Special guests perform Classics at the Cove

To sing with the Pride of the Pacific, Kawiti Waetford from Whangarei, was a dream Ridge Ponini never imagined possible. A conversation at Huanui College with Ridges ex-teacher and mentor Brenda Rudolf, who supported his journey into Otago University majoring in music, led to an invitation to come north to sing at Classics at the Cove 2017 with his idol Kawiti Waetford, and Waipu songbird Emma Couper.

Ridge returns for a third year, singing with Sarah Whittles, members of Opera North and local young singing students, as well as ALOF4 –the Fonoti-Fuimaono brothers from the Hawkes Bay. In 2018 Ridge was joined by Mia and Joel Amosa. Joel subsequently went on to win the Lexus song Quest 2019 and they were the guest artists at Opera in the Garden 2019.

Over the last four years Ridge has become well known in New Zealand opera circles. He has graduated from Otago University with honours and been entering Aria competitions, workshops, courses with the Dame Malvina Major Foundation for the last few years. Ridge starred in Opera on the Beach in Rarotonga last year with the Shades and attended the New Zealand Opera School over the summer.

David Brown and Debi Walters-Brown are the hosts of ‘Classics at the Cove’ on their beautiful property overlooking Bream Bay.

“We are so thrilled to have Ridge back this year. It is like welcoming home a member of the family.”

Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to see some brilliant local talent and up-and-coming singers like Emer Lea and Kieser Jacoby, Tyga Daniero, Angharad Yearbury-Murphy and Mirabella Uphoff, a brilliant pianist from Bream Bay College.

§ Tickets from Eventfinda, Waipu Hammer Hardware, or at the gate Tahamoana Angora Goat farm, 566 Cove Road, Waipu. on Sunday October 25, 1.30pm. Programme runs from 2pm–5.15pm so get your picnic spot early.

Flashback: Classics at the Cove 2018 featured Joel Amosa, Ridge Ponini, and Kawiti Waetford. PHOTO/TRACEY MORRIS