Emma Gilkison - Sister Dolcina (Suor Angelica) & The Maid (Elegies)

Emma is an English-born Soprano, residing in South Canterbury, and regularly engaged to perform at concerts around the region.

Emma has been singing since the age of ten after a compulsory audition for The Wizard of Oz at school. She gained her A.T.C.L. Diploma in Singing with Distinction in 2017, studying under the expert guidance of Margot Button. Emma is a current member of the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus, and is a former member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and also its Chamber Choir. At school, Emma was a prizewinner in The National Chamber Music for Schools Competition as part of a trio performing Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock.

Emma has performed extensively in the United Kingdom in various musical forms including opera, operetta and musical theatre. Her roles include Belinda/First Witch/First Lady (Dido and Aeneas, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), and Phoebe (Iolanthe). Emma’s most recent performances in New Zealand include the role of Mother Superior in Sister Act (Variety Theatre Ashburton), Ensemble in Tosca (NZ Opera), Featured Soloist in Showstoppers 2, Backing Vocalist in Mamma Mia, Aristocrat/Ensemble in Evita, and Nun/Ensemble in The Sound of Music (South Canterbury Drama League).

Soprano soloist work in both countries includes: Mozart – Exsultate Jubilate, Requiem, Solemn Vespers; Haydn – The Creation; Bach – Magnificat; Vivaldi – Gloria; Handel – The Messiah, Dixit Dominus; Faure – Requiem.

Emma is very excited to be part of the inaugural performances for Toi Toi Opera, and thanks the Creative Team and Trustees for providing further artistic opportunities for singers and actors in Canterbury.