New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park 2025

New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park returns for the 20th time to Whakatū Nelson in February 2025! 

With top New Zealand opera and contemporary singers performing alongside the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the event offers world-class entertainment, bringing together locals and visitors for an evening of music under the stars at Trafalgar Park.   

Fresh from their R.E.S.P.E.C.T tour, Hall of Famer Annie Crummer (Netherworld Dancing Toys, When the Cats Away), soul and R&B star Deva Mahal (daughter of American blues musician Taj Mahal), Betty-Anne (Ardijah), and jazz queen Naomi Ferguson (The Music is Bond) will be taking Whakatū on a journey through the chart-topping anthems of legendary divas, conducted by Tom Rainey. 

Opera singers, Emma Pearson (soprano) who was principal artist at the Hessisches Staatstheater, Wiesbaden, in Germany between 2005 and 2014, and winner of the 2022 Kiri Te Kanawa Prize for Potential, and Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono (tenor), will be supported by Tessa Quayle, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Kay. 

The inaugural 'Opera in the Park’ was held in 1999 and has since become a flagship community event organised by  Nelson City Council. There have been many notable artists over the years including Stan Walker, Tami Neilson and Bic Runga. 
Alcohol will not be sold at the event. For safety reasons and to protect the pitch, please no glassware or seats with sharp legs. 

This is the second time that it will be a carbon neutral event. We have estimated, reduced and offset the operational emissions of the whole event. We are also working towards zero waste - PLEASE leave nothing but footprints. 
With thanks to our sponsors, Sotheby’s International Realty, Matthews Eyecare and , Kuske Eyewear and Digitella.  
An evening of timeless classics and current hits that will get you up and dancing under the stars! 
 
For performance updates visit the ‘Nelson City Presents’ Facebook page. 

Here's a link to read the Frequently Asked Questions (163KB PDF) on our website.

 Tickets on sale

Eventfinda: www.eventfinda.co.nz or phone 0800 BUY TIX (289 849) Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm

Nelson City Council Customer Service Centre: Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm 

Pay It Forward

When purchasing your tickets you have an opportunity to support someone in the community.  All money raised will go toward buying tickets for people who otherwise would not be able to attend.

This is a carbon neutral event: we have estimated, reduced and offset the emissions of the whole event.

We are also working towards zero waste.  PLEASE leave nothing but footprints.

With thanks to our sponsors, Sotheby’s International Realty, Matthews Eyecare and , Kuske Eyewear and Digitella.