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 arias to comedic covers, Disney theme songs to Polynesian favourites, there was something for everyone at the Opera in Rarotonga event.
Opera in Rarotonga
Among the group gracing the stage was Ridge Ponini.
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 Fonoti-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."
Motone Productions co-director Glenda Tuaine - who helped organise the event - said they wanted to see more opera 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."
A feature of the annual Opera in Rarotonga event was the incorporation of Pacific languages.
Opera can be sung in more than just Italian, Russian or French, Tuaine said.
"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 Māori soprano Katherine Winitana agreed.
Polynesian language and culture blended beautifully in the opera world, she said.
"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 operatic renditions of 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 Fonoti-Fuimaono said singing in his mother tongue came 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!
"All the thinking goes away, and we just do it 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 about taking the show home to Samoa.
For Fa'amanu, this was his first time travelling outside Aotearoa, and now he is itching for more.
"We want to do something 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 Fuimaono brothers said their long-term goal was 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."
As part of the Opera in Rarotonga event, local youth attended workshops introducing them to the basics of operatic vocal training.
Eight students performed 'Hallelujah' alongside the singers at the concert, as a showcase of the future of Cook Islands opera.
The event was run over two nights, with both shows sold out and ending with a standing ovation.
Two Cook Islands youth perform 'Mou Piri' alongside Ridge Ponini. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton