Wellington Opera — Manon

For its 2026 season, Wellington Opera brings one of the most popular and enduring French operas to life. Manon by Jules Massenet will feature Kiwi-Samoan tenor Pene Pati and Kiwi-Egyptian soprano Amina Edris. Joining this powerhouse duo is another New Zealander, baritone Phillip Rhodes will sing the role of Lescaut. Manon tells the tragic love story of Manon Lescaut and the Chevalier des Grieux. The story unfolds in five acts, exploring themes of love, desire, and the consequences of choices made in pursuit of pleasure. 

Pene Pati is widely known for his Sol3 Mio fame. He is a recent New Zealand Arts Laureate and is the first Samoan tenor to perform on the world’s top stages, including the Opéra national de Paris, Covent Garden, London and the Metropolitan Opera, New York.