23 Jul 2018

This content is tagged as Music .

NEWS

2018 Lexus Song Quest Five Finalists named

The journey to be crowned the 2018 Lexus Song Quest winner is one step closer, with tonight’s announcement of the five Finalists, judged in front of a live audience at two Semi-Final concerts on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July.

The 2018 Lexus Song Quest Finalists to compete at the Grand Final Gala at Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 28 July are: (listed alphabetically)

  • Joel Amosa (28) – Bass-Baritone from Auckland
  • Eliza Boom (24) – Soprano from Whangarei
  • Joe Haddow (22) – Baritone from Porirua
  • Manase Latu (22) – Tenor from Auckland
  • Filipe Manu (25) – Tenor from Auckland

Esteemed international Head Judge, Lisa Gasteen has been highly impressed with the vocal quality and skills of the ten Semi-Finalists. “It’s been extremely difficult to pick a top five from such a skilled field of performers. I strongly believe these five finalists have what it takes to succeed in this competitive industry.” 

In its 62-year history Lexus Song Quest has launched the careers of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated singers including Dame Malvina Major, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Phillip Rhodes, Jonathan Lemalu and Sol3 Mio’s Amitai Pati.

“I’m looking forward to the Final this coming Saturday. The standard of the Lexus Song Quest just keeps getting higher,” said Paul Carroll, Senior General Manager of Lexus New Zealand. “We know the competition is going to be very tough.”

The 2018 winner of Lexus Song Quest will be decided at the Grand Final Gala where the five Finalists will perform live with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and compete for New Zealand’s most prestigious singing title and a share of $90,000 in prizes.

Who will win? Experience Aotearoa's most glittering night of opera at the Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala at the Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 28 July.  Final tickets are still available via www.songquest.co.nz