Success!

Third-year guitar performance student Harrison Marshall has just dropped his debut single, Cutting Stone — and it's one you need to hear. 🙌

Drawing inspiration from Neil Young, Wilco, and The Clean, Harrison has crafted a sound that feels instantly familiar while being unmistakably his own.

Cutting Stone marks the launch of his solo project, with Harrison focused on one thing: making music freely and staying true to himself. And this is just the beginning — more music is on the way! 🎶

Produced and mixed by guitar tutor David Harrison.

Give it a listen and show some love in the comments! 👇

Centenary Celebration event spotlightHosted by Senior Professional Practice Fellow Arlie McCormick,Bangers and Brews is ...
15/09/2026

Centenary Celebration event spotlight

Hosted by Senior Professional Practice Fellow Arlie McCormick,

Bangers and Brews is a ‘pub' singalong – you don’t need to be able to sing in tune, but you do need to like blasting out a song with a glass of something in your hand

Tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/bangers-and-brews-pub-choir-the-staff-club

Lyrics are on a big screen, and there’ll be a smorgasbord of Kiwi hits to sing.

Famous for being a friendly, great evening of entertainment.

Come and join us! All are welcome.

Generous nibbles included, and cash bar.

7:00 – 8:30pm
Friday 25 September
Upstairs at the University Staff Club

💯 Century of Sound: The Classical Centenary Concert 🎶Saturday 26th of September in Marama HallGet Tickets https://events...
14/09/2026

💯 Century of Sound: The Classical Centenary Concert 🎶

Saturday 26th of September in Marama Hall

Get Tickets
https://events.humanitix.com/century-of-sound-the-classical-centenary-concert/tickets

Join a soaring classical musical celebration for the Music School's centenary of teaching, learning and performance in our newly refurbished Marama Hall.

Spaces will be limited, so make sure you have seat for a programme that includes Opening Fanfare from our Brass Quintet, the Dunedin Première of Anthony Ritchie's new Piano Trio, performed by TriOtago (Tessa Petersen, Heleen du Plessis and Terence Dennis).

Guest artists, including Rebecca Ryan and Abhinath Berry.

We showcase local talent mezzo-soprano Tessa Romano singing de Falla, Handel and Mozart, as well as performances by acclaimed pianists Terence Dennis and Tom McGrath, and clarinettist Emily Sterk.

The soaring grand finale, Leonard Bernstein’s Let My Garden Grow, features the combined expertise of our senior Classical voice students.

Saturday 26 September 3:30-5pm. Marama Hall.

Book now
https://events.humanitix.com/century-of-sound-the-classical-centenary-concert/tickets

Presented under the umbrella and auspices of the Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust, in association with the ...
09/09/2026

Presented under the umbrella and auspices of the Dunedin Concerto Competition Charitable Trust, in association with the University of Otago School of Performing Arts and supported by the HTowers Charitable Trust, the festival offers talented young musicians from across Aotearoa New Zealand a unique opportunity to develop their chamber music skills through coaching, collaboration and performance. There is no participation fee.

Applications open Thursday 10 September and close Friday 16 October.
https://www.dunedinconcerto.com/dunedin-youth-chamber-music-festival

🎶 100 years in the making—and we’re celebrating with music!Registrations are still open https://events.otago.ac.nz/musi...
08/09/2026

🎶 100 years in the making—and we’re celebrating with music!

Registrations are still open
https://events.otago.ac.nz/music-2026

Our Centenary Contemporary Concert is going to be unforgettable. Featuring past and present students sharing the stage in a contemporary showcase of pure talent.

This is more than a concert—it’s a reunion of generations, a celebration of our community, and a night you won’t want to miss.

📅 Save the date. Bring your friends. Let’s make some noise for 100 years!

Full program here.
https://events.otago.ac.nz/music-2026/programme

Address

145 Union Street East
Dunedin
9016

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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