This year the former student won the prestigious British singing competition, the Kathleen Ferrier Awards, with Opera Today reviewer calling Juliena worthy first place.
The performance was “emotionally enriching”, in which “time seemed to stand still when Van Mellaerts sang”, says Opera Today reviewer.
Julian graduated recently from the Royal College of Music with their highest honour, the Tagore Gold Medal, and is now set to begin an extensive opera touring schedule with a booked out calendar until 2020.
Based in London, the Old Collegian still lists Dame Kiri Te Kawana as his main mentor and supporter. Her Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation has provided a great deal of support for the singer and many other talented young people in New Zealand.
We look forward to Julian’s visit to New Zealand next year, where he will be touring with the New Zealand Opera.
To keep up to date with his touring schedule you can find his website here
