A BOURNEMOUTH opera singer is set to enter the Guinness Book of World Records when he becomes the oldest person to sing the part of Otello.

Tenor Jon Andrew, 77, will sing the title role of Verdi’s opera in a specially staged performance in June. He hasn’t sung the part for 30 years.

Born in New Zealand, Jon had a career as an international opera singer, singing with the major British companies.

During his career he starred in the great opera houses, singing with legendary conductors Sir Georg Solti, Sir Colin Davis, James Levine and Karl Böhm. For the past 15 years he has worked as a vocal coach in Bournemouth, and has continued to sing at his own twice-yearly Silhouette Opera charity concerts with his pupils. Jon said Otello was always one of his favourite roles and he believes he was the only tenor ever to sing it in three languages – Italian, English and German.

He last sang it in Munich in 1979. “I never really think about my age but I’m very excited at the prospect of singing it again,” he said. “I’m fit and in good voice so I reckon I can do myself justice.” He added: “I don’t think anybody else has sung the role at 77. It’s a challenging role.

“I’ve been doing a lot of musical rehearsal.

“We’re going to be closer to the audience than if you were in an opera house.”

Opera critic David Gillard said: “The tenor voice is usually the first to fade so it is astonishing that someone of Jon’s age should be attempting such a formidable role. “Even Placido Domingo, acclaimed as probably the greatest Otello of our time, is no longer singing the role and he’s a mere 68.” The performance takes place in the newly refurbished Theatre Ballroom of the Royal Bath Hotel on Sunday, June 14 ,at 7pm.

  • Tickets are available on 0844 561 1921 at £25.