Pene Pati on 1news (New Zealand)

Pene Pati on 1news in New Zealand, after performing Des Grieux in Manon at Wellington Opera. At home on top stages worldwide, Paris-based tenor Pene Pati and soprano wife Amina Edris jumped at the chance to work in New Zealand — and the gamble has paid off for Wellington Opera. Manon has been a gamechanger for the company, completely selling out, which is rare, and then also selling out an extra show that was put on. It's estimated that 62% of the audience travelled in from out of town, with an estimated $2.1 million injected into the regional economy. "Wellington Opera has done a fantastic thing, it's a show of the small guys, you know, really killing it in the industry," Pati said. It's vindication for Wellington Opera, which failed to secure Creative NZ money in this year's funding round. Matthew Ross, creative director of Manon, said the show is a milestone for opera in New Zealand.