Ben Makisi - a Pacific Tenor of Note

Ben Makisi - a Pacific Tenor of Note

25 January 2011

Benjamin (Ben) Fifita Makisi, New Zealand’s premier Polynesian Tenor, will be performing at the 2011 Festival of the Elements this Waitangi Day, February 6, at Te Rauparaha Park, Porirua. Ben is of Samoan and Tongan descent and has graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from Victoria University and is also a Master of Performance (Opera) – from the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

A Wellingtonian, Ben has won many awards and international competitions; he has performed for HRH Prince Charles, HRH King Ta’ufahau of Tonga, and sung for dignitaries including former Prime Ministers Hon. Helen Clarke of New Zealand and Hon. John Howard of Australia. Ben was also personally invited by Lady Hillary to sing at the memorial funeral service for Sir Edmund Hillary – broadcast live worldwide.

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With an extraordinary talent, Ben is no stranger to standing ovations. He has become well known as one of New Zealand’s premier International Young Opera singers and hopes to inspire the next generation with his musical abilities. Proud of his Pacific Island cultural identity, Ben is a well seasoned professional of operatic excellence.

The Festival begins with an opening ceremony at 12 noon and continues through to 7:30 pm. It is the best FREE family day out on Waitangi Day on offer anywhere.

After the Festival of the Elements, Ben is also singing in Auckland and Nelson:

Auckland - Summer Matinee with APO at Government House – 12th February 2011 http://apo.co.nz/2011_concerts/summer_matinee_2011.aspx

Nelson - Opera in the Park – 26th February 2011 http://summerfestival.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/nelson-opera-in-the-park/

For more information about the Festival of the Elements 2011 check out the website www.elementsfestival.org.nz.

ENDS

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