Ridge Ponini

Kia Orana my name is Ridge Ponini and I am proud born and bred son from the Cook Islands, Rarotonga. 

I am the first Opera singer from the Cook Islands pursing in an international career in opera. Staying true to my values of Faith, Family, Culture and Community which have kept me grounded in this journey. 

I will be further developing my training at the prestigious National opera studio young artist program in London, as I work towards my goal of becoming an international opera artist.

Through my journey, I hope this brings inspiration to the next generation of Pacific opera singers to proudly embrace  their culture and identity, to dream boldly  and see themselves represented on an international stage. 

 

 



 

Last Update:
08/06/2026, 10:05 am
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587533352876

Ridge's Live Project

Pasifika echoes in Opera

Pasifika Echoes in Opera is a community-focused initiative based in Rarotonga, created to celebrate and elevate Pacific Island voices through opera and classical music. Having grown up here, this project is both a professional and deeply personal journey, an opportunity to return home and invest in the community that shaped me. As I prepare to continue my training and career in London at the National Opera Studio, I carry my culture with me wholeheartedly. I am committed to representing my Pacific heritage on the international stage, and this project reflects that responsibility, ensuring that the voices and stories of our people are seen, heard, and valued globally. At the heart of the initiative is education and access. Through workshops in local schools, students will be introduced to music theory, vocal technique, and the wide range of career pathways within the music industry. The aim is to broaden perspectives, nurture confidence, and show young Pasifika artists that their voices have the power to connect with audiences around the world. As part of this initiative, I will present a concert in Rarotonga as a gesture of gratitude to the community. This performance will celebrate Pacific storytelling through opera, while also showcasing local talent and the richness of our cultural identity. By combining performance with education, Pasifika Echoes in Opera seeks to inspire, empower, and cultivate the next generation of Pacific artists ensuring that our voices continue to resonate both at home and on the world stage.

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