Tabone sings his way to English festival, thanks to YouTube
Published on 15 July, 2010
CQUniversity Music Theatre graduate Paul Tabone has been shortlisted to compete in a prestigious 'emerging talent' competition, as part of the renowned Serenata classical music festival, held on England's Dorset coast in late August...
Shortlisted competitors were chosen based on YouTube auditions and, while still seeking sponsor support for travel expenses, Paul has pledged to compete in person at the finals at Serenata .
"I am very excited as this is a world-wide competition," he said.
"I have only within the last 15 months focused on Opera, as I had previously trained in Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Mackay, under the guidance of Garrick Jones, Kim Kirkman and Judith Brown.
"I have recently started studying Opera with Gillian Sullivan (internationally-acclaimed soprano) who has been helping me a lot, as well as my mentor of the last two years Leslie Martin (who is at present performing the role of 'Norina' in Don Pasquale in Switzerland.
"After my debut with Opera Queensland last year, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in opera. Through uni, I learnt that I do not have the body image to succeed with constant work in Music Theatre, but with opera this is a much different story, and I have been able to live and save off my singing through opera, which is a fantastic plus.
"I currently work in 'Pavarotti Viva' (Tribute to Pavarotti), Formidable (Australia's latest premier vocal ensemble), The High C's (Australia's debut cross-over duo) as well as a multitude of solo work."