David Parkin may have been type caste as a professional assassin, killer for hire, business like, cold and immoral in Opera Australia’s latest production of “Rigoletto” but he was a push over when it came to the silken threads spun by his girl friend Julia Kennedy-Scott and sister Jane when they lured him into signing the entry form for “Operatunity Oz.”  

An engineer and It specialist, David felt safe in his career. He knew he could sing but needed Julia and Jane to bully him into having a go at Australia’s premier search for new talent.

Not sure that he had what it took to make it in the opera world, he said that if he didn’t enter the competition he’d have regrets. And if he did, and fell flat on his arse, then at least he’d know where he stood in the scheme of things.

David hasn’t had much in the way of musical training other than appearing in a musical while studying at university, however it came as no surprise to yours truly when he beat off the other 1999 entrants.  

Tall dark and handsome with a god given rich and sonorous bass voice, coupled with a good brain (most of us have difficulty remembering phone numbers let alone an operatic role) make him the ideal candidate to be a great opera star.

Head of the judging panel Richard Gill must have been in operatic heaven when he first

clamped eyes on David. He is indeed “a talent to develop,” Richard said. 

And develop he must, because as I write this (Tuesday 24^th October) he will be stepping onto the most famous stage in the country at the Sydney Opera House to perform his debut role of Sparafucule. 

Be sure to catch his performance this Sunday 29^th October on ABC TV at 7.30pm. “Operatunity Oz” is a must see. 

See past Art Zones by visiting www.pauldion.com “Articles and News”