Sol3 Mio star one step closer to world opera title

Sol3 Mio's Pene Pati.

Sol3 Mio's Pene Pati has made it through to the semi-finals of a prestigious opera competition in London.

The singer posted a video message on Facebook about his accomplishments in Operalia, the World Opera Competition, run by the celebrated Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo.

"I'm tired as hell, we've just been told the results and all thanks to God I've made it through to the second round," he said.

It was the first time Pati had seen Domingo in person "right in front of me, talking", he said in the video - appearing a bit starstruck.

Pati had flown straight to London after Sol3 Mio wrapped the recording of their latest album, arriving three days before the competition kicked off, with the effects of jetlag visible.

Sol3 Mio, an opera trio consisting of Samoan brothers Pene Pati, Amitai Pati and their cousin Moses Mackay, has been hugely successful in New Zealand and overseas. Their self-titled album has gone platinum seven times.

In round one of the competition, Pati performed La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetée from Carmen and De Miei Bollenti from La Traviata, which was chosen for him. He also made it through to the finals of the Spanish aria portion of the contest.

Pati will perform in the semi-finals tomorrow and in the meantime has stocked up on "good old active Manuka honey" from Waiheke to prepare his voice.

Placido Domingo's Operalia was founded in 1993 to help discover up-and-coming young opera stars. The contestants are judged by a jury of ten opera experts, presided over by Plácido Domingo as a non-voting member.

In the final round, contestants are accompanied by a full orchestra conducted by Domingo himself.

- nzherald.co.nz