The Journey Continues: Six Finalists Revealed for the 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest

Six outstanding young singers are one step closer to winning the inaugural 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest title, following Sunday night’s announcement of the competition’s finalists. The six singers were selected in front of a live audience by internationally acclaimed American mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, following two captivating semi-final concerts on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July at St Andrew’s on The Terrace.

The 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest finalists will now compete on Saturday 11 July at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre for a share of almost $100,000 in prizes, accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Brad Cohen, General Director, NZ Opera. The finalists, listed alphabetically, are:

– Cecily Shaw – (32, mezzo-soprano)
– Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono – (26, baritone)
– Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono – (25, tenor)
– Samuel Downes – (29, tenor)
– Samuel Mataele – (19, countertenor)
– Sarah Mileham – (23, soprano)

International Head Judge Frederica von Stade, affectionally known as ‘Flicka,’ has been highly impressed with the vocal quality and skills of the finalists.

“Choosing a top six from such an exceptional group of semi-finalists has been a real challenge. The standard this year has been incredibly high, with each singer showing strong vocal control, artistry, and individuality. This year’s semi-finalists also cover a wide range of voice types, which highlights the depth of operatic talent in Aotearoa. What stands out at this level isn’t just vocal ability, but the way performers can command the stage and connect with an audience straight away.”

In its 70-year history, the Song Quest has launched the careers of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated singers, including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Phillip Rhodes, Jonathan Lemalu, Sol3 Mio’s Amitai Pati and Filipe Manu.

The winner of the country’s most prestigious classical singing award will be announced live at Grand Final Gala on Saturday 11 July at the Michael Fowler Centre. Tickets are still available for purchase from $39.

Find out more about the 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest-finalists at www.songquest.nz

Photo: Finalists with Head Judge Frederica von Stade.
L – R Samuel Downes – (29, tenor),  Cecily Shaw – (32, mezzo-soprano), Sarah Mileham – (23, soprano),  International Head Judge Frederica von Stade, Samuel Mataele – (19, countertenor), Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono – (25, tenor) and  Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono – (26, baritone)

Photo Credit: Hagen Hopkins