Sol3 Mio

An operatic pop trio hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Sol3 Mio consists of the Samoan-descended Pati brothers Pene and Amitai, both tenors, alongside their cousin Moses Mackay, who sings baritone. Blending classical, opera, and pop elements, the ensemble incorporates playful humor and frequent references to their Samoan roots. Having received classical training, the three were each advancing individual paths until Pene and Moses joined the supporting choir for the renowned Italian performer Andrea Bocelli during 2008. That performance's impact lingered, prompting their 2011 collaboration with Amitai in benefit concerts that established Sol3 Mio professionally. Universal inked them by 2013, leading to their debut album under their own name—a mix of traditional and contemporary tracks—which swiftly claimed the top spot on the New Zealand Albums Chart and ranked as the nation's top seller for that year. Further achievements marked 2014 through a four-track EP, a seasonal single, and global performances. The follow-up record from 2015, titled On Another Note, secured another number-one position in New Zealand, propelled by their rendition of "I See Fire," which reinterprets Ed Sheeran's composition featured on The Hobbit soundtrack.