Opera North's successful Opera in the Garden promises another spectacular event this summer, with confirmation of not one but three guest artists.
Lexus Song Quest winner Joel Amosa and his wife Maia have agreed to perform, and at their invitation, globally recognised Whangārei baritone Kawiti Waetford is coming home to join them and the Opera North chorus on stage.
Bass-baritone Amosa first performed at age 3, when he sang a traditional Samoan hymn taught to him by his grandparents in church.
He went on to learn the piano and develop his singing talent in the church choir.
In July this year, Amosa took out the prestigious Song Quest in his first attempt at a major competition.
For his wife Maia Mila Amosa, Opera in the Garden means a return to her Northland roots.
Mila Amosa is also well known to opera lovers.
Under her maiden name, Maia Vegar, she won the Otago Daily Times Aria Competition, the Christchurch vocal competitions scholarship class, and the Dame Malvina Major Aria Competition.