Rousing farewell as Big Apple beckons

Opera singer Christian Thurston performs at the Rotorua Civic Theatre yesterday before flying to New York to study at a prestigious music school. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua opera singer Christian Thurston is heading to the bright lights of New York but not before performing a farewell concert for his hometown.

The former John Paul College head boy sang in front of a packed Rotorua Civic Theatre yesterday. He flies to the Big Apple today where he will complete his Masters of Music under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed bass-baritone James Morris at the Manhattan School of Music.

Thurston performed music by opera greats such as Mozart, Strauss, Gershwin and Verdi and money raised from the concert will be used to help him in his two-year programme. Two of the best tenors in the country, international opera star Simon O'Neill and his tutor and mentor Richard Greager also performed.

Thurston's mother Gabrielle said she felt sad he was leaving so soon but was very proud of what he had achieved.

"He goes [today] but I am excited for him. I know he will enjoy this concert and I've heard them all sing before and they're fantastic," she said.

Mrs Thurston said her high-baritone son would go straight into an audition once he arrives in New York.

"He has worked really hard for this and is aware of the market he is going into and the competition among Manhattan's very best. I am very proud."

Attending the concert was local opera lover Raewynne Chisholm. She hoped more concerts would be held in the afternoon to suit older people.

She said it was "wonderful" to see Thurston travelling to pursue his dreams.

"New Zealand is such a little place but has done much. We have so many singers and performers from here," Mrs Chisholm said.