In September, he was accepted and granted a scholarship to study at the school this year.
As well as organising fundraising concerts to help with expenses, he is working as a salesman in an upmarket clothing shop in Ponsonby.
Singing opera runs in the family, he said.
“Both my parents were opera singers.”
This year he will perform as a soloist for Bach Musica in Bach’s Easter Oratorio, as well as alto solo roles in Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Vivaldi’s Gloria for other groups.
His voice transformation has been a remarkable change in his life, he said.
“It’s exciting, I’m loving every minute of it.”
Last year, as a baritone, he won the Dame Malvina Major award for most promising artist at the New Zealand Aria competition.
Being in London later this year also means he can foster his great love of Handel and baroque music.
“There is so much there, I can’t wait.”
“The opera school has been amazing, it has been a great love of mine forever.”
Reid appointed trustee
Fergus Reid has been appointed a trustee of the New Zealand Opera School.
Reid has been involved with the school for eight years; before that, he was working as a technician at Royal Whanganui Opera House, and music has always been a strong force in his life.
Reid now has his own business, Tech Services, featuring lighting, sound and associated production aspects for events.
“I really enjoy being a part of the opera school and mixing with the students, it’s wonderful and special.”
He said keeping the school in Whanganui was important.
“This is our town and it’s wonderful.”
Born and raised in Whanganui, Reid spent some time in the UK and Melbourne but after five or so years the pull home came hard and fast.
“Even though I knew overseas meant more money, more people and all of that, I just knew I had to come home to Whanganui.
“It’s a really special community, special people.”