Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono
Voice Type
Bass-Baritone
Home Town
Flaxmere, Hastings
How did you become interested in opera singing?
I was part of a programme in Hawke's Bay called 'Project Prima Volta' that nurtures young voices with an incredible sense of community.
Performance highlights so far?
- La Boheme with Festival Opera because it’s my favourite opera - Double bill of Y Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana with Festival opera because two operas in one night is exciting! - Playing the role of Gianni Schicchi with fellow UoW friends because it was my first title role and it was my first chance to put a degree’s worth of knowledge into a role.
Photo © Gerard O'Brien
Photo © Charles Brooks
What are you looking forward to about being part of TANZOS?
I’m excited to learn from the international experts in the masterclasses, coachings, and lessons that have been set up for us. I’m also looking forward to immersing myself in the music and focusing solely on opera and what it takes to have a successful operatic career. I’m also excited to make connections through the residencies and to learn roles intimately with guidance from those who have done it themselves.
What are your career hopes following TANZOS?
I hope to appeal to a teacher or programme abroad that will help me take the next steps to realising my dream of performing opera internationally.
Alfred is supported by Lady Judi and Sir William Gallagher
Biography
Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono is a Samoan baritone from a family of musicians and he aspires to travel the world performing opera and song. Aside from personal ambitions, he has hopes of sharing the stage with his three younger brothers in prestigious opera houses abroad.
Fonoti-Fuimaono began singing in the church and high school choir, but was first introduced to opera in his late high school years through Project Prima Volta, a youth initiative which empowers youth through classical music. It was through this experience that he found his passion for performing and decided to take singing seriously.
Born and raised in Flaxmere, Hastings, Fonoti-Fuimaono moved to Hamilton to study at the University of Waikato, where he has since completed his Honours under the tutelage of Ian Campbell and Kristin Darragh, and completed his Masters in Advanced Opera Studies as a TANZOS young artist.
Fonoti-Fuimaono has been involved in several concerts and productions as a solo and ensemble singer with Auckland Opera Studio, Chamber Music New Zealand, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra, Napier Civic Choir, Festival Opera, New Zealand Opera, and The University of Waikato Conservatorium of music. He was selected to attend the prestigious summer programme, New Zealand Opera School for a fourth consecutive year in 2023.