LIFE’S AN OPERA FOR TALENTED LOCAL TEEN

MEET the All Saints school student preparing to step into the spotlight as the youngest star of Opera Australia’s epic production of Verdi’s Aida on Coolangatta Beach.

Robina teen Alexander Andersen is one of 55 singers from southeast Queensland hand-picked to perform in the Opera Australia Community Chorus when Aida plays the Coast from September 21-30.

“I really wanted to be a part of this. It’s certainly opened a lot of doors for me,” he said.

“I saw The Magic Flute (at Coolangatta in 2014) and it really surprised me and ever since I’ve really loved opera.”

Alexander, 14, will share the stage with some of opera’s brightest stars including Sian Pendry, Natalie Aroyan, Michael Honeyman, Milijana Nikolic and David Parkin.

“I haven’t seen Aida but I know what the plot is about,” Alexander said.

“I’ve seen lots of clips online and I’ve also heard the Triumphal March.”

While Alexander has performed in school choirs since Year 5, the Year 9 student only started taking private singing lessons this year.

“Opera’s a relatively new thing for me,” he said.

“I sing baritone. Right now, I sing Bass One for the community chorus. I think my voice is really suited to it.”

While his role in Aida is unpaid, it’s a monumental commitment. For a start, Verdi’s score is sung in Italian.

“It is pretty big. We started rehearsals two months ago. I’ve been learning Italian — it’s a very poetic language — and eating lots of spaghetti.

It’s not as if Alexander wasn’t busy enough already. He sings in the school choir, takes drama lessons and plays the piano, drums, basketball and volleyball.

He’s also part of the school debating team, the science honours club and is currently writing a jazz song.

Gold Coast Bulletin +Rewards members can enter for a chance to win 1 of 15 double passes to Aida at goldcoastbulletin.com.au/rewards