South Auckland opera singers to perform at The Met in New York
Two south Aucklanders have secured places on the prestigious New York Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
Tongan tenor Manase Latu and Samoan bass-baritone Samson Setu were offered their places ahead of thousands of applications, and are the first New Zealand and the first Pasifika singers to participate in the world-renowned programme.
While they were due to be in New York in August, pandemic travel restrictions have meant they started their classes in early September, by Zoom.
Both grew up in South Auckland, and in an environment where music was a big part of their lives, at church, at Sunday school, at community gatherings.
“We were very shocked and didn't know what to say,” Manase said.
“But we thought, you know what, let’s go to New York and sing for them and we did and one thing led to another and well, we’re both heading off the Met!”
While Manase learned he been accepted onto the programme earlier this year, Samson only learned of his success in July, just as he had concluded that he hadn’t been accepted and had decided to become a plumber.
“The pandemic had made me reflect on my future, and was just about to enrol in plumber’s apprenticeship when they [the Met] emailed me to ask me if was still interested,” Samson said.
They are excited to be going together as “brothers”.
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Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Auckland Harbour Bridge summer works
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is carrying out essential maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this December and January. The southbound clip-on lanes will be closed (24/7) from 26 December to 5 January for road resurfacing. Night-time lane restrictions will be in place throughout the summer for recoating work on the bridge. Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions at all times.
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