Rising Opera Star Ridge Ponini: From Flight Attendant Dreams to London Stage

Ridge Ponini, a Cook Islands-born tenor, is making waves in the opera world after trading his childhood ambition of becoming a flight attendant for a career center stage. His journey began in Rarotonga, where a spontaneous performance outside his college classroom caught the attention of his teacher, leading to an opportunity that would change his life.

Early Beginnings and Unexpected Discovery

Ponini grew up in a Christian household in Rarotonga, where singing in church was a regular part of life. However, he never envisioned singing as a future career. “We never knew that this would be our path in the future,” he shared in an interview with RNZ. “So, I’m thankful to the great-grandparents, but I didn’t really reckon singing was going to be for me, to be extremely honest.”

His path to opera was unexpected. After applying to tourism school with plans to become a flight attendant, Ponini’s talent was discovered when he sang outside his classroom. His English teacher recorded the performance and submitted it to music departments across New Zealand, ultimately leading to a response from Otago University.

Education and Growth in New Zealand

While studying in Dunedin, Ponini admitted he initially felt like an outsider to the opera world. “When I came to Auckland, grounded myself even more, I think through more experiences, through performance, going to watch more operas here in Auckland, I was then kind of like, damn, I could actually do this. This could actually be something that I could be doing.”

This growing confidence led him to apply to The National Opera Studio in London. Despite low expectations, he was selected as one of 70 candidates invited to audition from over 700 applicants. During the rigorous 10-minute audition, he performed pieces in Italian, German, and French, showcasing his linguistic and technical abilities.

Breakthrough and International Recognition

Ponini learned he had passed the final audition round while visiting Rarotonga for a family reunion. Surrounded by supportive family members, he described the moment as deeply meaningful. “I was surrounded by all my aunties, all my families who have supported me on this journey,” he recalled.

His dedication to honoring his roots remains central to his aspirations. Ponini aims to make opera accessible to young people in the Cook Islands and dreams of performing on the world’s most prestigious stages. He cites his late great-grandparents, Mama San and Papa San Ponini, as his greatest inspirations and credits his family for being his unwavering support system.

Continued Growth and Future Aspirations

Participating in competitions like the Lexus Song Quest has been transformative for Ponini. He views reaching the semi-finals as a life-changing milestone, emphasizing the importance of peer connections and targeted skill development for future growth.

Looking ahead, Ponini remains focused on using his platform to inspire others in his homeland while continuing to refine his craft on international stages. His story stands as a testament to the power of unexpected opportunities and the enduring influence of family and cultural heritage.