Fonoti-Fuimaono said it was a haunting story, but he’s confident Tupaia’s character will come out in songs in English and Tahitian.
“This is a big role and I don’t want to let Tim or the team down. The role of Tupaia is a very complex piece,” he said.
“The vocal range is interesting, because it starts low, and then I have to hit the high C.”
His love of music was instilled in him as a child growing up in Flaxmere.
His nana and mum enjoyed music, then an older brother started playing guitar.
“My brother got quite good at the guitar and I wanted to be better, so I took up the guitar and got a long way.”
But it was his voice that would make him stand out.
“I loved singing in the choir and singing hymns,” Fonoti-Fuimaono said.
“I didn’t think singing was going to be my pathway, but you have to prepare yourself constantly, and even when you finish a performance, you have to assess how you can do better.
Fonoti-Fuimaono was an active member of Hawke’s Bay youth initiative ‘Project Prima Volta’ – a music programme that helps empower young people through the art of classical music.
He stepped up to sing the role of Alfredo for Wellington Opera’s La traviata season. He was a Lexus Song Quest finalist, winning the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Scholarship for Potential. He also played the role of Malcolm in New Zealand Opera’s production of Macbeth and is looking forward to playing the role of Tupaia in Tim Finn’s Ihitai ‘Avei’a - Star Navigator.
The Details:
What: NZ Opera presents Ihitai ‘Avei’a - Star Navigator
When: Friday 9 December at 8pm and Sunday 11 December at 2pm
Where: Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua
https://nzopera.com/ihitai-aveia-star-navigator-2022/
