Age, 20
Based in Sydney, Australia
Student, Young Operatic Tenor

I am Michael Vaiasinni – a 20 year old operatic tenor. My journey to become a singer started when I was just 7 years old. At night when I would go to bed, I would have the same dream; to go and sing in Italy! My dream came true only a few short months ago.

My journey started when I entered the Year 1 Primary School Talent Quest. I sang Elvis Presley's Blue Suede Shoes and won. I would win every consecutive Primary School Talent Quest after that. When I started High School, my voice began to change, so I decided to start singing lessons at a Performing Arts Academy. I also studied drama and piano. I sung at Clubs, Eisteddfods and shopping malls in Sydney.

This became the basis of my performing experience. In my last years of high school I auditioned, and was selected, to be part of the Talent Development Project and as a result performed as a soloist in the Schools Spectacular concerts in 2006 and 2007.

It was in 2006, however, that I found my classical voice and had my first classical singing lesson. That year I auditioned for the Alexander Productions presentation of "Les Miserable," and was awarded the role of Enjolras. The whole production was an incredible success. The following year, I sung Escamillio's role in "Carmen – The Musical" and was also selected for a small part in the "Dead Man Walking" Operatic production which premiered at the State Theatre.

It was around this time that a group of us – 3 guys and 3 girls – formed a group called "Arya." Among our many performances, we sang at the World Youth Day Concert and Carols in the Domain, in 2008, and at the Australia Day Concert at Cronulla Beach in 2009/2010. In late 2008, I was introduced to another singing teacher by the name of Glenn Winslade, an amazing world renowned Dramatic Tenor. Studying with him, I completed my AmusA Diploma of Music. We continued to work on freeing my voice so that I could sing at a Tenor pitch.

All this experience and work brought me to the Italian Opera Foundation Function on St. Valentine's Day, in 2009. It is there that my dream came true. After I finished my performance, Mr. Nick Scali gave a speech and awarded me the 2010 Italian Opera Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship gave me the opportunity to study in Italy for 7 months. I was on cloud 9 from joy and excitement.

In May of 2009 I was asked by the Musical Director of Pacific Opera to sing a small part in the opera, "La Sonnambula." Later that year I auditioned and was selected for Pacific Opera's Telstra Wholesale Young Artist's Programme.

And then, my Italian Story started.

I arrived in Rome with my family in July of 2010. We spent some time visiting family and friends in Sicily and then moved to Parma where I was to start, and continue, my musical training. My first impression of Parma was quite remarkable. It is a city that would remind you of a typical Italian town with small streets and huge cathedrals. After a month, my family returned home. As the days passed I met more and more people, from Nicoletta Mantovani (Luciano Pavarotti's wife) to the grand-daughter of famous tenor, Carlo Bergonzi. No matter where I went in Italy, I always found good company.

One day when I went to Modena to meet some cousins for the first time. I mentioned at lunch, "Isn't this the city of Pavarotti?" Shortly after lunch we visited the grave of Luciano Pavarotti and it was quite an emotional experience. I was also taken to Luciano Pavarotti's renowned restaurant, Club Europa 92, where I met and sang for a close friend of the Maestro. As I started to sing "O Sole Mio" for her, she asked me to sing it to the Maestro, whose large photograph hung on the wall next to me. So I sung to Pavarotti and this was a magical moment. Pavarotti's close friend was moved to tears and I could not believe I was there. We developed a friendship and she introduced me to the Pavarotti family. I became good friends with Gabriella Pavarotti (Maestro's sister), who took a real interest in my singing and invited me to sing for Maestro's birthday concert. Without thinking, I said 'Yes' and on the night of the 11th October, I sang at the concert alongside a colleague and student of the Maestro. Before I got up onto the stage, I thought to myself, 'How is it possible that I am here after I spent so many years listening to the voice of Maestro Pavarotti every night before I went to sleep?' So when I gave my performance, I made sure it was from my heart and soul. The response from the audience was tremendous.

The day after the concert, Nicoletta was opening the Pavarotti residence to the public. The house was literally next door to the restaurant, so I walked over and saw a long line of people waiting to get a glimpse inside. The memorabilia, costumes, scores, photos and incredible presence of the Maestro, which I could feel, was astounding. As I was taking photos and browsing, I turned around and literally bumped into Nicoletta. I was lost for words and said, "Bongiorno Nicoletta," and introduced myself. She replied, 'I know who you are. You're the Australian Tenor.' So she asked me to sing for the public that day. I quickly ran over to the restaurant, got my music and suit, and ran back. That day I sung for the public who were visiting the house and believed that I also sung for Maestro Pavarotti. This for me was the highlight of my trip.

I returned to Parma to continue my studies. I studied and trained with many different Maestros of the theatre and of Milan. The month of October was the month of the Giuseppe Verdi festival and I had the privilege of visiting Verdi's home. I watched many Verdi operas and met many of the singers. One of the singers I met was the lead Soprano of 'Il Trovatore,' Norma Fantini. We developed a beautiful friendship and soon after, she invited me to her opening night. I was absolutely blown away by her performance.

Weeks later, Norma invited me to Torino to meet her family. On my last day there, she took me to her studio to hear me sing, and expressed that she would like to take me on as a student.

During the Verdi festival, I performed in four concerts with the theatre. They were held in the main Duomo (cathedral) in Parma and were accompanied by the cathedral organ. It was an absolute pleasure to sing in such a sacred and beautiful place.