25 June 2018
Sensational community-minded soprano Madison Nonoa is one of ten Lexus Song Quest Semi-Finalists. Follow the journey of these elite young opera talents as they compete for New Zealand’s most prestigious singing accolade and a share of $90,000 in prizes.
Be there for the thrilling Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala on 28 July at the Auckland Town Hall. Tickets are on sale now at songquest.co.nz
Born in the Waikato, Madison Nonoa has a Bachelor of Music (First class Hons) from the University of Auckland. She’s currently one of a growing contingent of New Zealanders studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she is under the tutelage of the acclaimed soprano, Yvonne Kenny within the Opera Studies Masters Programme.
“I credit my grandparents as my role models for their unfailing patience and empathetic approach to everyone and everything."
-"I also credit my parents for their fortitude and teaching me to have a sense of humour!”
Aside from her passion for music, Madison - who is of Samoan, Niuean and European heritage - is passionate about remaining involved in her community and continuing to encourage and support children in their learning as a volunteer Pacific Island student ambassador, encouraging Pacific youth education and engagement in tertiary study.
Speaking about her Semi-Final repertoire of Bizet, Britten/Purcell and Bellini;
-“I tried to pick good stories, with beautiful poetry and interesting music."
"Each of them has a special memory attached to them for me, for example: Deh vieni non tardar is from Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), sung by the character Susanna - which was the first leading role I performed in full here in the UK.”
“Ever since I was a very small girl I dreamed of being in the Lexus Song Quest, and to do it is an actual dream come true. I am really, really looking forward to giving it my best.”
-"This is the most wonderful platform and an experience that I am so lucky to be able to have."
From here the ten Semi-Finalists perform live at one of two invitation-only Semi-Final concerts on 21 & 22 July in Wellington, where Head Judge Lisa Gasteen will select the five Finalists who will go on to perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala, on 28 July at the Auckland Town Hall. Tickets are on sale now at songquest.co.nz
Who will win?
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