Truly a magnificent night, this event is a standout for Rarotonga
Nancy Matenga
THE BANK OF THE COOK ISLANDS
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Our Goal is to lead and we see BCI doing that regularly in a refreshing and real way. Connecting with the community and supporting the countries development is both our goals. Motone pushes ahead creating events and arts projects that lead to new ways of thinking. We strive to create real careers for real people and build a new industry here in the Cook Islands.” Says Glenda Tuaine of Motone “ BCI’s commitment to our event speaks volumes that they understand the direction of new industries and business”
Meet our 2018 Singers
William (Taka) Vuni – Baritone
Tongan, Samoan Known as Taka, he is a Baritone who is currently studying for his Bachelor of Music degree at Auckland University. Over the years he has been a part of various choirs such as the Auckland Youth Choir, Auckland Chamber Choir, Klapa Samoana ( all male Acaplella Choir famous in Europe) and also part of The Shades Quartet with last years BCI opera stars Manase latu and Samson Setu are a part of. Taka conducts the St Peters and St Pauls college choirs works part time as an itinerant, music teacher at St Paul and St Peters College and is still under the tutelage of Dr. Te oti Rakena. In 2018 he is set to perform in a series of concerts in NZ over the coming year. A lover of the arts, he aspires to one day sing on the famous stages around the globe 
Ipu Laga'aia – Tenor
Samoan Ipu is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Music and Teaching. His passion for music came to light at the young age of 3 years - singing in the church, but his path narrowed toward classical music in his final year at Sacred Heart College in 2013. He is a part of the Kiri te Kanawa programme and is currently exploring the world of Opera and the opportunities it holds. In 2016 he was part of the New year’s concert in Samoan Opera under the stars and is making an name for himself in the Opera Quartet The Shades and has been a part of a number of classical groups such as the Auckland Chamber Choir and SOTO VOCE. He is a rising star and he hopes his talent will continue to expand vastly as he embraces what is ahead in the learning years to come. |
SAMSON SETU - BARITONE
SAMOAN
Samson Setu is a student at The University of Auckland studying towards a bachelor of music, majoring in Classical Singing. He is currently under the tutelage of Dr. Te Oti Rakena.
Samson is a proud Samoan, born and raised in South Auckland and a staunch Dilworth old boy. Music has always been a part of Samson’s life. Samson grew up in an A.O.G church where his grandfather was a pastor. He was surrounded by music in through church and through his culture. However, it wasn’t until Samson was 17 years old that he first encountered classical music. Claire Caldwell, musical director at Dilworth School, discovered his voice and invited him to join the choir. He had never sung any classical music before and it didn’t take long before the young bass familiarised himself with the foreign art form. Rugby was Samson’s first love and in his final year of school, singing began to overtake his dreams of playing professional rugby. An opportunity to sing for the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir reassured Samson’s aspirations of becoming a professional opera singer and the rugby dream began to fade.
Part of Samson’s degree was completed in Dunedin, at the University of Otago. There, he began his classical singing journey with the wonderful Isabel Cunningham. She retired after a year into his degree. Nonetheless, he remained at the University to continue his singing endeavours with Frances Wilson. In 2015 Samson transferred to Auckland University to complete his degree. He is currently in the final stages of completing his degree in Auckland and plays rugby for Bombay.
Being a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir was one of Samson’s proudest moments as a young singer. In 2012 this group toured to South Africa and Samson was fortunate enough to be a cultural leader. In 2011 Samson was awarded the performer of the year at Dilworth School and was the head chorister. In 2010 Samson was part of an opera chorus for La Clemenza Di Tito. Other ensemble groups Samson is affiliated with are, 4 Shades and SOTO VOCE. Samson has taken part in numerous master classes run by Martin Snell and they have been key in Samson’s development as a singer.
Most recently, Samson won first place at the annual Ronald Dellow competition which is hosted by Auckland’s, Clef Club. Not only was he the first place winner, he was also the recipient of the people’s choice award. A few months before this Samson won multiple classes at the annual South Auckland Performing Arts Competition (SAPAC) and the main prize to represent South Auckland at the National Finale (PACANZ). Samson was a participant in the Lexus Song Quest master class with world renowned soprano, Yvonne Kenny. This was a great moment for Samson as he got to learn from one of the world’s best. Dreams of playing professional rugby are still alive for Samson. His ultimate goal is to sing opera on the world’s biggest opera stages one day.
SAMOAN
Samson Setu is a student at The University of Auckland studying towards a bachelor of music, majoring in Classical Singing. He is currently under the tutelage of Dr. Te Oti Rakena.
Samson is a proud Samoan, born and raised in South Auckland and a staunch Dilworth old boy. Music has always been a part of Samson’s life. Samson grew up in an A.O.G church where his grandfather was a pastor. He was surrounded by music in through church and through his culture. However, it wasn’t until Samson was 17 years old that he first encountered classical music. Claire Caldwell, musical director at Dilworth School, discovered his voice and invited him to join the choir. He had never sung any classical music before and it didn’t take long before the young bass familiarised himself with the foreign art form. Rugby was Samson’s first love and in his final year of school, singing began to overtake his dreams of playing professional rugby. An opportunity to sing for the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir reassured Samson’s aspirations of becoming a professional opera singer and the rugby dream began to fade.
Part of Samson’s degree was completed in Dunedin, at the University of Otago. There, he began his classical singing journey with the wonderful Isabel Cunningham. She retired after a year into his degree. Nonetheless, he remained at the University to continue his singing endeavours with Frances Wilson. In 2015 Samson transferred to Auckland University to complete his degree. He is currently in the final stages of completing his degree in Auckland and plays rugby for Bombay.
Being a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir was one of Samson’s proudest moments as a young singer. In 2012 this group toured to South Africa and Samson was fortunate enough to be a cultural leader. In 2011 Samson was awarded the performer of the year at Dilworth School and was the head chorister. In 2010 Samson was part of an opera chorus for La Clemenza Di Tito. Other ensemble groups Samson is affiliated with are, 4 Shades and SOTO VOCE. Samson has taken part in numerous master classes run by Martin Snell and they have been key in Samson’s development as a singer.
Most recently, Samson won first place at the annual Ronald Dellow competition which is hosted by Auckland’s, Clef Club. Not only was he the first place winner, he was also the recipient of the people’s choice award. A few months before this Samson won multiple classes at the annual South Auckland Performing Arts Competition (SAPAC) and the main prize to represent South Auckland at the National Finale (PACANZ). Samson was a participant in the Lexus Song Quest master class with world renowned soprano, Yvonne Kenny. This was a great moment for Samson as he got to learn from one of the world’s best. Dreams of playing professional rugby are still alive for Samson. His ultimate goal is to sing opera on the world’s biggest opera stages one day.
KEANI PORA – MEZZO SOPRANO
COOK ISLANDER
Keani’ s cultural background has played a big part in her musical upbringing and discovery. Her love for cultural music and passion for singing has pushed her to pursue a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Voice under the direction of Dr Morag Atchison and Catrin Johnson. Her musical journey began in primary school and she has since been involved in numerous bands, musicals, competitions and choirs throughout her education. Choir has especially played a huge part in her vocal development. Keani was previously a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir during her time at high school and is now singing in the Auckland Chamber Choir, Auckland Youth Choir and New Zealand Youth Choir. Currently in the midst of completing her Honours year at the University of Auckland, Keani is ready to branch out of ensemble singing and enter into her career as a solo vocalist.
COOK ISLANDER
Keani’ s cultural background has played a big part in her musical upbringing and discovery. Her love for cultural music and passion for singing has pushed her to pursue a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Voice under the direction of Dr Morag Atchison and Catrin Johnson. Her musical journey began in primary school and she has since been involved in numerous bands, musicals, competitions and choirs throughout her education. Choir has especially played a huge part in her vocal development. Keani was previously a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir during her time at high school and is now singing in the Auckland Chamber Choir, Auckland Youth Choir and New Zealand Youth Choir. Currently in the midst of completing her Honours year at the University of Auckland, Keani is ready to branch out of ensemble singing and enter into her career as a solo vocalist.
MANASE LATU - TENOR
TONGAN
Manase is currently in his 4rd year of study at The University of Auckland, pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Honors) in Classical Voice performance with Dr. Te Oti Rakena. Growing up in church and being surrounded by his culture, music has always been a vital part in Manase’s life. His first encounter with Classical music and what propelled him into the singing was joining his high school choir in 2011. It was here where Manase found his voice. The following year, Manase was asked to sing with the Auckland Chamber Choir conducted by Karen Grylls at the young age of 16. Now at University, he endeavours to focus more on his solo singing and move into the opera realm. To date, Manase has had quite a few successes over this short amount of time. In 2015, Manase was awarded the Iosefa Enari Memorial Scholarship presented by Creative NZ. This award is given to a person, of Pacific Island decent, who has gained great success in their field and given back to the community. The New Zealand Aria competition is held every year and is an event Manase has competed in since 2013. Since then, Manase has been awarded the Most Promising Competitor under 21 cup 3 times and has also won the overall Mike Steiner Interior Desing Junior Award. In the previous year, he was selected as a finalist for the Aria finals which makes him one of the youngest competitors that has ever made it through. Similarly, Manase was awarded runner up in the PACANZ competition for the young performer of the year.
Whilst at a young age, Manase has been very fortunate to sing with some of the best choirs and ensemble New Zealand has to offer. He has been a member of Auckland Chamber Choir, New Zealand Youth Choir, SOTO VOCE, Age of Discovery and is an active member of Voices NZ Chamber choir, NZ Opera chorus and The Shades. In 2016, Manase attended the Teapot Valley summer school to which he was awarded a scholarship to sing with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain where the concert was held in the Royal Albert Hall. While on the course he was asked to sing with their National Chamber choir, an elite selection of choristers from around England. Manase later returned to Europe on tour with the New Zealand Youth Choir. This tour included a competition in Pardubice, Czech Republic were the choir not only won all 4 categories but the overall Grand Prix prize. In previous years Manase has been invited to sing as soloist for various public concerts. Works such as Handel's Israel in Egypt, Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, Haydn’s Creation, Mendelsshon’s Elijah, HMS Pinafore by Gilbert & Sullivan, Britten’s Saint Nicholas, Donizetti’s Requiem, Missa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez and so on. Manase is currently preparing for a Mozart Mass in C and a range opera factory concerts. However, focusing and spending most of his time on his University studies.
TONGAN
Manase is currently in his 4rd year of study at The University of Auckland, pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Honors) in Classical Voice performance with Dr. Te Oti Rakena. Growing up in church and being surrounded by his culture, music has always been a vital part in Manase’s life. His first encounter with Classical music and what propelled him into the singing was joining his high school choir in 2011. It was here where Manase found his voice. The following year, Manase was asked to sing with the Auckland Chamber Choir conducted by Karen Grylls at the young age of 16. Now at University, he endeavours to focus more on his solo singing and move into the opera realm. To date, Manase has had quite a few successes over this short amount of time. In 2015, Manase was awarded the Iosefa Enari Memorial Scholarship presented by Creative NZ. This award is given to a person, of Pacific Island decent, who has gained great success in their field and given back to the community. The New Zealand Aria competition is held every year and is an event Manase has competed in since 2013. Since then, Manase has been awarded the Most Promising Competitor under 21 cup 3 times and has also won the overall Mike Steiner Interior Desing Junior Award. In the previous year, he was selected as a finalist for the Aria finals which makes him one of the youngest competitors that has ever made it through. Similarly, Manase was awarded runner up in the PACANZ competition for the young performer of the year.
Whilst at a young age, Manase has been very fortunate to sing with some of the best choirs and ensemble New Zealand has to offer. He has been a member of Auckland Chamber Choir, New Zealand Youth Choir, SOTO VOCE, Age of Discovery and is an active member of Voices NZ Chamber choir, NZ Opera chorus and The Shades. In 2016, Manase attended the Teapot Valley summer school to which he was awarded a scholarship to sing with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain where the concert was held in the Royal Albert Hall. While on the course he was asked to sing with their National Chamber choir, an elite selection of choristers from around England. Manase later returned to Europe on tour with the New Zealand Youth Choir. This tour included a competition in Pardubice, Czech Republic were the choir not only won all 4 categories but the overall Grand Prix prize. In previous years Manase has been invited to sing as soloist for various public concerts. Works such as Handel's Israel in Egypt, Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, Haydn’s Creation, Mendelsshon’s Elijah, HMS Pinafore by Gilbert & Sullivan, Britten’s Saint Nicholas, Donizetti’s Requiem, Missa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez and so on. Manase is currently preparing for a Mozart Mass in C and a range opera factory concerts. However, focusing and spending most of his time on his University studies.
Since performing in Opera in Raroronga 2016 Benson Wilson placed first in the Lexus Song Quest with Filipe placing second. -We are extremely proud of Pacific Opera talent. WELL DONE
NATASHA WILSON – Soprano
Natasha Wilson, Soprano, is currently undertaking her Honours degree in Music, specializing in Classical voice performance at the University of Auckland. Passionate about singing from a very young age, Natasha has gone on to perform in world-renowned choirs, such as 'Key Cygnetures', 'Choralation', Auckland Chamber Choir, and the New Zealand Youth Choir. Natasha also performs as a soloist regularly, most recently with the Auckland Cello Orchestra, performing Villa Lobos’, ‘Bachianas Brasileiras, No.5’ in the Auckland Town Hall, and she will soon be performing in the New Zealand premier of Paul Mealor’s ‘Stabat Mater’, with Auckland Youth Choir. Natasha is keen to take her career overseas, to American or European shores, where she is hoping to have the chance to learn from renowned vocal teachers, and perform for Opera companies around the world. 
JOEL AMOSA – Baritone
Samoan Bass-Baritone, Joel Amosa completed his Music Degree and Post-Graduate diploma under the tutelage of Isabel Cunningham and Frances Wilson. In 2012, Joel debuted his Operatic career with two leading Mozartian roles: Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro with Opera Otago and Don Alfonso in Cosi fan Tutte with both The Auckland Opera Studio and Opera Hawkes Bay. Joel has performed the bass roles in Mozarts arrangement of Handels Messiah, with Bach Musica, Haydn’s Thereisenmesse and Harmoniemesse, Faures Requiem with Napier Civic Choir and Mozart’s Mass in C minor with the Southern Sinfonia in Dunedin. In 2014, Joel took to the stage as Dr. Bartolo with Festival Operas debut performance of The Marriage of Figaro. The same time the following year, Joel was a returning artist for Festival Opera in Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love where he sang and charmed the audience as Dulcamara. Both performances were a huge part of Napier Art Deco weekend. Joel has performed the bass roles Handels Oratorio Samson, the bass role of Saul in, Saul with Handel’s Consort and Quire and finished off the year singing the role of Hongi Hika in a new opera This Other Eden by Anthony Ritchie. In 2015 Joel was awarded the Beatrice Webster, Pursuit of Excellence Award from the IFAC Handa NZ Singing School and The Opera Australia Opportunity Award for 2015. Early this year, Joel debuted with Days Bay Opera in Wellington with the lead role of King Claudio in Handels’ Agrippina. |
FILIPE MANU - Tenor
Born in Australia of Tongan descent, Filipe moved to New Zealand as a young boy. Currently completing Postgraduate study at University of Waikato and holds ATCL (Trinity College, London). Recipient of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship (University of Waikato), the Norah Howell Premier Vocal Award (First place 2013, Hamilton Competitions Society) the Mike Steiner Interior Design Scholarship (First place, 2013, Waiariki Institute of Technology NZ Aria) the ACORN Foundation Christine Tustain Scholarship and the Richard Carey Major vocal award (First place, 2014, Tauranga Competitions Society); Te Puia Regional Prize (First Place, 2014,Waiariki Institute of Technology NZ Aria). In 2014 he was named the New Zealand Young Performer of the year for classical voice and was a finalist in the NZ Aria in the same year. In 2015 year he won the the Seamus Casey Memorial Award, was named a Dame Malvina Major emerging artist and won first place in the Waikato Aria Competition. Roles include Nemorino: Elixir of Love (NZO - Opera-in-Schools adaption) Count Almaviva: Barber of Seville (NZO Opera-in-Schools adaptation); Armed Guard and Tamino (understudy): Die Zauberflöte (University of Waikato); Arturo: Lucia di Lammermoor; Milord: L'italiana in Londra (AOS); Defendant: Trial by Jury (Thames Civic Choir). Chorus member for Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s album Waiata (2013) and features on the recently released album Divine by Anna Hawkins. Recent solo engagements include Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G (Ars Antiqua Chamber Orchestra); David Griffiths’ The Servant (University of Waikato); Haydn’s Mass in Time of War (Thames Civic Choir); Bach’s Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147 (Tauranga Civic Choir); Schubert & Song, Handel’s The Messiah (Waikato and Bay of Plenty Opus Orchestra); The Requiem Mass in D minor (New Zealand Choral Federation). 
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OPERA IN RAROTONGA'S PAST EVENTS
Benjamin Makisi with surprise guest Rosita Vai not only wowed our audience in 2010 but set in motion the development of our Opera events. Since then we have made Opera in Rarotonga an annual fixture with an international following.
Set amoungst lush tropical vegetation with the beautiful laggoon a stones thow way Opera in Rarotonga is magical.
Opera
Opera is a much loved art form. Motone every May showcased some of the finest Opera talent Polynesia has to offer. Our event creates a union of fine dinning with our venue partner Crown Beach Resort and Spa and brings an intimate and distinguished evening that creates a true Cook Islands atmosphere and style. Motone Productions and the Crown Beach team transform the venue into a performance setting framed with lush tropical gardens and a turquoise lagoon at sunset. An Opera house for the evening that promises fine cuisine and stunning Opera
performance.
2011 saw the return of talented award winning Samoan Tongan Tenor Benjamin Fifitia Makisi who performed in Rarotonga in 2010 to a sold out crowd. Alongside of him the Cook Islands very own tenor Bonaventure Allan Moetaua who is a rising Opera star not only in New Zealand but is making waves in Australia and further afield.
“ We were really over the moon that we are able to bring Ben back but to have Bonaventure come was just fantastic, Bon had not been back to Rarotonga before so this was a real home coming for him and truly a proud moment for his family here.” Says Glenda Tuaine of Motone productions.
performance.
2011 saw the return of talented award winning Samoan Tongan Tenor Benjamin Fifitia Makisi who performed in Rarotonga in 2010 to a sold out crowd. Alongside of him the Cook Islands very own tenor Bonaventure Allan Moetaua who is a rising Opera star not only in New Zealand but is making waves in Australia and further afield.
“ We were really over the moon that we are able to bring Ben back but to have Bonaventure come was just fantastic, Bon had not been back to Rarotonga before so this was a real home coming for him and truly a proud moment for his family here.” Says Glenda Tuaine of Motone productions.
Opera 2012
2012 saw New Zealand's finest sopranos, Mere Boynton and Deborah Kapohe taking the stage. Our talented sopranos Mere and Deborah have toured internationally and performed on a variety of stages including the Royal Albert Hall in London, ‘Opera in the Pa’ Rotorua, Te Papa- New Zealand’s National Museum and more recently the New Zealand Rugby World Cup stage.
Both Mere and Deborah have careers that celebrate their many skills. Mere is well known for her supporting roles in the acclaimed New Zealand Films “ Once Were Warriors” and “ The Maori
Merchant of Venice”. Mere has collaborated with leading New Zealand percussionist and composer Gareth Farr and is well respected for her ability to cross genres from Opera to light Jazz always including her love for waiata Maori. Having performed throughout New Zealand and Europe Mere brings a confidence and skill to Opera in Paradise Cook Islands that will surprise and delight.
Deborah has most recently performed in the critically acclaimed “Hohepa” presented at the 2012 New Zealand Festival of the Arts by the NBR New Zealand Opera. She has worked in Australia, China, South Africa and the UK and has an Opera performance resume that includes the traditional favourites of Carmen, The Pearl Fishers, The Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme, The Magic Flute to name a few. To add to that Deborah has been requested to perform for touring royalty to New Zealand and performed at the both the Beijing and Sydney Olympics Arts festivals. With her wealth of experience Deborah’s performance will leave you applauding for more.
OPERA IN PARADISE COOK ISLANDS May 25-26 2012
http://www.rarolens.com/2012/06/sopranos-in-paradise.html
Both Mere and Deborah have careers that celebrate their many skills. Mere is well known for her supporting roles in the acclaimed New Zealand Films “ Once Were Warriors” and “ The Maori
Merchant of Venice”. Mere has collaborated with leading New Zealand percussionist and composer Gareth Farr and is well respected for her ability to cross genres from Opera to light Jazz always including her love for waiata Maori. Having performed throughout New Zealand and Europe Mere brings a confidence and skill to Opera in Paradise Cook Islands that will surprise and delight.
Deborah has most recently performed in the critically acclaimed “Hohepa” presented at the 2012 New Zealand Festival of the Arts by the NBR New Zealand Opera. She has worked in Australia, China, South Africa and the UK and has an Opera performance resume that includes the traditional favourites of Carmen, The Pearl Fishers, The Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme, The Magic Flute to name a few. To add to that Deborah has been requested to perform for touring royalty to New Zealand and performed at the both the Beijing and Sydney Olympics Arts festivals. With her wealth of experience Deborah’s performance will leave you applauding for more.
OPERA IN PARADISE COOK ISLANDS May 25-26 2012
http://www.rarolens.com/2012/06/sopranos-in-paradise.html
“Opera in Rarotonga” is bought back Cook Islands Pacific Tenor Bonaventure Allan Moetaua and combined his talents with rising star on the Opera circuit New Zealand born Samoan Mezzo Soprano Elisha Fa’i Hulton.
“ We are really excited to have Bonaventure back. When he performed in 2011 with Benjamin Makisi it was a truly stellar concert. This year with rising star Elisha Fa’l Hulton all I can say is wow!” Says Glenda Tuaine of Motone Productions who goes on to say”...concert goers are in for a real treat this year”.
Motone productions with Crown Beach changed the format to the event so it follows
a more conventional concert production adding to that they changed the venue to the beautiful beachfront creating a sunset opera delight with the lagoon and Pacific ocean as the backdrop – weather permitting with Oceans restaurant as the alternative option. Make sure you read the review it was truly the most stunning concert.
“ We are really excited to have Bonaventure back. When he performed in 2011 with Benjamin Makisi it was a truly stellar concert. This year with rising star Elisha Fa’l Hulton all I can say is wow!” Says Glenda Tuaine of Motone Productions who goes on to say”...concert goers are in for a real treat this year”.
Motone productions with Crown Beach changed the format to the event so it follows
a more conventional concert production adding to that they changed the venue to the beautiful beachfront creating a sunset opera delight with the lagoon and Pacific ocean as the backdrop – weather permitting with Oceans restaurant as the alternative option. Make sure you read the review it was truly the most stunning concert.
| opera_review2013.pdf |
This is an Opera event is held annually and now includes a schools concert and workshop called Aria's in Aitutaki - read the review from this event by following this link
http://www.cookislandsnews.com/item/47022-opera-singer-wows-rarotonga-audiences/47022-opera-singer-wows-rarotonga-audiences
http://www.cookislandsnews.com/item/47022-opera-singer-wows-rarotonga-audiences/47022-opera-singer-wows-rarotonga-audiences
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IN 2015 Opera in Rarotonga transformed the lagoon side beach of the Islander Hotel into an intimate engagement of cuisine, wine and three of New Zealand and the Pacific's rising stars of Opera. . The 2015 lineup saw emerging Pacific artists work with Motone to create an outstanding concert that delighted audiences. To add to that the team traveled to Aitutaki thanks to Air Rarotonga to perform and workshop with children at Araura College. These young artists are the next wave of brilliance out of New Zealand and it was our privilege to have them here. Please note our Soprano changed to Christina Vehikite due to Madison Nonoa Horsefield being unable to travel due to illness. Christina was truly a more than worthy replacement. |