What began as a ‘one-of’ corporate gig for a group of Australian opera students in 1995 has long since graduated onto the world stage, reaching beyond the classical to resonate with fans of all ages and musical tastes.
While those operatic tenor roots remain well represented in an eclectic repertoire that ranges from Pavarotti’s Nessan Dorma to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, today’s tenors hail from a predominantly musical theatre background. Each song or medley is a carefully crafted performance that strikes a winning balance between seriously stunning vocals and that relaxed Australian charm.
“The Ten Tenors is all about entertainment,” agrees long-time Tenor Stewart Morris. “It’s not a high-brow operatic evening – it’s a not a recital - it’s very much a show.”
Throw in a live band and rock-concert-style light show and the final product bares no resemblance to a traditional choral presentation aside from the dedication to the music and the quality of the vocals. “We take our music seriously, but we certainly don’t take ourselves seriously,” says Morris who admits there’s always plenty of laughter on stage and off.
Although different members of the group take the spotlight for small solos, there really is no one front man, and it really is the power of all ten that gives them their strength. “That is our trademark,” agrees Morris, citing their arrangement of The Boxer as an example. “When all the voices are going off in different directions like some kind of swirling mass and suddenly then come into one focused point – it’s really impressive.”
As for musical selections: “We try to stick to classics,” explains Morris. “Songs with real substance that not only were hits in their days, but songs that were significant turning points in the timeline of music and culture and what it meant to a certain generation.”
With many of those ‘classics’ coming from the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, Abba, The Bee Gees, and Queen, it’s no surprise that The Ten Tenors main audience base tends to be the ‘thirty-something’ crowd and older.
With an average age of twenty-six, the Tenors University days are behind them, yet there is something very ‘frat-like’ about these jocular mates who seem almost as passionate about sports and pubs as they are about music. “It’s a little bit in a way like a football team. The line-up may change, but it’s always going to be The Ten Tenors,” says Morris.
Line-up changes are a reflection not only of the groups’ evolution, but also of the members themselves. Graham Foote is the newest bloke to join the team, going though a serious ‘induction process’ to ensure a good fit with this team that plays on the road for ten months of the year. “It’s important to make sure they’re people like us – they’re a good bloke and they’re going to get along with everyone. As long as they shout a round at the pub then they’re all good,” laughs Morris.
The Ten Tenors Here’s To The Heroes tour plays 8 shows between March 25th and March 30th at Casino Rama.
Current Issue
September-October
The Power of 10
User Comments
