New Zealand Opera Presents Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers
New Zealand Opera brings Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers to Auckland and Christchurch in a bold new production exploring love, loyalty, power and betrayal.
Set within an exclusive resort hosting the enigmatic jewellery house Pêcheur & Perle, the production reimagines Bizet’s timeless story in a contemporary world shaped by luxury, image, influence and ambition. At its heart is a powerful human drama: two friends bound by an oath, their shared love for the same woman, and an impossible choice between loyalty and desire.
Produced by New Zealand Opera in partnership with State Opera South Australia, the production features internationally acclaimed Australasian artists alongside the Freemasons Foundation New Zealand Opera Chorus, Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Performance Details
Auckland
Venue: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Location: Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
- Wednesday, 23 September 2026 — 7:30 pm
- Friday, 25 September 2026 — 7:30 pm
- Sunday, 27 September 2026 — 2:30 pm
Christchurch
Venue: Isaac Theatre Royal
Location: Ōtautahi, Christchurch
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026 — 7:30 pm
- Friday, 16 October 2026 — 7:30 pm
- Sunday, 18 October 2026 — 2:30 pm
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Language: Sung in French with English surtitles
Cast
- Léïla: Madison Nonoa
- Nadir: Filipe Manu
- Zurga: Samuel Dundas
- Nourabad: Anthony Robin Schneider
With the Freemasons Foundation New Zealand Opera Chorus.
Creative Team
- Conductor: Benjamin Bayl
- Director: Stephen Barlow
- Set and Costume Designer: Yannis Thavoris
- Lighting Designer: Jake Wiltshire
- English Translation: Alasdair Middleton
- Assistant Director: Brock Roberts
- Chorus Director: Nicholas Forbes
Orchestras: Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
One vow. One love. One impossible choice.