The O.G's - A Historic Celebration of Pasifika Opera Stars at 2024 Auckland Arts Festival
Original Pasifika Opera Stars Return to Aotearoa for One-Night-Only Celebration at 2024 Auckland Arts Festival
The 2024 Auckland Arts Festival is poised to host an extraordinary and historic event, "The O. G’s," a celebration of the original Pasifika opera stars who blazed trails for a new generation of talented artists.
On March 24th, 2024, this one-of-a-kind celebration will grace the stage, offering a unique journey through the rich history and enduring legacy of Pasifika opera.
Pasifika immigrants arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s harbored dreams and aspirations for their families, with opera singing not typically on their radar.
However, today, Pasifika opera singers have left an indelible mark on global stages, though their journey was far from easy. "The O.G’s" is an event designed to revisit the roots of Pasifika opera, honoring the pioneers who dismantled barriers and forged paths for future generations.
"The O.G’s" concept is a tribute to the Original Pasifika Opera Stars. The name "O.G" holds various interpretations, including "Opera Giants," "Oceanic GAFA genealogy" in Samoan, and "Original Gangstas."
Spearheaded by Samoan tenor and visionary Siliga Sani Muliaumaseali'i, the first Pasifika to sing professionally with a New Zealand opera company as a teenager, this extraordinary event has been a long-held dream. The response from the cast has been overwhelmingly positive.
The stellar lineup for this event boasts a constellation of international opera stars, including Samoan Niuean soprano Aivale Cole, Tongan Samoan tenor Ben Makisi, Bass baritone Eddie Muliaumaseali'i, special guests Māori Soprano Deborah Wai Kapohe, and the Kingdom of Tonga's first international Mezzo Soprano, Dr. Lotte Latukefu. Dr. Simon Eastwood will lead the soloists and orchestra from the podium.
Aivale Cole, an impassioned soprano, expresses her enthusiasm for the event, noting her intention to invite her family and friends to witness this historic gathering.
Despite briefly pausing her singing career to raise her family, Aivale Cole continued to captivate audiences, particularly with her portrayals of Wagnerian heroines in London in 2021. She currently serves as the creative director of the GAFA arts collective in the UK, Europe's first Samoan arts collective.
"The O.G’s represent a homecoming for these iconic artists, offering them a platform to sing their songs and share their stories. Though each artist has a unique journey, collectively, they share a story of perseverance, dedication, and a profound passion for their art."
The late Iosefa Enari, a Bass Baritone who won the Herald Aria competition in 1987, played a pivotal role in establishing the Pasifika Opera singer as a viable career option.
In addition to his career as an actor and producer, he served as the Artistic Director of Classical Polynesia, blending Samoan words and music with classical opera. The event will pay tribute to his legacy, along with the first international Samoan soprano, the late Daphne Collins.
The O.G's promise a fusion of cultures and musical genres that will captivate audiences, transcending traditional boundaries to offer a unique and emotionally resonant experience. It's a celebration of pioneers, a homage to those who have paved the way, and an inspiration for future generations.
Dr. Lotte Latukefu emphasizes that The O.G's concept allows performers to reflect on their identity, celebrate their roots, and contribute to the ongoing narrative of Pacific representation in the arts. She notes that “it's an honor and a responsibility to be an O.G, representing the rich heritage of Pasifika opera artists.”
Eddie Muliaumasealii reflects on his journey and what being an O.G means. He underscores the importance of acknowledging those who have contributed to the world of opera and those who have moved on. "The O. G's" is a celebration of the joy and passion they have for their chosen field of work, and it's an opportunity for the audience to connect with their rich history.”
"The O. G’s" is a historic celebration of the original Pasifika opera stars who paved the way for future generations of talented artists. This unique event will take place on March 24, 2024, at the Auckland Arts Festival, offering a captivating journey through the history, legacy, and cultural heritage of Pasifika.
TICKET INFORMATION: HERE