Former Dunedin opera singer Anna Leese is about to perform with one of the biggest names in the business.
She will sing two duets with Jose Carreras at an opera gala night at Newcastle's Sage Theatre on February 18.
Leese (27) said from her London home she was ‘‘very excited'' about singing with the famous tenor.
‘‘Apart from Dame Kiri [Te Kanawa], I would say he is the most well-recognised opera name I have performed with. This will be the first time we have performed together and I can't wait.''
The invitation was a last-minute one to fill in for a Spanish soprano who was unable to keep the engagement.
Leese is not fazed, having made the most of last-minute opportunities in the past. In 2006, she received rave reviews for her part in Puccini's opera La Boheme at the Covent Garden opera house after stepping into a solo role when another singer was injured in rehearsal.
Carreras (61) is perhaps best known for his live performances and recordings with Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. A recording of their concert in Rome in 1990 has sold more than 13 million copies and is the best-selling classical recording.
The Newcastle engagement will see Leese singing four solos and two duets accompanied by a full orchestra. The duets will be from The Merry Widow and La Traviata.
Leese, who won the New Zealand Mobil Song Quest in 2002 and the McDonald's Operatic Aria Scholarship the following year, has a contract with Covent Garden this year.
She said she would be ‘‘very busy this week'' completing five performances of Mozart's The Magic Flute and trying to learn her repertoire for the Newcastle concert. ‘‘I know two thirds of the music and the rest will be fine.''
