The O.Gs

Patron Jonathan Lemalu
Arts Dip (RCM), PG Cert (GSMD), LLB (Otago)

A 'concert in motion' celebrating the

first wave of Pasefika opera singers

Immigrants to Aotearoa from the Pacific Islands in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s had all sorts of dreams for their families – but being an opera singer wasn’t one of them. Today, Pasefika opera voices are heard around the globe.

The O.Gs

Operatic Giants

Oceanic Gafa (genealogy)

Original Gangsta

are a veritable who's who of Pasefika opera singers.

These virtuoso's have sung all over the world and, for this once in a lifetime event, are coming home to sing and share their stories with you.

Each has a different story.

All have the same story.

Celebrate the triumphs and learn about the challenges faced by these pioneering wave makers as they take us on a journey from the music of their islands to the sounds of the classics.

Image Jinki Cambronero

Siliga Sani Muliaumaseali'i

Writer Producer Director

and orchestra conducted by

Dr Simon Eastwood.

Clarissa Dunn as PrezentariAttrice

The Legacy Choir Dinah Iusitini leader

‘What an absolutely stunning, moving concert this was - I
Wept so many times’ Shona McCullogh MNZM,
Director Auckland Arts Festival

Bellini, Mozart, Verdi, Strauss, Gershwin, Sondheim and more

3:00 - 6:30 PM

SUN 24 MARCH

QUEENS WHARF

2O24

SHED 10

89 QUAY ST

TICKETS FROM $25

CAST & CREATIVES

SOPRANO

AIVALE COLE

More about Aivale

'I was hugely impressed by Aivale Cole, who sang Freia in a dark, lustrous dramatic soprano...she sang with great charm and gorgeous full tone' Wagner News

TENOR

BEN MAKISI

More about Ben

'Ben is no stranger to standing ovations. He has become well known as one of New Zealand’s premier International Opera singers . Proud of his Pacific Island cultural identity, Ben is a well seasoned professional of operatic excellence' Scoop, Culture

TENOR

SILIGA SANI MULIAUMASEALII

More about Siliga Sani

'Sani Muliaumaseali'i gave Siegfried a presence, power and urgency which simply blew the audience away. I have never known anything quite like it' Wagner News