Samoan tenor singer Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand has been selected as one of five finalists for the 2022 Lexus Song Quest, Aotearoa's most acclaimed opera competition. 

Emmanuel has the chance to follow in the footsteps of New Zealand opera icons including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major and Sol3 Mio’s Amitai Pati, who have all previously won Lexus Song Quest and now grace stages around the world, according to a statement released by Lexus Song Quest.

Emmanuel will be joined at the 2022 Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala by Felicity Tomkins, Amelia Berry, Sarah Hubbard and Filipe Manu at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre this Saturday, where each finalist will sing one song with piano accompaniment by Terence Dennis and two arias accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. 

The winner and runner-up will be announced live on stage by the Head Judge, internationally acclaimed bass baritone and previous Lexus Song Quest winner, Teddy Tahu Rhodes. 

The prestigious competition, which began in 1956 and has opened many doors for incredible young artists across Aotearoa, is returning after a four year hiatus. 

Lexus Song Quest said in its statement that the stakes have never been higher for the finalists, with up to NZD$95,000 in prizes up for grabs on the night. 

Rhodes says the competition is life-changing for the winner, and all five finalists are in the running to take the top spot. 

“It was an extremely difficult task to narrow it down to five finalists. This is the number one competition for opera singers in Aotearoa and the gala is always a fantastic night for everyone. 

“Orchestras, opera companies and festivals around the country and the world are all potential employers of these talented finalists. With cash, scholarships and travel money up for grabs as well as the title itself, the Lexus Song Quest really is Aotearoa’s most coveted opera prize.” 

Competition organiser Tāwhiri’s Creative Director, Marnie Karmelita, says this year’s Lexus Song Quest finalists display incredible skill and determination. 

“We are in constant admiration of the finalists who perform at the highest of standards, prepared to put themselves on the line to be judged live on the night. 

“This is going to be an exciting event  to remember and we can’t wait to share the talent of these inspiring singers with our audiences who we encourage to get behind their personal favourite.” 

The Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala will also be live streamed on the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, and shared on RNZ Concert and the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts Facebook pages.

The prizes are as follows: 

• The winner of the 2022 Lexus Song Quest will receive an immediate cash prize of $20,000 and a Study Scholarship of $27,000, plus economy international travel up to the value of $3,000.

• The runner-up will receive an immediate cash prize of $10,000 and a Study Scholarship of $10,000.

• The other three finalists will each receive an immediate cash prize of $3,500.

• An additional $15,000 scholarship prize is awarded by the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation to the singer who shows the most promise.