I began my career as a singer at the young age of 19, in Sydney,
Australia. My father, who was born in St John's Wood London, was a tenor and encouraged me
to pursue the career that he never had the opportunity to take. I fortunately found one of
the truly pure vocal coaches, namely Larissa Ramensky, who painstakingly taught, me the
Italian Belcanto technique.
Much like the Great Caruso, I started out with a baritone voice, which quickly developed
into a Lirico Spinto Tenor voice I have today.
I did all the things many young men do and got married, had children, went into
business, sold the business, got divorced, and did no have the time to seriously pursue my
love of singing till the middle of my life arrived.
In my earlier days I made my debut to a packed St James Playhouse Theatre in Sydney,
sang for the W.A. Opera in a production of "Rigoletto", and became a freelance
concert specialist.
I arrived back in England in 1993 and continued my vocal technique and studies with
Hamish Pitceathly who trained with Herbert Caesari. I then joined The National Opera and
Drama association. It was at their Summer School in Ripon that I met Nina Walker,
Consultant to The Royal Opera House who immediately suggested I audition for 'Floral
Opera's' coming production of Mozart's "Idomineo".
In April 1994 subsequently I sang the lead role of Idomineo, under the direction of
Richard Gregson, Nina Walker and Dennis Knight, in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
In September 1994 I performed at The Dome in a Gala Opera Spectacular entitled,
"Not The Three Tenors," singing concert favourites, including 'Vesti La Giubba',
'Recondita Armonia', and of course 'Nessun Dorma'.
My desire to sing professionally and do nothing else became a passion I could not
contain within. It was at the height of this deep yearning to follow my dream where ever
it may lead me that lead me to what I am currently doing. I have always wanted to sing for
all who may want to listen.
I notice a harpist playing in a large shopping centre and selling tapes and cd's of his
works. It was he who suggested that maybe I should do the same. I owe my current success
to this talented and helpful artist. Over the past year now I have been singing for all to
hear in shopping centres, and pedestrianised city areas, giving free concerts for
everyone's enjoyment.
I have become affectionately named by my fans and friends as "The Peoples
Tenor" or "Aus-orotti. In March 1996 I started to support "Save the
Children" by encouraging one and all who enjoyed my free open air concerts to donate
in the buckets or to collectors who volunteer from local branches to be there on the day.
In just a few short months I have now raised over £12,000 for this worthy cause.
My fans soon wanted a club which was formed recently with
special privileges to all who want to know of forthcoming concerts and Album releases. I
fast began to realise that what I do brings back pleasant memories to many people who may
not be able to go to the Opera. To see and talk to them and share their pleasure in what I
do is a priceless privilege that I will continue to do whilst ever my public continue to
applaud.
