It's still rumor and speculation, and I hope it won't turn into a fact: One of the most unusual and fascinating young singers of recent years in the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship Program may — I repeat may — not fully participate in the year-long program, with peak activity before and during the company's summer and fall seasons.
The young tenor, who conquered audiences during his Merola year, is back home in New Zealand, busy with an extensive tour with his SOL3 MIO trio. He reported on Facebook earlier this month: "4 shows down, 16 to go ... Now just need loads of sleep!"
Pati is scheduled to be featured in the season's last Schwabacher Debut Recital on April 27, to perform songs by Quilter and Tosti, and as of now, no change has been announced, but against his current tour schedule it may be a tight squeeze. Said an Opera spokesman on Tuesday: "It is my understanding that Pene Pati will be here in S.F. to perform his recital in late April."
Supported in the past by both the Dame Malvina Major and Kiri Te Kanawa Foundations, Pati (who now uses his full name of Darren Pene Pati) formed the trio a couple of years ago at the Wanganui opera school, and has turned it into a commercial success with a mix of opera and pop.
If — heaven forbid — he abandons "serious opera," Pati may become one of the few formidable tenors going directly the popera route without having a traditional career.