- November 18, 2024
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When the TEN Tenors stop make their stop in Flagler County, Flagler Auditorium Director Lisa McDivett said it is like family is coming home.
The Australian singing group has been performing at the Flagler Auditorium for more than 10 years, and although some of the members change, they have developed a relationship with the auditorium staff and some of its patrons.
“They are like my kids,” McDivett said. “Every time they come to the U.S., we’re really lucky.”
A couple years ago, after the TEN Tenors performance, McDivett, her staff and friends taught the group how to make an American classic; s’mores. The laid back feeling of a bonfire, songs without a stage and the gooey marshmallow/chocolate treat, truly embodied the family relationship McDivett said she is lucky to share with the troupe, whose average age is 26.
What was once known as a group of university friends whom banded together to make pocket money during their studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, has powered through 15 years on the international stage, morphing into a troupe of road warriors, respected and adored throughout the world, championing the legacy of the group’s humble beginnings whilst striving forward into the future of the classical cross-over genre.
The TEN Tenors tip their hats to their classical roots and share with audience’s unique renditions of the genre’s best-loved pieces, but they also push the boundaries of what it means to be a ‘tenor’ and to sit in the ‘classical’ genre in today’s world.
As the group is always evolving, they take cues from some of music’s most courageous contemporary artists such as Freddy Mercury and Meatloaf and see rock opera as not only a way of keeping their show fresh and reaching new audiences, but appealing to the myriad of musical preferences.
“So many people, particularly men, turn up to a show, having been dragged by their wives, arms folded, thinking they’re going to watch us croon to the ladies and serve up yet another watery classical-crossover show,” Long-serving member of The TEN, Michael Manikus said in press materials. “Not too far into the show, they realize we are a group of down-to-earth Aussie blokes, that have power and guts in our performance and they leave not only pleasantly surprised, but fans themselves.”
The group’s producer, D-J Wendt adds: “We like to think audiences come to our show to hear arias that will give them goose bumps like they have never felt before. With this show, we know they will get that, but we promise to also make you feel like you have just rocked out or been to the best party you have been to in ages.”
The TEN Tenors will take the Flagler Auditorium stage once again with two shows Saturday, April 5.
“They are just such fabulous performers to begin with,” McDivett said. “They are young and always excited to be here. When you have a good relationship with the performers, you always get a good performance.”
IF YOU GO
What: The TEN Tenors
When: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast
Tickets: $42 for adults and $32 for youth; call 437-7547
