2022 Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala
Tenor singer Filipe Manu was named as the winner of the 2022 Lexus Song Quest on Saturday 23 July in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre, as well as adoring audiences from around the world who tuned into the livestream and the live radio broadcast.
Our congratulations to Filipe and all five finalists, including and runner up soprano Felicity Tomkins and Kiri Scholarship winner Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono.
It was the third time competing for Filipe and Saturday night was a combination of hard work and persistence over the past few years.
Head Judge, internationally acclaimed bass baritone and previous Lexus Song Quest winner, Teddy Tahu Rhodes said he has been very impressed with the high standard of all five finalists. “The talent of these young singers at the Grand Final Gala this weekend was exceptional and they all deserved their place in the Grand Final Gala of the Lexus Song Quest.
"Filipe performed incredibly and I’m proud to name him the winner for 2022. But this is just the first step in the journey of all five finalists and we are all excited to see where each of these singers' careers will take them.”
You can still experience the glittering Grand Final Gala - the livestream video as well as the radio broadcast are still available to access from the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts Facebook page and you can listen in on RNZ Concert.
The Lexus Song Quest will return in 2024.
From its inception in 1956, the Lexus Song Quest has become New Zealand opera’s most prestigious singing competition, launching the world-famous opera careers of many talented New Zealanders.
In 2022 the stakes have never been higher, with a share of $95,000 in prizes to be won, and the opportunity to join the impressive line-up of previous victors like Joel Amosa, Sol3 Mio's Amitai Pati, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dame Malvina Major. Learn more about the Lexus Song Quest history.
