Go to Show information At the heart of Project Prima Volta is a belief that young artists learn best by doing. L'Orfeo offers PPV members the rare opportunity to co-create one of the most influential works in operatic history, immersed in the artistic process alongside experienced professionals.

Monteverdi's groundbreaking masterpiece tells the story of Orpheus, whose love for Eurydice compels him to journey into the Underworld in one of opera's most enduring explorations of love, loss and the transformative power of music. Nearly 420 years after its premiere, L'Orfeo continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth, expressive beauty and extraordinary humanity.

Directed by internationally acclaimed Scottish opera director John Wilkie and conducted by José Aparicio, this intimate production is shaped by a small but perfectly formed creative team. Fast-rising Tāmaki Makaurau tenor Ivan Zhang leads an outstanding cast of Project Prima Volta artists, supported by a period-inspired chamber orchestra of leading New Zealand musicians. Together, they bring Monteverdi's score vividly to life, revealing both its timeless emotional power and remarkable freshness.

Project Prima Volta has built its reputation by creating exceptional opportunities for emerging singers to develop their craft within professional productions. L'Orfeo embodies that philosophy, inviting audiences to experience one of opera's defining masterpieces while witnessing the next generation of Aotearoa's opera talent performing alongside some of the country's finest artists.