Faith, Family and Friends
"God has a plan for us, and I continue to realise his plan for me."
- Jonathan Lemalu, 1999
Faith has always been an important part of Jonathan's life as it is for many Samoans, and music continues to be a way of connecting with that true faith. By giving joy to others through the sound of music, Jonathan has found a unique way of thanking the people that he holds dear.

Jonathan and his first dramatic entrance on the world stage - with a hole in the heart and just days old.
A young Jonathan with his older sister Selena in their Sunday best to attend the Children's White Sunday Service.

With Dunedin Cantores Choir. Music Director Dr Raymond White (far right), whom Jonathan credits with instilling his spiritual love of music.
"I can't say enough about my family. They are the most important thing in my life..."
- Jonathan Lemalu, 1999
Family is a cornerstone of Jonathan's life, and although he lives in London to pursue his singing career, home will always be in Dunedin with his father Lemalu-Nanai Foalima, mother Ali'itasi and sister Selena. In their presence, he is a loving son and brother first, and opera singer second.

Sharing the success with proud parents Ali'itasi and Lemalu-Nanai Foalima and sister Selena after the McDonald's Aria Competition in Sydney. Singing teacher Honor McKellar also travelled to the competition.
The cause of some family controversy - where does Jonathan get that great voice? His father, Foalima (second from right) produces the evidence in this picture of the 'Chandeliers' rock music band.

Now that he's overseas for a while, the homecomings are more special. Jonathan with parents Tasi and Lemalu-Nanai Foalima at Christchurch Airport.


Another family moment for Jonathan following his success in the Dame Sister Mary Leo Scholarship Competition. Pictured here (left to right) Selena, Aunty Pise, Jonathan, Tasi and Foalima.
But family has wider connotations for Jonathan. Extended family, close friends and all those who have been part of Jonathan's journey become part of his family. Reinforced by a proud Samoan heritage, there are few people in the world who can attest to such a strong feeling of belonging in this world. Perhaps this is why Jonathan is the success he is.
   

The musical mothers in Jonathan's life - his RCM teacher Dame Vera Rozsa (left) and his New Zealand voice teacher (and "golf coach" jokes Jonathan) Honor McKellar.
Jonathan getting a few tips on surfing the web from close friend and Godfather - Dr. Roderick Deane.

Jonathan at his graduation celebrations with Honor McKellar (seated), Prof. Terence Dennis of the University of Otago, accompanist (rear) and Dr Raymond White, Music Director, Cantores Choir.
Jonathan and Godmother Gillian Deane at the 100th Anniversary celebrations of the Dunedin Performing Arts Competitions Society and the St. Kilda Brass Band.