Remembering Barry Mora - Radio New Zealand, October 14th 2021

Obituary: Barry Mora, consummate singer who made his name in opera houses around Europe, Roger Wilson, 05:00, Nov 06 2021 (Stuff)

Barry Mora: opera singer; b November 15, 1940; d October 11, 2021

It says a great deal for Barry Mora’s qualities as a consummate singing actor that such an unfailingly pleasant, kind, modest, decent man had a career of such distinction in the fiercely competitive, not always benign, world of opera.

For it was a remarkable career, probably more so than many opera enthusiasts in this country are aware. Mora was what the Germans call a “Kavalierbariton”, equally adept at Italian and German repertoire, and throughout the 1980s he was one of the very finest in Europe.

Reginald Barry Mora grew up on a farm at Taikorea, near Palmerston North. His family was musical, but there were no thoughts of a career in it. He travelled 25 kilometres every day to attend Palmerston North Boys’ High School and, on leaving, found a job with the then NZ Broadcasting Service. Read more…

Remembering renowned opera singer Barry Mora - Adam Blackwell17:00, Oct 15 2021 (Stuff)

Barry Mora, a renowned opera singer known for his terrific work ethic and humble nature, passed away on Monday aged 80. Mora, a bass-baritone from Palmerston North, began his career in New Zealand before spending many years performing overseas.

He made his professional debut in New Zealand as Valentin in Faust in 1971. He then went abroad, joining the Geksenkirchen City Opera in Germany in 1976 before becoming a member of the highly regarded Frankfurt City Opera between 1980 and 1987. Read more…

Dearest Barry,

I’m thinking of you and sending you much, much love. So many beautiful memories of when we worked together at the Frankfurt Opera keep running through my mind. I can still vividly see and hear you in so many of your roles on stage. You were a fantastic singer and actor! You were great in all of your roles. Ford in Falstaff, Malatesta in Don Pasquale, Chorébe in The Trojans, Luna in Il Trovatore, Tamare in Die Gezeichneten. The list goes on and on. Amazing. You were one of the major stalwarts of our ensemble in the 1980’s when the Frankfurt Opera made opera history, and your fellow ensemble members loved working with you—you were such a generous fellow performer on stage. And you also gave so much pleasure to the audiences. I thank you for my huge treasure trove of memories of your great performances. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful friendship over the past decades. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

much love and a huge hug
Pamela Rosenberg

Dear Clare, dear Di, dear Chris,

very, very sad and without words I read your email today and I could not believe. My thoughts and heart are with you and I wish so much to honor and to thank Barry again for all who he was, is and ever will be for me.

A brillant teacher, for a time he was like a father and concerning as a singer he was a great role model for me. I never would have become the singer and person without his personality, advices and presence. His advices saved me often as singer. I deeply are thankful for all he had given to me and I was so happy and it was great luck that we could meet twice in New Zealand and in Germany, how valuable this times. All this I will never forget! Please give him a very warm and big hugh!!!

I wish I could send him a voice message but FB today is closed- I will try tomorrow. Here a part of „Paulus" which he listen to when I was the last time in NZ.

„Ich danke dir Herr mein Gott“ ich danke dir, dass Du Barry in mein Leben gebracht hast.

In Liebe

Euer Christoph von Weitzel

Barry, I just want you to know how much our friendship means to me

We started off in those Brooklyn days in Wellington I loved flying up for our sessions. You helped me immediately and getting to work with you in Rigoletto holds so many lovely memories. I just loved having a beer with you picking your brains and talking about our lives.

The Perth Lucia comes to mind lots of laughs.

I always looked forward to Gigging in Auckland catching up with you Di and Clare popping into the shop and planning a lesson beer and always greeted with your smiling face. You are such a special person and a special friend to me you will always hold a special place in my heartmate.

You know I consider you my surrogate father figure but you’re also my best man. Thank you for that.

Goodbye old mate I love you.

Jud Arthur

Hello Di, Chris and Clare,
A long time since we have spoken, and in happier circumstances that was. I have had quite lengthy phone conversations with both Barry and Di twice in the last month, so your news does not come as a surprise to me. He has been remarkable for holding this at bay for so long now. I’m not sure that I have anything in the way of particular anecdotes to share. What I do have is a love and admiration for Barry as the compassionate, intelligent and good-humoured man he has been since boyhood.
Of course, I have many memories of our friendship and have no hesitation in saying he is possibly the closest and best friend I have made during my life, albeit our life paths diverged drastically between school and middle age. I hated school, by and large, and couldn’t wait to be 15 so I could leave, which I did. When we reconnected many, many years ago, upon Barry and Di’s return to NZ, it was like we had never been apart and we immediately picked up the love of laughter and music that we had shared as boys. Well, I remember the pair of us striding the sandy knolls on the farm singing into the wind, and then giggling ourselves silly at farting contests we held in the hayshed, out of hearing of Reg and Ruby. Perhaps my early departure from school enabled Barry to become more refined and gentlemanly than he might otherwise have been had he had more years in my company.

Our recent phone conversations have been a series of reminiscences of those boyhood years. We often took turnabout week-ending at each other’s places. They were particularly happy days in what appear now to have been simpler times. My family treated Barry as one of the family and Reg and Ruby likewise with me. I can still recall Reg, in particular, being fascinated and appreciative of the little cartoon drawings I had a penchant for doing. I was always a city kid who badly wanted to be a country kid so weekends at the farm were just as good as life could get.

I feel for you and your family Clare and there is distress in my family also. Jill and our 2 girls (now into their 40’s) have long regarded Barry with special affection and admiration. As you may be aware Hollie was eager to make Barry a teddy bear (Parker) when she learned that things were not going well for him and was pleased to learn that Parker had found a home where he is much loved.

Best to you all - Garry and Jill Tremain xx

Dearest Clare,

Something that might make your Dad smile is that ALL singers, no matter what stage of life or retirement, still have the dream of not getting on stage in time, not knowing the music, having on the wrong costume (if any at all and not naked!!!) As I progressed to a directing career, my dreams were of studying the wrong opera….but wait a minute, I thought we were doing …..?!!! when we all meet after the golden chariot ride (as my mother referred to her “demise”), we can have many good laughs and perhaps even many more good sings. I hope so.

Our memories of all of you are such fond ones, and we hold you in our thoughts and hearts.

An extra squeeze for your Mama from

Jolly and John

Today we farewelled our dear Dad/Poppa and James and I were so fortunate to be able to watch it from afar. An elegant, intimate, emotional service with family members sharing stories. This man, led his life from his heart, and everyone that was blessed to know him loved him dearly. He was humble, modest, generous and kind, yet his life was incredible. Clare and Chris have immortalized his life's journey by creating a website, it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Thank you Chris Mora and Clare Mora from the bottom of my heart for instigating this. He had a life well lived. xxx Love you always xxxx

Lesa Bide

Dear Barry, I have just read of your death and written a message on your FB page. It saddened me greatly to read this news and I send my condolences to your beloved Di and your beloved children, Chris and Clare. Dorothee and I left New Zealand at the end of September and spent October in Bonn with Dorothee's recently widowed mother. Now we are back in Kent.

You and I first met at 112 Harley Street, London in 1975, when I was staying with John and Maggie Matheson and you were studying with John. From there, I wrote to Agentur Schultz in Munich on your behalf to ask for an audition and, because you knew no German, I travelled with you to Munich for the audition. I seem to remember I had other business to attend to, in Munich, at that time, but I nevertheless accompanied you to the audition which was held by Herr Stoll and Herr Haase. Frau Rief, the lovely secretary, chatted to me while you were doing your audition and, out of the blue, asked me if I would be interested in a job as Regieassistent at the Staatstheater in Oldenburg. Meanwhile, your audition had been a success and the Schulz Agentur sent you to the Ruhrgebiet to audition for a position as principal baritone, and sent me to Oldenberg to an interview for the vacant position of Regieassistant. A few days later, we met up in London again, you with a company contract for the opera house in Gelsenkirchen and I with my Regieassistent contract. This was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. I became your career manager from 1976 for the next two decades and some, until you settled back in the antipodes.

What memorable times we enjoyed, together with Di and the children, in Gelsenkirchen (Järvefelt, Oberle, Leininger, Budai, etc), then in Frankfurt and Cardiff and Covent Garden, etc. Remember our two NZ Gala performances in 1990, at Covent Garden and at Scottish Opera? Remember our day in Glasgow when we attended the dreadful Orangemen’s march through the city? Remember the enthralling Bonn concert organised by the NZ Embassy (Ira Buckingham, Hunter Wade), where you gave the first performance, together with Richard Mapp, of the Wolfskehl Lieder composed for you by Edwin Carr? Of course over the whole period, I heard you in scores of wonderful performances. You belong to the finest singers that New Zealand has produced and to the most pleasant artists in the business. Your artistry and your person was loved and admired by all who knew you, and your position in the NZ Walhalla of opera singers is guaranteed forever. Dear Barry, thank you for your friendship, for the privilege of representing you, and for the countless beautiful memories which will remain with me, so long as I have memory. Barry, rest in peace, dear friend.'

Haydn Rawstron

Dearest Di, Barry and Clare,

I am so sad that you have all come to this moment. I do send all my love to you all. Aidan’s at work but he, Eleanor and I still hold you dear in our hearts.

These pictures say a lot to me of how generous you were to us and all our visitors to NZ. I miss you terribly and send you massive hugs and kisses,

Linda & Aiden XXXX

Hi Clare and all of you wonderful people. This news goes directly to my heart with so much sadness it‘s hard to express. Barry has been in my life since 1977 as well as most of you. I have never laughed so much as with him, on the stage, behind the stage, wherever we were we had the most fun and intense conversations occasionally, always ending in laughter! Any facial expression he made sent me roaring!

Barry is now in God‘s hands, along with many others. He is on a special list for Einstellen in the Bruno Gröning Circle of Friends to help him in his journey. He has been in our Einstellen since the onset of this and will remain there always, as well as you all!

Barry will always remain in our thoughts and memories! Some of the best times in my life were with Barry and you all, in Germany, In Italy and of course NZ! He has a new journey and life now free from pain and suffering. I just talked with Sandy and Holger on FaceTime and we talked about an hour. Barry could always make me laugh, sometimes to falling on the floor! So many wonderful moments that I will always remember!
We wish you all much love and strength. Mike and Julia

Much love, Julia and Mike

Barry’s work with the New Zealand Opera School is unforgettable. His passion and enthusiasm for the great human voice is joined by a great understanding as a result of his own significant career. His wonderful final curtain call was in NZ Opera’s Tosca and he and I shared a dressing room. A more focused and dedicated performer would be an inspiration to many. His time on the Opera Foundation and assisting in the selection of students to receive funding was SO supportive because in Barry we had someone who truly understood the young operatic voice.

Please tell my dear friend I am thinking of him so much and I send him my love and my spirit of hope.

Donald Trott, ONZM, JP.

Executive Chairman NZ Opera School Trust, Trustee NZ Opera Foundation Trust

We first remember Barry and Di in the late 50s, early 60s, (can’t quite remember ). We were all members of the grandiosely named Tauranga Choral and Operatic Society. There we watched and encouraged, the romance between these two very talented young people blossom and prosper.

Then it was Wellington. We remember going to their pole house on a steep site in Ngaio, where the southerly wind roaring up the valley was enough to make ripples in the carpet as we enjoyed dinner! I also have a hazy memory of a house in Tinakori Road.

After that our lives separated. Barry and Di went off to conquer the operatic worlds of Europe. Several years later we did try to find them in Frankfurt and Ulm (I think), but with no luck as the Opera Houses were closed and we had no idea where they were living.

Fast forward to Sydney in the 1990s. It gave us such joy to reconnect there and fill in the gaps of the years that had passed.

And so to now, with the four of us in Retirement Villages in Auckland, but still in touch. We revelled in Barry’s performance as the curmudgeonly old verger in “Tosca” and watched it over again when it was on the tele!

Thank you Barry for your friendship, your music, your deliciously deep laugh and all the laughs and good times we have shared, even spasmodically, over some 60 years. The wonderful thing with long-standing friendships is that no matter the gaps between the meetings, we are able to pick up where we left off and the years somehow fall away.

We love you. Love and hugs to you and to Di

Cheryl and Chris Cameron

Very sorry to get the news. I can't remember if I'd written this before, but three memories of Barry in Frankfurt. First, we were in an absolute stinker of an opera, "Stephen climax" where I believe your Dad was Stephen, brilliant acting job and very hard to sing, but we'd always look at each other before going on stage and sort of wince and wink -"What a piece of crap and this is how we make a living!". And two operas we did together. In the Magic Flute our scene together when he was the Speaker, charged me up not just be his wonderful singing but his acting. I really had to raise my game to match his intensity. What a great colleague. And in Butterfly, which I did a bazillion times, I never felt the strong disapproval as powerfully of Sharpless in the first act as I did with Barry. Privately as John I would have cancelled the whole wedding etc. but as Pinkerton, it made me uncomfortable and aware of how big a shit I was.

He was and is always good company, a great joy to have and be around. If it's possible, give him my love and warm regards.

Love, John

John Stewart, Director (Retired) of Vocal Activities, Washington University in St Louis

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Barry Mora. He was a consummate singing actor and one of the finest men I have ever met. I first met him when I was a student at Otago and he was the calm, polite and firm tour manager for the NZBC Symphony Orchestra. It was very courageous of him and Di to go to Europe with a family to study and start a career. His European career was extremely distinguished. He and Di were very helpful to me when I was launching into Germany. The very best hospitality and advice. They did that for many young singers from NZ. His contribution to the musical and operatic culture of New Zealand on his return from Europe was enormous. He carried on delivering outstanding supporting roles until recently. His Sacristan in Tosca is a joy to watch and hear and delivered with all the care and precision he gave to Scarpia in his younger days. The cast of Cenerentola in Hobart was very lucky to have Barry with them on the day of the awful massacre at Port Arthur, where they had gone for a day trip after the General Rehearsal. Barry's decisive action in bundling the cast into a gardener's shed and barring the doors saved their lives quite literally. That is the stuff of nightmares. Barry was so generous to so many younger baritones with his teaching, his advice and gifts of his old scores, all marked up. RIP dear friend. My deepest condolences to Di and the family.

Patrick Power

What is left to say that hasn't been said already, and by so many. You infected many with your gentle heart and smile, whether by design, or nature, you met everyone with positivity. Singing with you in Tosca, from your score, in 2015 was one of those moments I never expected to happen, which made it all the more treasured time. Having coffee with you and Di, sharing your humour, and your kind words made up for any confidence I was lacking in facing such a challenging role. You were so kind in your praise, to everyone. You will be another dearly missed soul on the soils of Aotearoa.
When I left New Zealand, to try better my skills in opera, your actions and kindness spoke more to me than anyone's words, the gift of your old scores, drove me through the most difficult of times, and as the tributes flow in, it comes as no surprise that this was your way with everyone, It said above anything else that, we belonged, and deserved a chance to enjoy singing. Much love Barry. R.I.P

Philip Rhodes

I am so saddened to hear the news of your dearest dad’s parting.

I can’t imagine the pain you, your darling mum and your brother must be going through at the moment

Barry was a wonderful man and a great artist who will be sorely missed and remembered in the world of opera.

Your parents were so wonderful to me at various stages of my life, Germany, Cardiff and here in Auckland.

Barry was indeed a very special person, generous with his professional advice and always so positive and encouraging and always kind and a gentleman.

He adored Di, you, Chris and the grandchildren.

Words are never enough to explain the sorrow you must be feeling right now but I just want you to know that I am thinking of you all and PLEASE, PLEASE pass on my sincerest condolences to your beautiful mum. She is a truly great lady. I will be sending her a card.

With all my loving thoughts,

Trish (Patricia Wright)

Greetings from Italy where my wife and I are trying to escape from Brexit and Covid. But we haven’t escaped from the thundering low note of Barry’s death.

Having known him in his Welsh National Opera days as well as in his performing and teaching and board membership roles in New Zealand I feel that I saw and admired many sides of his character and his life.

The unassuming expert is an increasingly rare bird. But that is what Barry was. One of his biggest gifts to his colleagues and his pupils was the example that he set. He was a classy fellow and he leaves an unfillable gap in New Zealand’s singing history.

Could you please send my condolences to Di and tell her the blow of his death is felt a very long way from Auckland.

With good wishes to you and your family,

Wyn

Wyn Davies

Dear Clare & Chris,

Barry was born on 15 November 1940. I was born a month later - on 13 December - at Palmerston North.

On Barry’s 80th birthday, last year, I sent him the following letter. I expressed thoughts about him that remain unchanged.

Please give your mother a big hug from us. Sincerely, in this anxious and difficult time.

Russell Callander (and Suzanne)

_______________

Dear Barry

Although we shared the same good fortune to be schooled at Palmerston North Boys High School, thereafter we had no contact over many decades. It is only over the last few years that I have had the good luck to enjoy your company at Mama Mia and elsewhere. I regret that our friendship did not encompass a longer time frame. Our lives took different paths.

Today, on your 80th birthday, I want you to know how much I enjoy your personable, and optimistic friendship. You are dignified, charming and admirable in so many ways.

I admire your steadfast and uncomplaining response to your cancer. I am astonished at how bravely you face life and the often debilitating treatment you have undergone. I applaud your courage and positive attitude even when I realise your inner thoughts are probably very different.

Suzanne joins me in wishing you a special day. You and Di have our warmest wishes.

Cheers, Russell

Our Great Friend Barry Mora.

Very sad news to hear about Barry and I know how difficult it will be for you all. I came to Mama Mia later than some but an important reconnection for me. He was amazingly brave and always positive.

At PNBHS we were country boys arriving by bus which made us special in different ways! In 1959 we were both in the Rugby Ist XV, cannot remember much about the games but they were incredibly exciting! Barry was our very reliable fullback. I have a photo of the team taken behind the PN Showgrounds all looking very cool. (If you would like a copy I can send?). Barry was also the big star in our original school opera 'Southern Belle'.

I loved hearing Barry sing and we all know he had an international career. Once I met Barry on the steps of the Auckland Town Hall after one of his performances. To me as an old boy he was famous! But totally unassuming and we chatted about old days or family.

Kindest Wishes

Murray Faulkner

Dad’s Japanese Girls - his beautiful students both he and Mum love

Dearest Barry

You have been teaching us to sing for many years. And actually it wasn't just how to sing, but it was how to make music too.

You often didn't allow an accompanist to stop playing the outro.

"Keep goin!''

We got a little sweaty playing the non-practiced outro. Then you said 'thank you' with a smile.

You are so kind, generous and a beautiful person. You always pretended to be surprised for your birthday cakes which we got together every year.

Thank you, Barry. You are our teacher and friend forever. We will not forget your smile nor the music we made together.

"Keep goin, Barry. Thank you''

from Girls of Japan

I am devastated by the news.  Barry and Di are like my kiwi mum & dad.  We loved learning singing from Barry, but also equally loved how Di adopted us like rows of ducklings.  We all live away from our parents and so we really treasured the warm friendship.  We saw them at our lunch catch-up and you also joined briefly at Palmers and we were hoping to catch up again.  Just devastated. I meant to email you sooner but I’ve been moving houses and only got connected to internet yesterday. Just left a message on their home phone.  I hope Di is keeping together.  Such a difficult time because of COVID.  Otherwise I would so go to see her.  They came to my husband’s funeral and were a great support to me.

 Many thanks and sincere condolences, Reiko

My name is Nami, I got lessons from Mr Mora for only 6 months. Although I only lived in New Zealand for a short time, I was very happy to be able to learn from him. He had a really good ear and always taught me to distinguish between good and not-so-good sounds.
And also I've been struggling with my voice for a long time, but he helped me find some hope. I have come to enjoy my singing!
Since I moved back to Chicago, I haven't been able to find a good teacher like him, so lately I've been taking online lessons with teachers in Japan and New York.

I hoped to see him again when I went back to New Zealand someday, but I'm very sorry and sad that I won't be able to do so. However, I just searched Barry Mora on Google and was very happy to find his voice on Youtube.

He has a great voice... I love his voice. We will all miss him. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Nami Sagara (USA)

I clearly remember when I phoned Barry for the first time to ask about getting my lessons. I was so nervous and shaky. However, Barry was willing to accept to see me even though I couldn't speak proper English. On the day of the first lesson, he was standing in front of Opera Factory and welcomed me with a gentle smile.

That was the new start for my singing. I don't hesitate to say most of my memories from living in NZ were actually the days of music with Barry. It was very happy days. It's a shame I didn't get to see him one more time.

Dear Di, please be strong and take care of yourself. And please be sure to chat with me one day.

Hiromi

I have a lot of nice memories with Mr Mora. Mr More was a really amazing singing teacher and a brave and generous person to us. Also it’s so nice to see that he and Dai were soul mates who were my ideal married couple. The way he contributed himself to music were very special and respectful. His strong and beautiful voice of singing will stay in everyone’s heart forever.
Thank you so much Mr. Mora….RIP.
With my deep sympathy and condolences

Satoko Huskinson

Dear Di, Clare & Chris

Thank you for your email sent to Russell who has forwarded on to us all.

I, as most of us, have been members of the Momma Mia  PNBHS “club” forever!  And, can say that we are  “great mates” who sometimes (not very often though) talked a load of rubbish (the wine helps you know!!) and mostly (believe me) made a lot more sense relating to the governance of our great nation that is far better having Barry’s stable hand and foresight to guide us from one glass to the next.

Be strong my friend and remember that the next glass is always better than the previous one.

Peter Jollands

Dear Clare and Di,

I was so sad to hear the news of Barry. We only met a few times but I have very fond memories of a kind and gentle man who warmed your heart just from his presence. It is my regret that I never heard him sing, but then I am not really an opera goer. I hope he lives on for ever in his recordings as he does in our hearts.

A big hug to both of you, hoping that you are ok.

David

David Trubridge

I first met dear Barry at the New Zealand Opera School back in 2010, where he was a kind, encouraging and supportive tutor. In the following years, he was at many of my performances and would always find me afterwards to check in on how my life and singing were going. In 2018 we had the opportunity to work together in a very special production of La bohème with New Zealand Opera. Barry jumped in to play Benoît and Alcindoro just two weeks before rehearsals began. He had previously sung Marcello and Schaunard, and had such a good memory of those that he would often sing their lines instead of his own 😂Barry was the best sugar daddy a Musetta could ask for. I loved our chats at Café Momus in between staging (but I’m sure our director Jacqui didn’t). Barry was so genuinely interested in people and a great listener. He was always positive, and always so thrilled to see young singers succeed. I don’t think I ever heard Barry complain about anything; he was just so happy to be doing what he loved among friends. I will miss his smile, his humour, his kindness, and his endless encouragement and support. Rest well, Barry. You were and will continue to be a much-loved member of the opera whānau in Aotearoa ❤️

Amelia Berry

Thinking of Barry Mora today, and sending love to Di and the entire whanau. Greg and I were so saddened to hear of his passing, he was such a support to both of us early in our careers. He always made you feel you were the only person that mattered right then and there whenever he spoke to you, with his warm eyes. The arts community will miss him dearly.

Jayne Tankersley

There are so many memories that I wold love to share with you all and especially to your Dad that I hardly know where to start. He has been a wonderful friend to me since we first sang together in 'La Bohème' back in 1973.. We have been friends ever since and during the many years of productions we have done together he has been a rock of support. We have of course shared many wonderful moments in our crazy mad profession but the things I treasure most about Barry are the times we spent off stage when we kept each other sort of sane but sometimes verging on the hysterical.

Barry is, as you say, always incredibly compassionate in his outlook on life and fiercely realistic and practical in any situation. I’ve always treasured his extraordinary black sense of comedy and I guess if I had one abiding memory of him on stage it would be a wonderful production of Alban Berg’s ‘Wozzeck’ for Opera Australia that we both did in the early 2000s. He was a playing a Doctor who had to ask the Wozzeck to produce a urine sample in an unrealistically extra-sized bottle. His malicious delight and glint in his eyes as he slowly donned a pair of pink surgical gloves will remain with me forever and I suspect struck terror in the heart of the Wozzeck every night. It was a wonderful moment and encapsulated Barry’s supreme comedic talent on stage.

Barry is a wonderful friend and I shall always be grateful for the times we shared not only on stage but off. It was wonderful to see him not too long ago and to talk on the phone regularly now that we are both past our performing days. His cheerfulness in the face of his illness is an inspiration for us all

Clare; I hope that give you some Idea of the love and respect I hold for your Dad and will bring a smile to your face. Rosemary and I are thinking very much of you at this time and send our love to you all. Please make sure that your Mum knows that we are thinking of her

Regards, Richard Greager

One of my abiding memories of Barry that seems in a way to sum him up belongs not to any of the world stages where I saw him perform in his always thrilling and impeccable manner (at Covent Garden as Donner in the WNO Ring Cycle; as the Doctor in Wozzeck with Richard Greager and Jonathan Summers at Sydney Opera House; as Lynch, with Lyndon Terracini as Stephen Daedalus, in the weird and wonderful Stephen Climax, and also as Doctor Malatesta in the much more familiar Don Pasquale at Frankfurt Opera -the list goes on). The occasion was a pre- Christmas concert at Eastcliff, probably c 2005, with my Dilworth boys. They were halfway through a joint but rather uncertain rendition of Mighty Lord (Grosse Herr) from Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Suddenly, Barry rose up from the audience, strode down the aisle and, putting his arms firmly around the boys' shoulders and in no way interrupting the flow of the music, added his voice to the mix. The volume level immediately quadrupled of course and I can still see the expression of utter amazement and delight on the boys' faces as they realised that THIS IS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT. They could not believe they were sharing the stage with this phenomenon! The generosity of this gesture says everything about Barry. He was always humble about his very great gifts and more than willing to share them. He stood in those young men's shoes (Joel Amosa, Eru Harry-Reading, Tavis Gravatt, Alexander Garvey et al)and felt their insecurities whilst offering an awe-inspiring example of what happens when you overcome them. I always enjoyed seeing the joy, excitement and sheer gobsmacked admiration on their faces when this happened.

I'm attaching a photo from 1987, which was the occasion I first performed with Barry, at the Opera Gala I arranged at NZ House in London to raise funds for the Aotea Centre. He was prepared to pay his own fare from Frankfurt where he was then based, typically generous on top of offering his services free of charge. I had heard him sing at NZHouse a decade or so earlier in an unforgettable recital with John Matheson when he sang Schumann's Dichterliebe and four songs by Wolfskehl which made an indelible impression on me. He gave me the music for these some years ago when I shared this with him.
Barry has been such a huge part of my life as both colleague and friend. I love his blend of good humour, humility and adherence to the highest possible professional standards. Spot on!! I don't quite know what I'm offering you here today but I feel better for sharing it. So, thank you! If he is able to listen, maybe you could read some of it to him?

I have not been able to find the lovely photos I took of him and Di a few months ago when Pam Newick and I popped in after a violin recital at Eastcliff. I did email them to Barry so they will be safe on his computer. I have many more but will just attach two: the 1987 Aotea Gala, and a birthday lunch a few years ago with Helen Young at Meadow, nearby.

You are all in my thoughts at this sad sad time. I wish you love and such comfort as being together can bring to you all. Please tell Barry that he has been one of the cornerstones of my life since relocating to NZ in 1993 and I will have to gird my loins to face up to a future without him. It seemed impossible when

I received your text two days ago, but life will go on for all of us who have loved and treasured and valued him so. That's what he would tell us! Give him and Di a hug and all my love.

Rosie Barnes

Vale Barry Mora. One of our nation’s finest singers and a treasured teacher, mentor, colleague, friend - a true gentleman. Our deepest sympathies to Di, and family. Remembering some of the many special performances he gave with our company, La Bohème and Tosca.

New Zealand Opera

I went through Palmerston North Boys High School with Barry, more as an acquaintance than a close friend, but I guess we were all friends really and enjoyed a comradery that was one of respect and friendship, accepting each other and our views while learning together in an environment of strict discipline enforced by our masters and the high standards of behaviour towards our fellow beings.

I remember Barry as a quiet, thoughtful and caring person and I had huge respect for him.

We lost touch after finishing our year's at school, because I moved away from Palmerston North in pursuit of my career, so it was great to catch up with him when I occasionally attended the luncheon at Mama Mia's in Mission Bay, with my brother on my irregular visits to Auckland

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss and trust knowing that you and your family are in the thoughts of many of us that knew and enjoyed Barry's company, will comfort you in this difficult and sad time.

Bob Jollands

Dear Clare
Carmel and I are so so sorry to hear about Barry's passing. Your mother and Barry have been great friends to us and a huge support to me and my career. I thank them both so much. Barry is an artist I strive to be like, a pro, and a nice one too!
Please pass our sincere condolences to Di and the rest of your family - we are so sorry.
Love,

Simon O’Neil and Carmel Walsh

Although Simon had a close relationship with Barry I always gravitated to Di - simply because of a very kind thing she did when I met her in the early days. They had returned from Germany and were quite "fancy" in my head as a twenty-something. Di made a beeline for me at some opera event and made the effort to speak with me rather than the usual deal where people would come over to talk to Simon and I was largely ignored. I was delighted. She passed on some kind words about being the plus one to an opera singer and some other bits of advice but her kindness in wanting to come to talk to me was never forgotten. I hope that she is not too inconsolable these days. Spending a lot of time being a plus one leaves you bereft at times when the person you're plus one from is not around. Very much a minus one.

Carmel Walsh

Being appointed Member of the New Zealand Opera Foundation, November 2020

What words are there to say when time is short? Barry, you have been part of my life for over 25 years now, from my start into opera in 1995 at E.I.T in Hawkes Bay. Barry you were, and are still, a great inspiration for me, not only in music, but as a human. Your humility, modesty, and gentle approach are just some of the qualities I admire in you, and aspire to. Oh, and let’s not forget your genuine sense of humour, and infectious smile. You became a great friend and mentor for me, someone I always really looked forward to catching up with, where ever our paths crossed. One of my fondest memories is sitting on the steps on the old town hall in Sydney “watching the girls go by” with you.  I’m sorry we couldn’t manage the time to visit and introduce the family, but here they are. Kity who you met on our last visit to NZ in 2010 and Mateo (now 6) and Antony (now 4)

God bless you Barry, you remain in my memories and thoughts. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Di and family at this time. With much love and affection

Donald Cullen

Dear Di and family,

Our thoughts have been very much with you and your family these last months, and we will be thinking of you over the Christmas period.

We only knew Barry for a short period, but felt like we had known him forever. I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for all the help, advice and encouragement he gave to me. He was so talented and so willing to share his knowledge. I will always remember his warmth, kindness, and character. An amazing role model I feel privileged to have known.

Love and thoughts from my Mum Ruth and from me,

Alexander James

Dear Clare, we are all so sorry to hear of the passing of your gorgeous Father. I met your Dad 29 years ago dressing for the production of Madama Butterfly and our Families became good friends. I know how much my parents when they were alive loved spending time with your dear parents. I asked your Dad to be Christina’s Godfather and have loved our family catch-ups. I also had the joy of being in Canterbury Opera productions singing in the chorus with your Dad doing wonderful roles. Please give your Mother our love and huge hugs. Sorry in these times we won’t be able to celebrate everything your father was a truly lovely man xxxx

Raemon , Eric , James and Christina

Hallo Clare, hallo Chris

 es macht mich sehr traurig zu hören , dass Barry bald von uns geht. Sagt im bitte alles Liebe von mir!  Ich wünsche Euch viel Kraft für die nächste Zeit!

 Grüße an Di

Rainer Kopp

Wonderful baritone Barry Mora has passed away after a battle with cancer. Barry has always been a regular supporter of Opera Factory attending many performances, encouraging to our team and our singers. We were even lucky enough to feature Barry in some of our productions including Marriage a la Mode by Rod Biss (from our Kiwi Shorts triology of short NZ operas), Marley's Ghost in our original season of Christmas Carol by Philip Norman and as a guest artist at a few of our concerts. He performed all over the world including Frankfurt Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden and Australian Opera. We have lost another dear friend and supporter, rest in peace Barry, with much love to his wife Di and daughter Clare.

New Zealand Opera Factory

Dearest Clare and family,
My time with Barry was the very start of my career and it was his advice that gave me all of my treasured experiences since.
I owe him so much, from his expertise to his patience and his infinite kindness to an older would-be opera singer who, with his sturdy guidance, found herself all the way to a Post Graduate Diploma in Voice from the Royal Northern College of Music (UK).

At the end of our lessons, when he insisted on me going to study further in Australia, he called me The Ruby Voice which made me feel so very special. He had a place for everyone and was himself such an encouraging and inclusive teacher.
He was practical and focussed and never made me feel I may be wasting my time on a classical career - far from it! He told me to stop wasting time and get on with it! And I did.

I made a life in music for myself and have survived the incredible stresses of such a life - Barry was that example to me and I am sending all the love I can from across this ditch.
Kindest regards,

Meera Belle (Meera Webster nee Thomson)

 My friendship with Barry, I have always treasured and I shall sorely miss my contact with him. We have had stimulating conversations. When you get the moment with him, please pass on to him my love, and tell him that his beautiful baritone voice will be appreciated in all his operas to come.

Geraldine Rose

It was with great sadness that I learned today that Barry had passed yesterday. He has had a difficult journey of late and my thoughts have been with you both. I know you will miss him greatly Di but hope that your wonderful memories will bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead. My Mother (Molly Donald) always spoke so warmly of you both and it has been a great pleasure to have a connection with you too over the past years.

Know there are loads of warm wishes, memories and thoughts being sent to you and your family.

Most sincerely, Diana Fenwick.

Hi Di and Barry

Just been recollecting many wonderful times and experiences with you.

Way back to NZSO days and your decision to go to Germany and the tremendous upheaval that created. Prior to that, the marvellous family meals and times together in Ngaio or Normandale.

Then following you through those years overseas and our extreme disappointment that we couldn’t make it to see your debut on Covent Garden stage. We really had planned to be there for that but it wasn’t to be.

Then your return and the many housing projects that we both ventured into!!! We must all be mad to have done so much of that but even on my own, I’ve continued that crazy past-time. Some of us never learn???

Then your venture to Auckland, and again many houses later, and those memorable meals we’ve shared in all of those houses when we’ve ventured north. It was great to see you in January this year in your current home on top of the hill. What amazing views to enjoy when you’re not feeling the best.

I so loved the time you came to stay in Eastbourne when you sang at the winter Opera in a Days Bay garden Barry - so sorry you’ve not seen my wee house at the beach Di but hopefully one day. I think you’d be quite amazed at what I’ve done with the kitchen/dining renovation and the garden - all raised beds for my ageing bones !! Such sense.

Thinking of you heaps and sending massive hugs and much love. You’re such special folk in our lives and I know how very much Alwyn enjoyed and appreciated your friendship Barry- he always chose friends carefully and cherished them. As you know, a man of few words but well-chosen ones.

Sorry this has become a long message but I could say lots more ……much love

Gae Palmer

Barry is a beautiful person inside and out, he is one of “Natures Gentlemen” with such an abundance of talent and the voice of an absolute angel. Always compassionate and dignified as you so rightly say.
Please give Barry and Di my love, I will give some thought to memories and will write to Di at a later date.

Ruth Lewis

I managed Barry's career in Australia and New Zealand for many years. He was a great performer and a lovely man. I was honoured to share his musical journey with him.

Jenifer Eddy

I'm Kent McIntosh. I studied voice at Victoria University in the mid-90s when Barry was singing lead roles and teaching. I ended up transferring to the Canberra School of Music and ended up in the full-time chorus at Opera Australia for 20 years. Barry sang at OA of course on several occasions.

I just wanted to thank Barry for all the friendly help and advice he so freely gave to both me, and to be honest, any young singer that he came across really! He’s always been such an absolutely outstanding guy. A superb singer and performer; a wonderful teacher; helpful mentor and advisor; not to mention your many other qualities. So anyway, I just wanted to email you a quick 'Thank you!' for being such a wonderful and helpful man to so many, including me.

Warmest Regards, Kent McIntosh

I love your parents so much and I always think of them as my best friends - it hurts so much to say the last goodbye to Barry.

There are so many memories that I have, but right now my heart feels heavy and I cannot concentrate. Please give Mum a big, big hug from me and tell her that in my thoughts I am with her and with all of you.

Lots of love from Gisela.

Dear Clare & Angus,

We are so sorry to hear about Barry. We do feel for and think about you. It is so strange that it was yesterday (the day you sent your email) I was thinking about Barry and when we met up with him in Kings Cross in Sydney for a pizza (Little Pig?) and also went to watch a performance at the opera house and shared the bus together back to the city.

 Kind regards Marie & Ola

Hello Clare,

Here is an old photo located.  From left to right:

Me, Garry Tremain, Ian ( Gus) Newman and Dad. ( I think he was singing)  As you will see ears are in fashion!!

I left PNBHS at the end of the 6th form year and lost contact with dad. We played rugby together, 5th Grade red ( the colours were because we had a large number of guys playing that grade and each was designated by a colour). I well remember the teacher music teacher Colin Pickering’s classes as he introduced us into Negro Spirituals ( a love I still have). Dad had a great talent for whistling and it could be heard around the school quadrangle.

He is a wonderful friend and has borne his illness with amazing stamina and mental attitude.

I have a friend, Trevor Egerton who I met through my connection with a local radio station andTV3. He worked with Dad in Hamilton and his fond memories of their time there. I will pass on the news to him.  

Lots of love and my thoughts are with you and Mum

Kevin Greer

Dear Di,

 I was about to write a card but realised there would not be enough room to say what is in my heart at this moment so please accept this email with sincere condolences to you. It is a shock to hear that Barry has passed away and our thoughts are with you.

 I went back through my memoirs this morning and was amazed to recall how often Barry and I were associated in many different performances. I accompanied him in numerous recitals and concerts as well as conducting him in stage performances. I think of the Bach Choir, recitals at St. Andrew’s, Orpheus Choir concerts, his role in Britten’s Noyes Fludde at St. Peter’s church,  and particularly his role as Gianni Schicchi with Opera Technique.  Every performance was a delight because he found a different trick to play on the cast, including the one where he jumped out of bed and ran around the stage in his nightshirt.  And all that was before 1974.

 That year when I was appointed  NZBC concert manager, Barry was already on the staff of Concert Section as an executive officer but I soon realised that he was destined for greater things so it was no surprise when he resigned and that led to you setting off as a family to go to London. I always admired how supportive and encouraging you were in helping him pursue his operatic career.  I remember calling on you in London when I was over there with the National Youth Orchestra tour in  1975. The years overseas were outstanding by any measure, with Barry’s many achievements in so many opera houses, and you were always there to care for him.

 Then on return to N.Z., Wellington City Opera beckoned and it was such a delight to have Barry’s wonderful performances in every opera he appeared in.   Adrienne Simpson highlights all his work in her book Capital Opera, even going so far as to say that in the role of  Ping in Turandot he was “for many the performance of the night”.  My years as an artistic administrator were very enjoyable and I particularly remember the real triumphs were Turandot, Peter Grimes, Hansel and Gretel and Rigoletto, all with Barry in top form.  And what a pleasure it was for me when you came on board at W C O where you were so helpful with your operatic knowledge and enthusiasm.

 There are so many great memories of the years we were associated with, and I still have the beautiful letter you wrote to me after the final service and recital at St. Andrew’s in July 1967 before we left for Auckland.

 So many years have now passed and I am sorry that our paths did not cross since you moved to Auckland, but I treasure the recollections of our friendship from so long ago.

Kate joins with me in sending our sincere condolences and we hope that you will find comfort in knowing that so many friends and colleagues are thinking of you at this time.

 Love to you and the family

 Peter Averi