Sun 8 Nov 2009 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Here he is, your Mr. Gay Wellington winner for 2010, chosen in front of a capacity crowd at The Garden Club at the end of October. 26-year-old Opera singer Michael's been busy in Rotorua at the NZ Aria competition, but we managed to catch up with him for a quick Q Michael with last year's winner Jade I am incredibly busy and work a lot and sometimes I don't always give myself the downtime that I need. Your biggest fear? Having regrets in life. I try to give my best to every opportunity in life- living it to the fullest! Which books are you currently reading and recommending? I am currently reading a fantastic book called "The American Future - A history" by Simon Schama which chronicles the difficulties America is currently facing by analysing the USA's rich history. (I do love something a little less dense though - Harry Potter is fantastic) Your favourite music at the moment? My favorite music is usually the work/works that I am rehearsing at the moment - I am preparing for a concert in Auckland on the 29th of November (www.bachnz.org.nz) in which I am singing Monteverdi's Christmas Vespers. Your favourite movies? I have recently been on a Hitchcock bent - Rear window, Rebecca, Dial M for Murder. However I am a sucker for a good comedy - Easy Virtue was the last film I saw at the theatre. (And Harry Potter) Your favourite TV programmes? That would have to be the West Wing - 7 seasons of fantastic drama that always keeps me riveted. Thank goodness for TV shows on DVD so I can watch them when I am travelling. Who in the world (including NZ) would you most like to have a coffee and a chat with and why? I would love to have a coffee/chat/sing with Jose Carreras - The man has the most magnificent voice and is a living legend. If you could have one wish granted what would it be? World peace or a cure for HIV/AIDS. What's coming up in the near future for you? I am off to Brisbane for a family Christmas and in the New Year I am attending the NZ Opera School in Wanganui, after which I travel for a short stint to Hamilton. After January, I am focusing on completing my Masters degree aiming to be finished by May. Matt Akersten - 8th November 2009