Acclaimed opera singer and former NFL player Ta’u Pupu’a performed a benefit concert for the Kilohana United Methodist Church in Honolulu on Saturday May 21. The Kiliohana United Methodist Church is known for its humanitarian work in Hawaii and has a strong Tongan following among its congregation.

Ta’u Pupu’a is a professional opera singer who has performed as a lead tenor worldwide in numerous venues across Europe, China and the United States. He is recognised for his deep and powerful voice as well as for his stage presence, standing 6’5 feet tall and full of muscle.

Ta’u was born in Tonga and at the age of five years he emmigrated with his family to Utah where he excelled in Gridiron Football and gained a football scholarship to Weber State University. Ta’u was drafted as a Defensive End by the Cleveland Browns in 1995 and later for the Baltimore Ravens. His career was strained by injury and while attending a training camp for the Ravens in 2002 he made a bold decision to change the course of his life and pursue his passion for singing. "I didn't even call the coach – I just packed my bags, went to the train station, and headed to Manhattan” he told the local press.

"When I first got to New York, I thought, 'What am I going to do? – But growing up poor and making it to the NFL that taught me what this world has to offer. I really had a passion for music. I knocked on many doors, and many were shut, but I just kept going”.

After moving to New York, Ta’u performed as a tenor for various local companies. In 2007 Ta’u successfully auditioned to study at New York’s prestigious Julliard School with a full scholarship after being introduced to the school’s director by legendary Maori opera singer and diva Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

“There were 110 of us auditioning, and I got in on a full scholarship” he said in an interview with CBS news.

“One day I got a call and voice said congratulations you got in – it was just one of the moments I said to myself you know I’m so glad I listened to that small voice"

Ta’u made his professional opera debut in 2011. Some of his acclaimed roles include acts as ancient Egyption hero Radames in Aida, an Italian painter Cavaradossi in Torsca, Baschus in Ariadne auf Naxos, and an Olympian boxer in ICE Break.