‘My Grandfather always said, ‘Music is the language of the heart’. Mark Vincent.
Mark Vincent showed how well he speaks this language by giving a memorable concert last Thursday night at the State Theatre. The performance was part of his National Tour to promote his new album, A TRIBUTE TO MARIO LANZA.
Vincent performed songs from the album, as well as a few other classics, backed by an excellent twenty piece orchestra conducted by much loved conductor Guy Noble.
Vincent took brief breaks in both halves of the concert at which time New Zealand soprano Jennifer Little came on stage to perform a few songs. They went on to combine together for the first encore, ‘Brindisi’.
A large video screen was set up behind the orchestra which was used intermittently during the performance. At the start of the concert, by way of introduction, Lanza’s daughter spoke about how pleased she was that a singer of Mark’s stature was celebrating her father’s work.
Images and footage from some of Lanza’s films were screened. The audio/visual aspect of the performance reached a high point with the performance of a ‘virtual duet’ of one of Lanza’s most famous songs, ‘Because You’re Mine’. Other highlights from the concert included Vincent’;s renditions of ‘Arriverderci Roma’, ‘Be Mine Tonight’ and ‘E Lucevan Le Stelle!’.
A full State Theatre was in a very appreciative mood. In song breaks Vincent spoke of his great regard for Lanza. He spoke of how some deride Lanza as being a ‘popular’ singer but he regards him as being the greatest tenor in history.
Vincent was brought back to perform three encores, concluding with a stirring version of Puccini’s aria, ‘Nessun Dorma’.
A man with a golden voice, Vincent’s career has grown in leaps and bounds since winning Australia’s Got Talent in 2009. He has released seven studio albums and performed in the major musicals Dirty Dancing and My Fair Lady. Dame Julie Andrews described his portrayal of Freddy as the best she has seen.
Not bad going at all for a guy who proudly talks about growing up in an ordinary way in the Shire (Sutherland). One speculates how far his talent will take him? Yes, there is his great voice. His appeal, however, goes further, There is a humbleness, an Everyman quality about him.
At one point during the concert he remarked ‘You know I am still pinching myself that I have been able to put on a concert like this at such a beautiful venue like the State theatre.”
Vincent has this sincere, emotional, passionate side to him which one feels will keep drawing audiences to him for many years to come.
.http://www.markvincent.com.au/