Ta'u's Story

Ta'u Pupu'a is a multifaceted artist whose journey has taken him from the gridiron to the grand stage. Born in Tonga and emigrating to the United States at an early age, Pupu'a initially gained recognition as a talented football player, showcasing his athletic prowess on the professional football field. However, his passion for the arts led him to embark on a remarkable career transition.

After retiring from football, Pupu'a pursued his lifelong love for opera. 

Renowned for his powerful tenor voice, he underwent rigorous vocal training to refine his natural talent. His dedication and artistic commitment have propelled him onto prestigious opera stages around the world.

Pupu'a's operatic repertoire reflects a diverse range of roles, highlighting his vocal versatility and expressive depth. With a unique journey that spans both the athletic and artistic realms, he has become an inspiring figure, demonstrating the transformative power of passion and determination.

Beyond his performances, Pupu'a engages with audiences on a profound level, sharing his story of reinvention and the pursuit of artistic excellence. His contributions to the world of opera not only showcase his vocal prowess but also serve as a testament to the boundless possibilities that come with following one's true calling.

Ta'u's story begins...

Ta'u was born on Tongatapu, "the mainland" of Tonga (total land mass is 288 square miles).  He was the youngest of nine children and when he was 5, the family moved to Salt Lake City.  Ta'u first heard about opera from his brother, who brought home opera records. But at that time he thought the music was "ugly" and had no beat.  However, that changed when a music teacher gave him an Italian song to sing.  He was hooked on singing.

But Ta'u realized he had another talent: football.  And he believed that a career in football would help him earn enough money to help his parents and eight older siblings. He went to Weber State on a full football scholarship and became an outstanding defensive end.

However, he never fully gave up singing and quietly kept working toward a music degree. Ta'u was invited to the Utah Combine (where NFL teams watch possible draft picks work out) and it was soon clear he was a standout player.  Much to his su​rprise, Ta'u was drafted by the Cleveland Browns (Bill Belichick was the coach).

​Ta'u played for the Browns (and for the Ravens when the Browns moved to Baltimore) and seemed headed to a long football career.  However, a shattered arch foot injury interrupted that plan. But he worked hard and on Coach Belichick's recommendation he went to the Canadian Football league to play himself back into shape.  But, for a second time, an injury derailed his football plans.  Because he was tenacious and committed, Ta'u began the rehab process again and once healed began playing again.  He was making a very strong impression at practice and felt optimistic about a comeback.

From that point, Ta'u kept studying and learning roles and began to have success. As of 2015 he has performed over 20 roles with opera companies around the world such as San Francisco Opera, La Scala, Birmingham Opera (U.K.), Baltimore Opera, Knoxville Opera, Opera Hong Kong, Hawaii Opera Theatre, and Tanglewood, among others.

But Ta'u kept feeling uneasy about playing football and began to question whether this was where his path truly was.  One morning, he was looking out the window and asked God, what should I do?  Suddenly he had an answer - crazy as it seems.  "Go sing! " So Ta'u packed his bags and took the train home, where his Father told him he had to go to New York and sing. "You can't serve two masters."

So Ta'u came to New York and began his pursuit of a singing career.  He found a teacher and began learning how to let his natural talent shine. Then one day he met a woman who would change his life. He went to the Met Opera Shop to meet Kiri Te Kanawa at a CD signing.  When she realized he was also Polynesian she asked what he did and Ta'u said he was a tenor. She heard him sing and took him to the Juilliard School to sing for Brian Zeger, the artistic director of the department of vocal arts.  Ta'u was accepted and given a scholarship and graduated three years later...

Click here to read Ta'u's biography