'I sing each word as though it were my last on earth.” They're the famously quoted words of the late beloved tenor Mario Lanza.

New Zealand broadcaster and self-professed Mario Lanza fanatic Lindsay Perigo.

His powerful voice struck a chord with many people across the globe, including well-known New Zealand broadcaster and self-professed Mario Lanza fanatic Lindsay Perigo.

'Mario Lanza was an incredibly emotive singer, with an intensity and urgency in the way he used his voice, a commitment to each word and a true relationship with the emotional meaning of the songs he sang.”

This October and November, audiences throughout NZ will gain a true insight into the 'amazing performer” by a devoted fan at Operatunity's upcoming nationwide tour ‘The Great Mario Lanza'.

With a Tauranga performance at Holy Trinity Church on Friday, October 21, the concert will re-create some of Mario Lanza's most famous performances alongside Lindsay's extensive, intimate and first-hand knowledge of the man behind the music.

Operatunity's finest singers will also feature at the concert, including Lindsay's nephew and professional singer Karl Perigo.

The nationwide tour coincides with the recent launch of Lindsay's book ‘The One Tenor – A Salute to Mario Lanza'.

Lindsay says the book was a natural progression as he pieced together 20 years' worth of essays, critiques and interviews he'd written on Mario and added new material.

The book features forewords from renowned New Zealand Tenor Simon O'Neill and the great Joseph Calleja.

‘The One Tenor – A Salute to Mario Lanza' will be available for purchase at the Tauranga concert at Holy Trinity Church from 11am on Friday, October 21.

For tickets, phone 0508 266 237 or email bookings@operatunity.co.nz

For a full list of venues, visit: www.daytimeconcerts.co.nz

The Weekend Sun two double passes to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us the name of Lindsay Perigo's book?

Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competition section. Entries must be received by Wednesday, October 12.