Arrivederci, Ben!   5 Jun 2012

Arrivederci, Ben!

A Conversation with Benjamin Fifita Makisi on his nationwide farewell tour with the Daytime Concert Series presented by Operatunity - Viva Italia!

Tenor Benjamin Fifita Makisi (Ben to his Operatunity friends), has been performing with Operatunity for eight years and this month embarks on his final nationwide tour before furthering his international career in Europe.

In those eight years Ben has seen the Daytime Concert Series grow from short 2 week tours to its five week national tours of today. Ben has performed in at least one season per year between international engagements since then, including What a Wonderful World and I'm in love with Vienna.

But the standout for Ben was the Three Tenors and a Soprano. “There was something magical and special –such a wonderful rapport between all the artists and the repertoire of music! " And it included Ben’s signature ‘Nessun Dorma’.

Ben’s farewell tour, Viva Italia, features popular Italian opera and songs like O sole mio, Come Back to Sorrento and famous ensembles from Madame Butterfly and The Marriage of Figaro among many more (with some special requests as well!).

This tour is presented throughout June from Invercargill to Whangarei with concerts commencing at 11 am.

Ben has really enjoyed his time with Operatunity’s Daytime Concert Series,
“Operatunity has been a wonderful platform to gain experience and grow and has enabled me to build new friendships in New Zealand.”

Ben says he would recommend Operatunity to young artists,
“There are not too many platforms and this is a great place to gain knowledge and understanding. It’s a great opportunity to get down and dirty, have fun, enjoy and build your own fan club.”

About the Operatunity audience, Ben says,
“I love them, so sad it’s the last one. They come out and enjoy a great concert once a month. It’s a joy to share wonderful music with them.”

Highlights for Ben so far this year has been performing with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in Rotorua and a concert tour in Queensland.

So what does the future hold for Ben? His agents are busy preparing a 2013 programme for him in Europe. Soon Ben and his wife Maina will move to London and hope to spend some time living in Italy and the Mediterranean.

Ben is currently getting into the spirit with Viva Italia!

‘Ben says “It’s really sad, this is the farewell Operatunity tour and I’ll be saying goodbye to friends all over the country.”

Ben’s message to his Operatunity fans,
“Thanks to each and everyone for their friendship and support and continue supporting such a wonderful platform for everyone. A huge thank you to Sue, Geoff and John who are the best of friends and thank you for giving me the opportunity.”

Join Ben and the cast of Viva Italia as they present a concert rich in the culture, colour, warmth, and flavor of Italy at 24 venues nationwide. Come and say farewell to Ben.

Arrivederci Ben. Grazie!

To book tickets or request a free brochure of the 2012 Daytime Concert Series, call Operatunity toll free on 0508 266 237, online at www.operatunity.co.nz,

Operatunity Entertainment Ltd

www.operatunity.co.nz

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