Recapturing the Past 2 years before arriving in the UK

Ronneby Sweeden 2005
This is the year 2005. Its January and I set off into the wilderness of Capitalism Europe and beyond.

Pre arranging a flight from Sydney in the peak of Summer at 43 degress Celcius when I left home to arrive in Ronneby Sweeden to visit my best friend Fanny Cardell for her 21st Birthday Party arriving when it was 19 below 0.

This was a really exciting time and I will never forget the Cultural and Freindly bunch of people the Sweeden. Such a scenic part of the world and life seemed very much of the moment.

I stayed here for 2 weeks.

Koblenz Germany 2005

"The Rhine Valley"

Vienna Austria 2005

"A Culture of Music, Dancing and Culture"

Rome Italy 2006

In the middle of Febuary 2006 I arrive in Rome. In front of me a 12 month stint of learning a language and performing in 2 Italian Operas.

The Dante Alighieri language centre, a Professional Libretist, My Operatic Coach Gusepinna Dalle Molle and the Musical Director Walter Tassoni Cataldi prepare me for the Opera's of Elisir Damore and Don Pasquale both by Donizetti.

This period of my life seems almost unreal and each day I was living in Rome which was a dream I never had.
I shared a flat in Central Rome near Piazza Venezzia and I had a nice shiny Black Piano on Loan (all paid for). I was living music like I have never lived before.

Each day was long and mentally draining but I found myself learning quickly and the challenge was on.

The tuition and the guidance by the Cataldis seemed real however living in the mental state of this is actually me I found myself learning about what makes me truly happy.

Do you know what that is. Well It consists of Professional People, Interesting People, Interesting Culture and Love.

Tassoni being already a famous Metropolitan Opera Conductor stood me in front of him 3 days a week. Taking me through my scales and repertoire he was surely the most outstanding musical director I have stood in front of.

Then there was the librettist interpreter. The day was a bit like this. 6 hours of Italian, 2.5 hours of Libretto and 2 hours of non stop singing.

To be continued.........


Sao Paolo Brazil 2007

"Human Impact of Brazilians"