A TRUE OPERA BUFF

By Paul Dellit

Wow! Opera never looked this good. But it will later this month when producer Andrew McKinnon presents two of Australia's singing superstars. From La Bohème to the South Pacific, baritone TEDDY TAHU RHODES (pictured in his award-winning role in the opera Dead Man Walking) and acclaimed tenor DAVID HOBSON bring you one of the most romantic nights of the year - with much loved arias and songs from Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Cole Porter. 

Fresh from recording their first album togethe, two of opera's most popular singers are set to wow audiences with their exciting mix of romantic opera classics, folksong, spirituals, show tunes, and, of course, the duet from The Pearl Fishers, recently voted the greatest opera moment of all time by ABC Classic FM listeners. 

Multi award winning baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes (ARIA Award, Helpmann Award (twice), Limelight Award and Greenroom Award) is in hot demand - for more than one reason, judging by this photo.  

Since bursting onto the musical scene in 1998 from his native New Zealand, Teddy Tahu Rhodes has quickly become one of music's shooting stars internationally. He sings a wide-ranging repertoire from opera to folk spirituals and The Washington Post reported that he “stole the show” with his 2008 Metropolitan Opera debut in the role of Ned Keene in Peter Grimes. 

Teddy says he is greatly looking forward to touring the country for a month with David Hobson. “I am sure that we, and the audience, are going to be in for a real treat,” he said. 

This exciting once in a lifetime concert featuring two of entertainment's hottest names will be a highlight on any music lover's concert schedule. Separately, these two have carved themselves indelibly into the echelons of opera greats. Together, and with Australia's leading accompanist Sharolyn Kimmorley, they will create a night of pure musical delight. 

DAVID HOBSON & TEDDY TAHU RHODES, Gold Coast Arts Centre - Monday 23 March 8pm. Bookings: www.gcac.com.au & Queensland Performing Arts Centre - Wednesday 25 March 8pm. Bookings: www.qtix.com.au - CHECK OUT: www.hobson-rhodes.com