★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE GUARDIAN
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ BACHTRACK
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE STAGE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ POLITIKEN
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ NZ HERALD
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE TIMES
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’BEST PRODUCTION’ NOMINATION
THE INTERNATIONAL OPERA AWARDS
THE INTERNATIONAL OPERA AWARDS

John Wilkie, a Scottish director of opera and theatre, has worked internationally, with his productions being performed in the UK, Europe, and New Zealand.
He is the Artistic Principal Stage Director at New Zealand Festival Opera, a stagecraft tutor at The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio, and is a founding member of the acclaimed Opera Bohemia in his homeland of Scotland.
His work is informed by a background of training in both music and acting. John is dedicated to crafting focused, authentic storytelling intertwined with musical language, and he seeks to create a nurturing, compassionate rehearsal process that emphasises collaboration and evolution.
Driven by a passion for both cinematic and art history, his opera productions weave the magic of film and visual art into the fabric of live performance. By drawing on the artistry of filmmakers and artists, his endeavour is to create immersive experiences that transform the operatic stage into a vivid tapestry of storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with narratives through a fresh lens.
Nominated in the ‘Best Production’ category at the 2021 International Opera Awards, John’s production of Il segreto di Susanna at Opera Holland Park was also named as one of the ‘Top Five Productions’ by The Stage and The Times.
He is the Artistic Principal Stage Director at New Zealand Festival Opera, a stagecraft tutor at The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio, and is a founding member of the acclaimed Opera Bohemia in his homeland of Scotland.
His work is informed by a background of training in both music and acting. John is dedicated to crafting focused, authentic storytelling intertwined with musical language, and he seeks to create a nurturing, compassionate rehearsal process that emphasises collaboration and evolution.
Driven by a passion for both cinematic and art history, his opera productions weave the magic of film and visual art into the fabric of live performance. By drawing on the artistry of filmmakers and artists, his endeavour is to create immersive experiences that transform the operatic stage into a vivid tapestry of storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with narratives through a fresh lens.
Nominated in the ‘Best Production’ category at the 2021 International Opera Awards, John’s production of Il segreto di Susanna at Opera Holland Park was also named as one of the ‘Top Five Productions’ by The Stage and The Times.
”So perfect, so spirited,
so loving... it’s probably never had a production more affectionate than John Wilkie’s staging.” THE SPECTATOR |
”The production is deft and elegant… knowing laughter rings out from the first couple of minutes and it continues unabated to the end”
THE NEW STATESMAN |
“Wilkie has a refined understanding of the pace, timing and quality of opera…
the interplay between his craft and what’s happening in the orchestra pit is stunning.” THE NEW ZEALAND HOOK |