NEW YORK (AP) — Pene Pati, a Samoan tenor who grew up in New Zealand, received warnings against pursuing a singing career at a young age. At just 20, he was told that becoming an opera singer was a challenging path for someone from his background. Pati described his motivation to excel in opera as a form of defiance against those doubts. He recalled a voice coach who cautioned him not to be discouraged if he didn’t succeed, prompting Pati to strive to prove naysayers wrong.
Now at 38, Pati is established within the opera world, with bookings lined up until 2030. Reflecting on his journey, he was once apprehensive but has since risen among a new generation of tenors, alongside artists like Xabier Anduaga, SeokJong Baek, Freddie De Tommaso, Ismael Jordi, and Jonathan Tetelman. In his recent performances of Massenet's “Werther” at Paris’ Opéra Comique, Pati showcased his talent, earning admiration from the audience and fellow performers.
Pati’s career took a significant turn on December 13, 2021, when he stepped in with only a few hours' notice to perform the opening role in Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette,” replacing Jean-François Borras. Just the day before, he had sung Alfredo in Verdi's “La Traviata” in Amsterdam. This unexpected debut served as a launchpad for his subsequent roles across Europe and America, establishing his reputation as a leading tenor.
His stage presence is noted to be captivating, exemplified by one performance where he held a high C note for 19 seconds, an achievement recognized by mezzo-soprano Adèle Charvet. She remarked on the electrifying energy he brings to the stage, likening it to the appearance of the sun. Director Ted Huffman also emphasized Pati's genuine warmth, which resonates with audiences through his character portrayals.
Born in Samoa to registered nurse parents, Pati moved to New Zealand as a toddler. His upbringing inspired him to pursue greater ambitions, believing that if his parents could succeed, so could he. Originally aiming for a computer science career, he was encouraged to explore his musical talents while participating in an Auckland choir and being mentored by his high school music director, Terence Maskell.
Pati later moved to Cardiff in 2011 to study at the Wales International Academy of Voice under tenor Dennis O'Neill's guidance. During this period, he formed the trio Sol3 Mio with his brother, Amitai Pati, and cousin, Moses Mackay. He entered the San Francisco Opera’s prestigious Merola Program in 2013, where he met future wife and soprano Amina Edris. His competitive spirit shone through when he placed second among men in the 2015 Operalia competition and subsequently joined the Adler Fellows program at San Francisco Opera in 2016.
His debut at the San Francisco Opera occurred in 2017 as the Duke in Verdi's “Rigoletto.” He made his European debut in Bordeaux in 2018 and gained more prominence when he replaced Brian Hymel for the San Francisco's opening-night performance of “Roméo” in September 2019. Pati continued to expand his repertoire, making appearances at major venues including the Paris Opera in 2021, the Vienna State Opera in 2022, and he is set to perform at the Royal Opera in London in 2024, as well as at the Metropolitan Opera and Munich’s Bavarian State Opera in 2025.
Pati currently resides in Paris and is scheduled to return to the Metropolitan Opera for Puccini's “La Bohème” next season. He will sing Edgardo in Donizetti's “Lucia di Lammermoor” at Toulouse, starting February 20, and will make his debut at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala. In addition, he is slated to perform the title role in Mozart's “La Clemenza di Tito” at the Zurich Opera later this year and return to New Zealand for Massenet's “Manon” in August.
Pati remains cautious in his role decisions, favoring gradual progression in his career to sustain his vocal health. After his final performance of “Werther,” he engaged with the children’s chorus, inviting them to his dressing room for cake. He also conducted a workshop for young vocal students in New York, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the community and sharing his passion for music.
Conductor Raphaël Pichon praised Pati as a unique and luminous figure in the opera world, highlighting his genuine desire to communicate and share his love for music with others.
