One third of Operatunity’s iconic ‘New Zealand Three Tenors’, Canadian-Kiwi Derek has won the hearts of local audiences performing principal roles with New Zealand Opera, New Zealand Symphony and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Off-stage he steps into a very different role however, taking care of his little boy and new baby girl.

Derek says performing has “definitely taken a back seat to parenting duties, especially when the children are so young…time management and getting enough sleep are the hardest things, especially with a new born.” But of course, music remains a part of family life, playing everything from classical to heavy metal for his children. Derek notes however, “I have sung a bit in front of my son but usually he instantly screams for me to shut up…They don’t seem to enjoy the opera just yet. My son prefers music he can dance to!”

Weekends are spent wandering Auckland Zoo, Butterfly Creek and Kelly Tarltons, then coming home for some active playing. “My son loves all things involving cars” he says, “so we are on the ground a lot racing cars, either that or wrestling.” When asked if he sees his children following in his artistic footsteps he says, “Gosh I hope not… I definitely don’t want them to derive an income from it unless they are spectacularly talented!”

See Derek perform alongside tenors Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua and Kalauni Pouvalu, sopranos Amanda Atlas and Susan Boland, and accompanied by principal repetiteur for New Zealand Opera David Kelly, in Divas and Divos, touring nationwide 9 October - 9 November. 

Book online here or call toll free 0508 266 237