Head Judge
Frederica von Stade
Frederica von Stade is one of the most beloved mezzo-sopranos of her generation, celebrated for her warmth, expressive artistry, and enduring contribution to classical music. Affectionately known as “Flicka,” she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1970 and went on to perform more than 300 times with the company, earning particular acclaim for roles such as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier.
Her distinguished career has taken her to leading opera houses worldwide, including Teatro alla Scala, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, and the Paris Opera, as well as major American companies. In concert, she has collaborated with eminent conductors and orchestras across the globe.
A champion of contemporary music, she has inspired works by composers including Jake Heggie and Dominick Argento. Her honours include France’s Order of Arts and Letters and recognition from President Ronald Reagan for her contribution to the arts.
Preliminary Judges
Joanna Foote
Accomplished soprano Joanna Foote holds a Bachelor of Music from University of Auckland and a Master’s in Music from University of California, Los Angeles. A regular soloist with NZ Opera, she made her company debut in 2021 as Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro and returned in 2024/25 as Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park.
An alumna of the Solti/Te Kanawa Accademia, Joanna received continued support from both the Solti and Te Kanawa foundations. A finalist and award winner for some of New Zealand’s finest competitions, her career has shown incredible national success.
Following her studies, she performed with Opéra Français de New York and appeared in the BBC documentary What Makes a Great Soprano? She trained with programs including the Seattle Young Artist Program and Chautauqua Institution Summer Academy. Having appeared internationally with The Opera Group (Spain) and Deutsche Opera Berlin, Foote’s European repertoire also includes an outstanding list of leading roles.
Phillip Rhodes
Phillip Rhodes is one of New Zealand’s leading operatic baritones and a former Lexus Song Quest winner. He now returns to the competition as a preliminary judge, bringing the insight of an artist who knows first-hand the launching power and value of the platform.
His win brought him to the attention of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who then offered a scholarship to pursue further studies in the U.K. which proved integral to building and establishing a career in opera.
Born in Hawke’s Bay, Rhodes won the Lexus Song Quest in 2007, a breakthrough that marked him as one of the country’s most promising young singers. Since then, he has built a distinguished international career on major opera stages.
His performances have been acclaimed with leading companies including the Royal Opera House, Welsh National Opera, English National Opera, Opera North, Scottish Opera, Irish National Opera, Opera Australia, New Zealand Opera, and the Auckland Philharmonic. His repertoire spans Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Britten, Mussorgsky, Rossini and Beethoven. with notable roles including Figaro, Escamillo, Scarpia, Germont, Renato, Don Pizarro and Ford.
Renowned for his rich baritone, dramatic presence, and musical authority, Rhodes has become a respected figure in the opera world beyond New Zealand. His success reflects both exceptional artistry and a career shaped by top-level international experience.