December 8, 2015: Musical Number From Down Under

ART & SOCIETY
P E R F O R M I N G
A R T S
Australia’s famous TEN Tenors will
arrive in San Diego on December 4th,
just in time for your holiday favorites
the afternoon of my very first performance with the group. It was
scary. We had been working such a tight schedule, there was no
other time to rehearse with everyone. I had heard The TEN
Tenors on their recordings but not up close, so I was unsure of
how my voice would fit in. It was amazing. The other guys were
so welcoming—all accomplished musicians in their own right.
Musically, it could not have gone better. We all want to make
the best sound and make sure the music is the highest quality.
Having this professionalism not only produces a great sound, but
also lets us relax and rock out when we have to. I’m from Perth
but the other guys are from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane plus
one New Zealander. We’re all from diverse musical backgrounds,
but that’s why we’re able to perform such a varied repertoire and
sing everything from “Somebody to Love” to Nessun Dorma.
You sang the Australian National Anthem at the National
Memorial Service for flight MH17.
I was touring around Australia performing The Magic Flute when
the tour manager received a call from the Prime Minister’s office
asking if I would sing at the event. After some deliberation and
further requests, I was released from tour. It was a huge honor for
me to perform for my country, for the victims and the families left
behind. I was nervous because of the strong national significance
and sadness surrounding the memorial, but happy and proud to
offer whatever support I could. It was extremely sad but another
experience I will always remember. Sam Roberts–Smith of the TEN Tenors
Knows Rock’s Classical Favorites
Y
B y E ri c a M iner
oung tenor Sam Roberts–Smith’s operatic roots
originate from the land of one of opera’s greatest
all–time stars, Joan Sutherland. After winning the
prestigious Joan Sutherland Society Scholarship, the
Australian Singing Competition and the Symphony
Australia Young Vocalist Award, Sam became his
country’s epresentative for the International Paris Opera Award. He
walked away with 3rd Prize—and an international singing career.
Since then, he has concertized in Australia, the UK and France.
Now a member of Australia’s celebrated TEN Tenors, Sam has
become a familiar face worldwide. The group regularly performs
for sold out crowds with both classical and contemporary favorites.
Their accomplishments include six platinum and gold records and
collaborations with a wide variety of musical luminaries, such as
Andrea Bocelli, John Travolta and Keith Urban.
EM: What made you decide to join the TEN Tenors?
SRS: After finishing my studies, I successfully auditioned for
Australia’s national opera company and remained for 6 years. I
learned and experienced a lot but never felt completely settled.
At the end of that period I didn’t even know if I wanted to sing
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anymore. I needed a change so I took a risk and left. The following
week I was invited to Paris as a finalist in the Paris International
Opera Awards and received a response from an email I had sent
to The TEN Tenors—two life–changing moments. I had always
known about the TEN Tenors but had never been in a position to
audition. Now was my chance—I couldn’t pass up the opportunity
to join Australia’s premier classical–crossover group!
Do you find constant touring fun, physically exhausting or both?
The other guys are great and everyone gets on really well so touring
is heaps of fun. Because we spend so much time together all over
the world it’s natural that strong friendships are formed. It’s like
a working holiday with your mates. Constant touring can be
absolutely exhausting, though! Different time zones, jet lag, airports,
customs lines, cranky flight attendants and passengers, no sleep, can
all be a challenge for a singer. When we find ourselves a little under
the weather, it’s nice to know you have nine mates to cheer you up. How would you describe the musical chemistry between you and
your group mates? Where are you all from?
My first experience singing with the other guys was the sound check
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What are the most fulfilling aspects of your work with the group?
Since joining the TEN Tenors, I have found my joy and love for
singing again, which is priceless. Learning all the music is hard;
however, after putting in hours, weeks and sometimes months
of work, it can be extremely rewarding once we’re up on stage. I
love watching people dancing in the aisles. It’s nice to help people
forget their stress and worry and escape for a while.
23rd Anniversary • 2015-2016 Season
The Nutcracker
Among your classical and pop selections, what are some of your
personal favorites?
Because of my background I would have to stick with the
classics, Nessun Dorma, Phantom of the Opera, although since
I’ve been working on my dance moves I enjoy Jersey Boys and
the Michael Jackson Medley. I was tentative when I first joined and
saw the rock ballads on the show list, but now I enjoy a big rock
belt. It’s extremely important to be versatile as a performer if you
want a long career in entertainment. With fast–moving technology
and social changes it’s important never to miss an opportunity.
What do you look forward to in 2016?
2016 is looking like a massive year. So many exciting things
coming up. The TEN Tenors will tour internationally to four or
five different countries along with an Australian tour and other
performances. Between tours I will also perform lead roles with
opera companies in Australia and potentially Asia. In addition are
single night performances and other events throughout the year.
Not much time for anything else. There will be some exciting
updates soon. Keep an eye out for those!
You can catch Sam and the rest of the TEN Tenors at the California
Center for the Arts on Friday, December 4th.
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At Spreckels Theatre
With the City Ballet Orchestra
12 Performances
Dec. 11 - 23
Saturday Night Champagne
On-stage Reception
Tea with Sugar Plum Fairy
at the US Grant prior to each
Saturday Matinee
Photo: Chelsea Penyak
Musical Number
From Down Under
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Tickets: $29-$79
Discounts for students,
seniors & military
Call:
858-272-8663
or Order Online
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