Media

For artists, heritage and community can be powerful sources of inspiration. A former pro football player, opera tenor Ta’u Pupu’a found his voice through church service. While his teammates listened to rock or hip-hop to get pumped up before a game, Ta’u Pupu’a listened to Luciano Pavarotti. After an injury ended his professional football career, Ta’u moved to New York City to purse a new life in the opera. Now, Ta’u works as a professional opera tenor, sharing what he calls the “universal language” of music with the world. Watch Ta'u being honored by his state's Governor for his contribution to the arts.

Originally aired on CNN, Academy Award winning actress Minnie Driver profiles Ta'u Pupu'a.

Patricia Heaton writes about Ta'u Pupu'a's second act career change. The book is published by Simon and Schuster.

Reaching the pinnacle in your sport or profession is an amazing achievement, but to do it in two separate ones is truly remarkable. How many former NFL athletes do YOU know who also happen to be internationally acclaimed opera singers? Well, until today, likely none. Here’s your chance to hear the incredible story of my guest today.

After an injury ended his career with the Cleveland Browns, football player Ta'u Pupu'a embarked on his "Plan B": singing opera. Now, the Julliard-trained opera tenor has his eyes set on a new arena, the Metropolitan House in New York. Click here for Jim Axelrod's report.

(CBS News) Making it big in any profession requires determination and talent. One man is doing that for a second time and performing in front of a new audience. Read the article here.

Today, Ta’u Pupu’a is an operatic tenor with the voice of an angel. But once upon a time, as an NFL lineman, he made opposing players squeal. The hulking singer’s story has more plot twists than an Italian libretto. Click here for a  profile from Ashely Vaughan.

“The Blind Side” meets “The Great Caruso.” Read Matthew Gurewitsch's article here.

Read Leslie Guttman's feature article here.

Click the links below about Michael Tippet's Ice Break, at Birmingham Opera (UK), which starred Ta'u Pupu'a, from Opera Vision and BBC.  Click here to listen to Ta'u being interviewed for BBC Sounds. Read another article, featured  here in The Times