WelCom August 2024
Kevin Plant
Patrick Shanahan, a Wellington-born baritone and parishioner at Te Awakairangi Parish in Lower Hutt, has recently completed his Bachelor of Music with Honours in vocal performance at The New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī, at Victoria University of Wellington. With an extensive repertoire Patrick is now embarking on an exciting journey to the Netherlands, where he will perform the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the International Bel Canto Academy.
‘This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a significant step toward fulfilling my opera dreams,’ says Patrick.
Patrick has studied under renowned vocalists Margaret Medlyn and Wade Kernot. His performance repertoire includes roles such as Rhadamanthus in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, Pandolf in Massenet’s Cinderella with NZSM, Handworker II in Berg’s Wozzeck with Wellington Orchestra, and chorus roles in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Verdi’s La Traviata with Wellington Opera. He has also participated in the Days Bay Opera production of Bellini’s La Sonnambula.
Patrick’s concert performances are equally impressive. Highlights include having sung in masterclasses for New Zealand opera singers Simon O’Neill and Madeleine Pierard, and for American opera singer Sasha Cooke. He featured in the role of Jesus for Dunedin City Choirs’ production of St John’s Passion with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, and performed DeLalande’s Te Deum with The Queen’s Closet – a New Zealand period-instrument baroque orchestra. Patrick has also portrayed the roles of Raphael and Adam in Haydn’s Creation with St Peter’s Orchestra and Cantoris Choir, conducted by Thomas Nikora.
Raised in a loving Catholic household with two siblings, Patrick was baptised in Lower Hutt’s St Martin de Porres Church and was educated at Ss Peter and Paul Primary School and St Bernard’s College. He has been an active member of Te Awakairangi Parish, playing music at Ss Peter and Paul Church for the last decade, sharing his talent and faith with his community.
Patrick says he hopes to use classical music, particularly sacred vocal music, ‘to connect people and demonstrate God’s love through its beauty’.
‘I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me in reaching this milestone and I am deeply thankful and eager to see what this adventure will bring.’