Opera wish comes true for resident at 89

A Bournemouth care home resident has fulfilled a long held wish to perform opera live.

Michael Griffiths, 89, who lives at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff, performed The Pearl Fishers Duet with visiting tenor Gregory Steward after asking whether the piece could be included in a concert at the home.

Michael has sung throughout his life in choirs and operatic societies, including principal roles in all of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operas and work by Mozart and Puccini.

He has also performed with the London Philharmonic Choir and Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, often taking the bass solo role in oratorios, before getting the chance to sing alongside Gregory in Bournemouth.

Elise Martin, Avon Cliff Companionship Team leader, said Michael asked about Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers Duet when he heard Gregory would be returning to perform at the home.

She said Michael “has always wanted the opportunity to perform this piece to an audience” and was thrilled when Gregory agreed to sing it with him.

Gregory learned the piece specially and visited the home the night before the concert for a rehearsal, before the pair performed to residents and visitors in the lounge.

Michael said: “I felt privileged to sing with a tenor of such quality as Gregory.”

Gregory said it was “a real pleasure” to share the stage with someone who had the same enthusiasm for the piece.