Bianca’s back from London
Before Bianca Andrew becomes even more famous, Rhona Fraser has lured the star back from London for a Days Bay opera production.
Andrew was in the group’s very first production in 2010 and is studying towards a Master of Music (Voice) at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
‘‘This is the first time she has come back from overseas to perform for us but I wanted to acknowledge her huge success in The Kathleen Ferrier Singing Competition in London and to keep her connection with Days Bay Opera before she becomes too famous,’’ Fraser said.
Andrew said living in London had made her appreciate New Zealand more and she also appreciated those who had helped her singing career.
‘‘People who have made my singing career possible, such as Rhona, make me want to come back and perform with them as much as possible.’’
Andrew, who has come back for visits and to tour with some singers since she moved to London in September 2014, will perform the role of Romeo in Bellini’s version of Romeo and Juliet, I Capuleti e i Montecchi.
She said she was not intimidated by the iconic and demanding role.
The mezzo soprano said she often played male roles.
Fraser, who has performed in Italy as a soprano, was full of praise for the rising star.
‘‘She is such a marvellous per- former, people are guaranteed a fantastic experience seeing her sing her first Romeo.’’
The 26-year-old was one of 12 people who were accepted in 2014 to study towards a Master of Music (Voice) at Guildhall.
The $95 tickets for Bellini’s version of Romeo and Juliet, I Capuleti e i Montecchi at Canna House, Days Bay, Lower Hutt, have sold out for August 28 but tickets are available for the August 25 and 27 shows at 7.30pm.