Evening that's custom-made for opera star
Released: Wednesday 13th June 2012 at 10:25
WORLD-renowned opera star Graeme Danby is performing some of his favourite pieces in a magical variety concert this weekend.
The event is part of the University of Sunderland’s Performing Arts Festival, SunFest, which took place at The Customs House in South Shields throughout the month of May.
Graeme, a Visiting Professor of Music and Performance at the University, will perform at the Mill Dam venue on Sunday, June 17, after work commitments to the Salzburg Opera in Austria prevented him from doing so last month.
Graeme will be questioned about all aspects of his life in performance, education and the 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races during an interview session with BBC Presenter Jeff Brown, and Graeme Thompson, the former Regional Director for Tyne Tees and Border, and now Dean of the University of Sunderland's Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.
The opera star will be joined by his wife Valerie and students from the University of Sunderland and Tenor Austin Gunn, who has just gained his first contract with English National Opera.
In 2003, Graeme sang the role of Lorenzo (I Capuletti ed I Montecchi) conducted by Sir Richard Bonynge; one amongst many appearances in major roles for English National Opera, which include Don Basilio in Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia.
He also performs regularly at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. In spring 2005, he sang the major role of Charrington in Loren Maazel's Covent Garden commission of 1984, a part written especially for him. In 2006, he sang the role of Sacristano in Covent Garden's production of Tosca, alongside Angela Gheorghiu, Marcello Alvarez and Bryn Terfel. In 2007, he took the role of Gonzalo in Thomas Adès' The Tempest.
The evening at The Customs House will provide a true insight into the life of this distinguished opera star.
Tickets cost £10, £5 for students and can be purchased from Box Office on 0191 454 1234.
