After four years playing one of the main characters of the London production of The Phantom of the Opera, Tabonne is launching this new work, which plays tribute both to his cultural heritage and his passion for this genre. Dubbed Australia’s Andrea Boccelli, his voice style has been described as original, rich and ecclectic, which have led him to such remarkable milestones like singing with Plácido Domingo or José Carreras at a world-renowned venue.
“Angel of Music, guide and guardian. Grant to me your glory!”. For four years, those ethereal words had been no more than a beautiful chant – sung in a dressing room and heard from a dressing room while preparing for his next scene. But time has led these fantasies to materialize into something more special, which after months of preparation, has finally be given the spotlight. Musical theatre tenor Paul Ettore Tabone (former Ubaldo Piangi in the London production of The Phantom of the Opera), is launching This Is Me, his first solo album created by the urge of making art.
“In the shadow of lockdown and theatre closures, I was getting withdrawal symptoms and missing singing, performance and the audiences and for me”, says Paul. “This became a time to reflect on my journey and the burning need to make that first album”. This new work is a homage both to opera and iconic singer Luciano Pavarotti as well as his Italian heritage and the Wirandjuri, the first people of his native Australia. For this last attempt, Paul has counted on the help of aboriginal soprano and composer Shauntai Batzke – having part of one song translated into their native language in order to pay this tribute.
Dubbed Australia’s Andrea Bocelli, Paul’s singing career includes such incredible milestones like performing along with Placido Domingo, José Carreras and Ambrogio Maestri (as well as Bocelli himself) at the iconic Verona Arena – in memoriam of Pavarotti. With this new album, he intends to share his passion with people who may never go and watch opera, but could be inspired by its joy and heart anyway. “Every song on the album reflects who I am and where I come from and the people and places that matter to me”. His accomplished musical skills have been praised by other celebrated musicians, including producer, composer and Robin A. Smith: “Paul has a beautifully warm and rounded tone that can cover all material from Bocelli and Pavarotti to high opera; Neapolitan songs, his Caruso is formidable. His style is as original as it is eclectic – a classical crossover, luscious and rich.”
The album is currently available on pre-sale at the following link.
First Night Magazine 