Diving head-first into a new world of opera and Pacific culture has been an adrenaline rush for New Zealand-born Samoan/Cook Island singer Stella Alofa (pictured).
Stella is part of the ensemble in the New Zealand Opera and Black Grace co-produced dance-opera (m)Orpheus, showing in Auckland and Wellington during September.
The production, originally a 250 year-old European opera, has been re-imagined and performed through a Pacific lens, a space which Stella says did not exist until recently.
“To be in the forefront of a new realm is exciting,” Stella says.
“I believe there is an essence, a way of being as a Pacific person, that I feel resonates in how we receive or make music.
“We can convey our storytelling abilities, just like orators in our musicality.
“This gift has been passed on for generations and I think it’s important to nourish this gift to share with the world.”
Although Stella has been involved in singing and music for most of her life, the mezzo-soprano role in (m)Orpheus will be her first venture into the world of opera.
“Music is universal and I feel very lucky to be part of something truly special,” she says.
“It is an honour to have the chance to work with Neil Ieremia, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished choreographers and creatives, and New Zealand Opera.
“My line of work as a creative has always opened many doors to different opportunities, this blessing has kept my passion for arts alive to this day.”
Over the past 10 years, Stella has performed at community and corporate events as a vocalist, and some of her favourite shows have been with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Hugh Jackman’s concert The Man, The Music, AUT’s Show Choir and New Zealand’s very own Breakfast show.
Stella is eager to work on more theatre shows once she completes a series of creative projects including songwriting, producing her own music and directing a musical, she adds.
Constantly inspired by those around her, she sees the potential her creative gift has to stir others to follow their dreams and achieve great things.
“I want to pay it forward - it is the legacy I wish to leave behind.
“To anyone who would like to pursue the Arts - be bold, be yourself and don’t let fear hold you back, let it be the reason you need to move forward.”
Stella will perform with NZ Opera and Black Grace in (m)Orpheus, playing at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre from September 6-10 and at Wellington’s Opera House from September 20-23.
Visit the NZ Opera website to purchase tickets.