A Voice from Paradise

A Voice from Paradise

Lyric tenor Benjamin Makisi is back from paradise to sing at the Dominion Post Summer Concert at Government House on February 11.

Makisi has been performing opera on the Pacific Islands as the star of “Opera in Paradise”.

The unusual venture came about when Makisi went there for a wedding in 2010 and thought he’d sing for a few friends.

Before he knew it, the casual engagement had turned into a full concert of opera highlights, hits from musicals, and famous Neapolitan love songs.

There are a lot of expats from New Zealand living on the islands, Makisi says. “They really appreciated that I would take the time to come out and perform for them.”

“They loved it so much that they wanted me to come back.”

Makisi returned, this time with a young Strathmore tenor he has mentored, Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua.

“It’s great having that influence and sharing the experience that I have with a colleague, especially a young Pacific Islander.”

Makisi still finds time to perform with Operatunity, a group who believe in taking opera to the people, performing even in the smallest and remotest venues in New Zealand.

Makisi says Operatunity have been really good to him ever since he started singing, but they also give him the chance to do the kind of performance he really enjoys – up close and personal to his audience.

“I love making eye contact – especially with the ones in the audience who look like they don’t want to be there. It’s quite surprising how often they’re the ones who come up afterwards and say they loved it!”

For the Government House concert, Makisi is joined by mezzo soprano Helen Medlyn and soprano Julia Booth to perform a bouquet of popular arias with their inimitable flair for drama, passion and the sheer joy of music making.

Makisi will offer the picnicking audience some powerful drama from Verdi’s Luisa Miller, a moment of sweetness of Bizet’s Carmen, the beautiful refinement of a Mozart aria and the heart-melting love duet from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Makisi can really put a smile in his voice too, as we’ll hear in the “Champagne Trio” from Die Fledermaus.

As in previous years, concert tickets include a picnic lunch from Wishbone and a glass of wine or beer.

Broadcaster and raconteur Ian Fraser will be the master of ceremonies.

The Dominion Post Summer Concert at Government House

Saturday February 11, 2pm Government House Grounds

Gates open at 12 noon. Ticket price includes pre-concert entertainment, concert, and a Wishbone picnic lunch, with glass of wine.

Tickets from Ticketek 0800 842 538,www.ticketek.co.nz Service fee will apply.

ENDS

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