Avid Opera will be performed by Allison Cormack, Saul Gidney, and Lorna Sherrin, accompanied by Pauline Boyd.

Allison Cormack, a multi-award-winning soprano, has captivated audiences with her performances at the Nelson Civic Choir, Opera Festival Gala, and beyond. For this concert, she will be joined by other talented opera singers for an afternoon of beautiful songs.

Saul Gidney began his singing journey in musical theatre as a young lad in Nelson before moving to Christchurch to study psychology. There, he performed in numerous productions, including Buddy Holly (Showbiz Christchurch), Jesus Christ Superstar (Riccarton Players), and The Magic Flute (Southern Opera). Saul was also a founding member and soloist in the Christchurch Pops Choir. Since returning to Nelson, Saul has taken on leading roles in productions such as Phantom of the Opera (Blenheim Musical Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Nelson Theatrix), and Les Miserables (Nelson Youth Theatre), as well as performing as a soloist with the Nelson Civic Choir. Most recently, Saul played Freddy in Nelson Repertory's production of My Fair Lady and is looking forward to singing as a featured soloist in Nelson Civic Choir's upcoming Gilbert and Sullivan concert.

Lorna Sherrin, originally from the UK, studied music and was a soloist with several opera, choral, and Gilbert and Sullivan groups, winning a UK NODA award. After moving to New Zealand, she sang with Wellington Light Opera (WGSLO) in the role of Orlovsky (Die Fledermaus) and participated in various concert performances. She then joined the Avid Diva opera group in Nelson.