Countertenor Samuel Mataele is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most exciting emerging young artists. At just eighteen, he was hailed as New Zealand’s most promising young singer after winning the 2025 Nicholas Tarling Junior Aria Competition with a widely praised performance of “But Who May Abide” from Handel’s Messiah. Adjudicator Uwe Grodd described it as “a professional performance in true Baroque style, displaying wonderful artistry and colours in the voice.” Competing in the adult division that same year, Samuel received the Most Outstanding Talent Award.
A frequent prizewinner, Samuel has earned numerous first‑place awards across North Island competitions, including the Senior Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust Recital Competition and the Audience Choice Award and runner‑up placing in the Ron Dellow Recital Competition. He has appeared in concert with artists such as Gina Sanders and Lilia Carpinelli, and has performed in Kay Shacklock’s Auckland concert series.
In 2025 Samuel sang Didymus in Handel’s Theodora with the Auckland Handel Consort and Quire, appeared with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra, and performed in multiple Messiah and Magnificat engagements. Arts critic William Dart noted that he “impressed from his first But who may abide, balancing subtly decorated assurance with fiery Prestissimo.”
Samuel is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a BA in Psychology at the University of Auckland. Upcoming performances include the alto role of the Counsel in Handel’s The Triumph of Time and Truth with the Handel Consort and Quire.