Pasifika echoes in Opera

Pasifika Echoes in Opera celebrates Cook Islands culture, heritage, and storytelling through opera. As I prepare to begin training at the National Opera Studio in London this August, I carry with me the values, traditions, and pride of my Cook Islands upbringing. This project honours my roots while sharing Pacific stories and voices with audiences on the international stage.

Pasifika Echoes in Opera is supported by my partner, family, church, mentors, singing teacher,  friends, and the wider village that has walked alongside me throughout this journey. 

From my Cook Islands roots to communities across Aotearoa, their love, encouragement, and belief in me have made this opportunity possible.

The funding raised through “Pasifika Voices in Opera” will go directly towards my living expenses while studying at the National Opera Studio in London. 

This support will help cover: 

• Accommodation
• Daily living costs
• Transportation

• Other essential expenses, allowing me to fully focus on my training and artistic development. 

  By easing the financial burden of living overseas, this funding will help me make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Pasifika Voices in Opera celebrates the rich culture, heritage, and storytelling traditions of the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific through the art of opera. The project follows my journey as a Pacific artist who has been given the extraordinary opportunity to further pursue my career at the National Opera Studio in London this August one of the world's most respected opera training programmes. 

Each year, only 6 singers are selected for the programme worldwide, making it a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity. Through this journey, I hope to represent my people with pride, share our stories on the international stage, and inspire future generations of Pasifika artists to pursue their dreams. (National Opera Studio)

This project will help raise the profile of Pasifika voices in opera, inspire future generations of Pacific artists, and showcase the richness of Cook Islands and Pacific culture on the international stage. It is an opportunity to build greater representation in classical music while proudly sharing our stories with the world.

Here are some upcoming fundraisers and performances I will be having before heading overseas:

1. June 13th Takitumu Grounds Concert 7pm  (9 tanners road Māngere)  
2. June 21st Auckland Opera Studio 5:30pm (3 Glenside Crescent)
3. June 28th Auckland Townhall 5:00pm Opera Gala 
4.July 4th Kiri Te Kanawa Song quest competition (St Andrew’s Cathedral , Wellington)
5. July 25th Opera in Rarotonga - More details to follow
6. August 1st Opera in Rarotonga - More details to follow 
7. August 9th Ridge Farewell concert 5;30pm Auckland Opera Studio (3 Glenside Crescent)

 To follow my journey and receive career updates from London, join my email mailing list or follow my Facebook page, “Cook Islands Tenor Ridge Ponini”. I'll be sharing updates, performances, and milestones as I continue to represent the Cook Islands and Pasifika community on the international opera stage.