Ameera Woods as Cloclo (Grisette)

Ameera Woods is a 20-year-old soprano from Christchurch, going into her third year at the University of Otago, and studies Classical Voice under Judy Bellingham and Dr Tessa Romano. Ameera also studies Neuroscience and enjoys combining her passion for the sciences and music in her studies.

In 2024, she was one of two New Zealanders selected for the Asia Pacific Youth Choir in South Korea. She has performed as a soloist with Opera Otago, Oāmaru Chorale and the Dunedin Musical Society, and is also a member of the Octagon Ensemble.

Ameera's recent engagements have included being a member of National Youth Opera Aotearoa, where she performed the role of Sandman in Hansel and Gretel, and performing at the Jonathan Lemalu concert, First Church Lunctime Concert Series, and the Southern Youth Choir.

Ameera has also gained success in singing competitions in Dunedin and Christchurch, having gained first place in the Under 21 Lieder class at the Dunedin Performing Arts competition in 2024, and 2nd place in the Cleveland Recital in 2025. In September, Ameera will be performing the role of Marcellina in The Marriage of Figaro with National Youth Opera Aotearoa in Napier.

The Merry Widow marks Ameera’s first appearance for Toi Toi Opera.