Quality voices show that Wellington’s got talent
THERE must be something in the Wellington water that breeds star talent. Wellington-born stars Hugh Francis and Damian Whiteley, both internationally renowned singers, will be joined by young talent, Geurie-born tenor Nathan Bryon for a special concert in Wellington this weekend.
Is it coincidence that such quality voices should emerge from the district?
“I grew up on a farm near Burrendong where you’re not afraid to be loud,” Mr Francis told Dubbo
“If you’re told go outside, you do and you’d always be calling out to the dogs or yelling after the sheep.”
Maybe it runs in the family, with Mr Francis’ great-grandfather being Herbert Ramsay, the first person to sing Waltzing Matilda in Winton, Queensland more than 120 years ago. THE Dubbo Pink and White Committee for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT held a celebratory lunch on Sunday, July 1.
“It was a very successful luncheon. It was a celebration of 60 years of the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, and the local sub-committee Dubbo Pink and White Committee for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT celebrated 40 years of fundraising in the Dubbo community as well,” Publicity Officer for the Dubbo Pink and White Committee for
It was a natural leap for Mr Francis and Mr Whiteley to leave their rural homes behind to study at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music.
Mr Whiteley then joined the International Opera Studio of Zurich Opera House in Switzerland, and Mr Francis was one of five students selected for the Young Artists Program in London.
Since then, he has been keeping busy travelling the world appearing Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Louise Simpson told Dubbo Photo
“There were approximately 120 people and we raised about $11,000,” she added.
“We would like to thank Dubbo for their sponsorship in operas on some of the world’s grandest stages, playing dream roles.
“It is about living your bliss. It is an adrenalin rush, especially when you’re singing with a 90 or 110 piece orchestra,” he said, and this year alone has completed a string of consecutive operas at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
Never forgetting their roots, the talented gentlemen will be hosting a concert to raise money for the Wellington Eisteddfod at 2pm on Saturday, July 14, at the Wellington Civic Centre.
Tenors Mr Francis and Mr Bryon and bass Mr Whiteley will be joined on stage by Irish mezzo-soprano and former English National Opera principal Anne Marie Gibbons and Sydney-based international accompanist Glenn Amer.
Included in the program will be operatic favourites, and Broadway and West End musical hits. and Heather and Max Ramien for allowing us to use their beautiful venue, the Ramiens Timber Showroom, which is a bit of a hidden gem,” Ms Simpson said.
Guest speaker was Beau Robinson, pictured at right.