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Born in Canada to Kiwi parents, Julia Booth (née Hill) moved back to New Zealand in 2003 where she began studying under the tutelage of David Griffiths’ at the University of Waikato (UW). She completed a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours in 2007 and is currently completing a Master of Arts Degree as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar. She was a PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist 2007/08 with NBR NZ Opera.
"An all-consuming passion for opera has seen this stunning soprano's life hit a high note." |
- Philippa Prentice, Next Magazine |
Julia recently made her debut with NBR NZ Opera as Barena in Janacek's Jenufa. Other operatic highlights include playing the lead role of Mahina in David Griffiths’ world première of The White Lady (UW) and performing as a member of the Chapman Tripp Chorus in NBR NZ Opera’s productions of Lucia di Lamermoor, Turandot (Handmaiden), La Boheme (shadow cover for Mimi) and Jenufa (cover for Karolka). Julia toured the Central North Island with the Cellophonics, performing Bachianas Brasilieras No.5, and has been a featured soloist with both the University Orchestra and the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra. Other engagements include Opera in the Park at the Auckland Domain with the APO and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Julia has attended the NZ Opera School consecutively for four years where she has studied with renowned UK Vocal Coach Paul Farrington and NZ singers/teachers Margaret Medlyn and Barry Mora.
Julia is the recent winner of the inaugural New Zealand Aria Competition, supported by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation. As part of the first-prize package, she will be competing in the Sydney McDonald Aria Competition in 2009.
Other special awards include the Creative and Performing Arts Person of the Year at the University Blues Award Ceremony, winner of the Hamilton Aria Competitions, winner of the inaugural University of Waikato Aria Competition and recipient of the prestigious Hillary Medal.
Recordings include Air de bijoux from Faust (Journey to the Summit CD, University of Waikato) and the world premiere of The Angle of Reflection by Anthony Young (Lions Foundation Composer Workshop with the APO).
Julia is passionate about voice and looks forward to furthering her career both within New Zealand and abroad.
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