Five opera singers of Cook Islands, New Zealand Maori and Samoan travelled to perform at the 'Opera in Rarotonga.' Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Pasifika opera singers say there is a demand for Polynesian talent in the prestigious art form.
Talented performers travelled to the Cook Islands to showcase their skills in a special concert earlier this month.
From tear-jerking classical aria to comedic covers, Disney theme songs to renditions of Polynesian favourites, there was something for everyone at the Opera in Rarotonga event.
A collective of five talented Pasifika Opera singers, including the Cook Islands' own Ridge Ponini, graced the stage.
Born and bred in the Cook Islands, Ponini said it was a privilege to return home and share his talents.
"For me, that's always been the goal: to go overseas, do what you have to do, and also come back, and share it and give it to the community," he said.
"That's the experience I had tonight; it was overwhelming [and] heartfelt. Being amongst my own people is the main goal of my career - to bring back and give back."
Cook Islands born and raised Opera Tenor, Ridge Ponini brought the crowd to tears with his solo performance in Cook Islands Maori. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Samoan Tenor Jordan Fuimaono and his brothers felt right at home.
"We held a full concert, but it didn't feel like a concert at all; it felt like we were singing for family, like you do after a family lunch, and the vibes were there, they were so on."
Organizers Motone Productions said that is what the event is all about. Co-director Glenda Tuaine wants to see more tours within the Pacific region.
"It's about resourcefulness and resilience. It's about being able to provide Pasifika opera singers and Māori opera singers with the opportunity to tour within the Pacific, because the touring circuit in the Pacific is very minimal. We need to strengthen that."
She said a feature of the annual Opera in Rarotonga is the incorporation of Pacific languages.
Tuaine said Opera can be sung in more than just classical Italian, Russian and French.
"What we need to do is bring our songs and show the power of voice, because that's what opera is about actually.
"Our songs have purpose and meaning when sung operatically in those beautiful ways in which opera lends itself to."
New Zealand Maori Soprano Katherine Winitana agrees.
She said Polynesian language and culture blend beautifully in the Opera world.
"We come from beautiful cultures with beautiful people with amazing languages, and it's really important for those worlds to infuse into each other."
"The opera world needs more Polynesian people, language, and culture. They're beautiful on its own, but together, I think it's just amazing."
The singers shared opera renditions of classical, well-known Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoan and Hawaiian songs on the night, which was a huge hit with the audience, leaving many in tears.
Emmanuel Fuimaono said singing in his mother tongue comes naturally.
"When it comes to singing our own languages our own cultures, there's something about the music that's so natural, it's so us!" he said.
"All the thinking goes away, and we just do instinctively, it just flows. It's like second nature for us."
The singers shared Opera renditions of classical, well known Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoan and Hawaiian songs on the night. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
The Fuimaono brothers are now dreaming to take the show home to Samoa.
For Faamanu, this was his first time travelling outside Aotearoa, and he is now itching for more.
"We want to do something in Samoa; we want to perform in Samoa, we've never been, and we'd love to go."
"Please if there's anyone out there who would like to make it happen, please contact us!"
He said they would cherish the opportunity to inspire the next generation of Opera singers in Samoa.
"I know not just in Samoa but across all the islands, there's so many great singers and great performers, but they don't know that."
The Faamanu brothers say their long-term goal is to share their Opera training with the youth of Samoa.
"We want to let the new generation know that singing is fulfilling in life as a career, if we can do it, you can do it as well."
Youth were also included in the Opera in Rarotonga.
Workshops were held a week before the concert to introduce youngsters to the basics of Operatic training.
Eight students performed 'Hallelujah' alongside the singers on the concert nights, as a showcase of the future of Cook Islands Opera.
The Opera in Rarotonga was run over two nights, both were sold out shows that ended with a standing ovation.
Two Cook Islands youth perform 'Mou Piri' alongside Ridge Ponini. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
