Leon Vitogiannis has been cast as part of the ensemble for the The Phantom of the Opera set to open next month in Sydney.
“I’m looking forward to the experience of being in a show of this magnitude,” he tells Neos Kosmos. “It will be in the middle of the harbour, with a spectacular view of the Sydney skyline.”
Leon explains that on a spectrum from musical theater to opera, The Phantom of the Opera sits in the middle.
“There is a bigger sound in this show, and generally there is a mix of opera singers and musical theatre singers,” he says. “It’s a huge project.”
Leon says performing in Sydney is special for him, because it’s where he was born.
“It’s good to have a home base of supporters here as well,” he adds.
He also credits the Greek community for its ongoing support.
“I’m also lucky I’ve been involved with the Greek community since I started my music career … I feel like I always have their backing,” he says.
Leon is third generation Greek, his Pappou’s side of the family from Tripoli and his Yiayia’s from Symi.
“I started off playing bouzouki at the tavernas … and I grew up with different styles of music, including Greek music that my parents would play in the car.”
Leon has also worked as the musical director at the Australian Hellenic Choir.
“I was in a very fortunate position that there was a job that allowed me to combine my passion and knowledge for Greek music with what I’m trained in, leading orchestras and choirs,” he says.
Leon is currently in the highly coveted Opera Australia Young Artists cohort, alongside five other artists. The program employs him on a full-time basis.
“It’s probably the best way as an Australian singer to kickstart an international career,” he explains.
Leon undergoes rigorous training learning French, Italian, German and Russian. He also spent time abroad, studying Italian in Lucca, Italy and then further studies in Paris.
“Everyday work involves observing rehearsals, working with pianists, and learning a lot of music,” he says. “I’m a very busy bee at the moment. It’s always a great thing to be busy in this career though.”
The Phantom of the Opera kicks off on March 27 at the Handa Opera on the Sydney Harbour, and runs until May 3.
