Grand Final Gala
Mezzo-soprano singer Katie Trigg was named Winner of the 2024 Lexus Song Quest in association with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation on Rāhoroi3 Hereturikōkāat the Michael Fowler Centre. Katie was crowned in front of an adoring hunga mātakitaki, including audiences from around the world who tuned into the livestream and the live radio broadcast.
Our congratulations to Katie and all five finalists, including Runner-Up tenor Manase Latu and Third Place winner counter-tenor Austin Haynes. Katie has walked away with a life-changing immediate cash prize of $50,000 for professional development purposes.
International Head Judge, GRAMMY Award-winning lyric coloratura soprano Sumi Jo said she has been very impressed with the high standard of all five finalists.
“The talent displayed by these young singers at this weekend's Grand Final Gala was outstanding, and each of them truly earned their spot in the Lexus Song Quest Grand Final. While having a stunning voice with flawless tone, technique, and musicality is essential, it's equally important to shine with star quality and charisma that grabs the audience’s attention. Tonight’s award recognises an exceptionally special artist”
You can still experience the glittering Grand Final Gala - the livestream video as well as the radio broadcast are still available to access from NZSO+ and you can listen in on RNZ Concert.
The Song Quest will return in 2026.
Image, from left to right: Morgan-Andrew King, Manase Latu, Tayla Alexander, Head Judge Sumi Jo, Katie Trigg and Austin Haynes. Photo by Hagen Hopkins
From its inception in 1956, the Song Quest has become New Zealand opera’s most prestigious singing competition, launching the world-famous opera careers of many talented New Zealanders.
Learn more about the Lexus Song Quest history.
