Biography

Shiddharth (Sid) Chand, a tenor of New Zealand Fijian-Indian heritage, has quickly emerged as a distinguished figure in the classical music realm. Recently accepted as a Manetti Shrem Opera Program Fellow, he performed at the Festival Napa Valley, he covered the role of Pedrillo in Mozart's 'Die Entführung auf dem Seräil'. Shiddharth showcased his versatility and artistry with compelling role debuts as Rinuccio in Puccini’s 'Gianni Schicci' and Ferrando in Mozart’s ‘Così fan tutte’ under the baton of Curt Pajer as well as Miles in Mazzoli’s 'Proving Up' conducted by Steven Osgood.

Demonstrating his commitment to contemporary compositions, Shiddharth premiered Alexander Cowdell's evocative work 'A Place of Quiet' with the Auckland Youth Orchestra, a performance later recorded and published by SOUNZ Aotearoa. He also mesmerized audiences with Benjamin Britten’s ‘Serenade with Horn and Strings’ alongside the NCMA Chamber Orchestra in Nelson, earning acclaim for his "transcendently beautiful" rendition (Nelson Mail).

Shiddharth's remarkable talent has garnered recognition in prestigious competitions, securing the inaugural Auckland Opera Studio Aria Scholarship Competition and earning finalist positions in the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition and the Lockwood New Zealand Aria Competition, where he was honored with the John Bond Award for Most Promising Voice (18 years and over). Shiddharth’s looks forward to his upcoming debut as Candide in Bernstein’s operetta ‘Candide’ with SFCM Opera. Shiddharth is proudly supported by the Dame Kiri te Kanawa Foundation, Circle100 Foundation, New Zealand Opera Foundation Trust, and Mardell Cosgrove Trust.

Images: Mazolli “Proving Up” (2024) Matthew Washburn