The tributes have been flowing in from the many people who have enjoyed the Opera Concerts that Winifred Bull and her late husband David hosted in their home in Martinborough. The Bulls long dreamed of providing a venue for young artists to gain performance experience and designed their home in Martinborough with that in mind. Not many people can claim a room that seats an audience of 100 people!
Now, after 10 years of sold-out opera singing concerts, Winifred is saying a final farewell to this special fixture on the local musical calendar. The regret of the loyal audience has been heartfelt but so has the appreciation. The concerts have delighted those attending, offered opportunities for young singers and created yet another event to enhance the village’s cultural reputation. Plus the concerts have raised $50,000 to support VUW School of Music’s biennial student opera. *
Over the years some 100 young singers have performed in the concerts. These were initially set up in partnership with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation and later the NZ School of Classical Voice at VUW and in particular Dr Margaret Medlyn ONZM. Some of these students have gone on to national and international singing careers while others have moved into directing, composing, writing librettos or conducting. All say they have loved performing in Martinborough.
To recognise the Bulls’ contribution to the careers of its singing students the university has set up the “The David and Winifred Bull Scholarship in Vocal Performance”. Winifred credits Tom Bunny for this initiative. From being an adamant musical non-starter he became a dedicated supporter and then booster for official recognition.
The last word about these concert must go to Winifred
“I am quietly delighted and humbled by the way the community embraced these concerts. I never imagined sold-out concerts with waiting lists. You were very warm and appreciative audiences. The students loved performing for you and knew that you understood that they were still learning. This made a very relaxed environment for them, giving us some wonderful vocal moments. Thank you all.
There were others who made these concerts a success: the wonderful women who did the catering before Medici took over, the Lions who lent me their chairs, the many who helped set-up and put away, as well as my wonderful piano tuner who made my little Knight piano sing.
These concerts have been an extremely pleasurable activity for me. I am pleased so many found that this was their experience too and that we can reflect on some happy memories”.
*The 2023 VUW Classical Voice opera, Cinderella, will take place on September 8th, 9th and 10th at the Hunter Lounge, Student Union Building, Victoria University of Wellington
