When he saved the Royal Opera House, a young British opera singer became history.
Freddie De Tommaso came on halfway through the opening night of Puccini’s Tosca when US star tenor Bryan Hymel fell ill.
It meant the 28-year-old from Kent became the first British tenor to sing the role of Cavaradossi at Covent Garden in almost 60 years – and the youngest ever to take on the role at the historic venue.
De Tommaso was born to an Italian father, and British mother.
Freddie De Tommaso (pictured) came on halfway through the opening night of Puccini’s Tosca when US star tenor Bryan Hymel fell ill
He won rave reviews for Wednesday’s performance in front of the sold-out audience – with one critic saying it was ‘one of those nights when you just had to be there’.
De Tommaso is a follower of Placido Domingo, who was the star as Cavaradossi in the Royal Opera House over 40 years ago. Luciano Pavarotti made his debut in La Boheme as an understudy on March 13, 1963.
He was already due to take on the role on Saturday due to concerns over Hymel’s cold and will take the stage in Covent Garden on December 11, 14 and 17.
His debut album Passione was released in April. He became the 20th-old solo tenor to hit number 1 on the classical charts.
De Tommaso discovered he was a talented singer after dropping out of university his second year. He began singing again.
‘I restarted singing lessons with my old teacher from school, who quickly realised that my voice had gone from “fine” to “pretty good, actually”. Despite smoking and drinking for two years,’ he told Edinburgh Music Review.
It meant the 28-year-old from Kent became the first British tenor to sing the role of Cavaradossi at Covent Garden in almost 60 years – and the youngest ever to take on the role at the Royal Opera House (pictured)
Although he has achieved the role of Cavaradossi, he remains a young opera star.
The tenor added: ‘Unfortunately, our industry is peppered with stories of burn outs and stars that shone brightly yet briefly, but I am confident I won’t fall down this particular hole!
‘I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful support network round me. Amongst all these people, I feel terribly secure and well-advised.’