Two young Bermudians who will be opening an April 4 concert for one of the world's most famed opera tenors, Jos? Carreras, had the pleasure of meeting him in person on Saturday night after his hypnotic concert in New York City, which had no less than six standing ovations.

Elca Maranzana, 22, and Kion Simmons, 26, had the opportunity of a lifetime not only to see Mr. Carreras' magical performance, but also to meet him after the show.

Ms Maranzana, who sings arias in Italian and German, said: "I hope to entertain him when he comes here for the April concert. Through watching him I learned a lot. The concert was fabulous; he has a beautiful voice."

Italian is Ms Maranzana's second language, her father, Caesar Maranzana, being the owner of Portofino restaurant in Hamilton.

Mr. Simmons, a tenor, was in awe after the concert, saying he gained valuable insight through his attendance.

"It was like being swallowed in as he finished a song. His voice was ghostly at times as arias flowed like endless rivers," said Mr. Simmons.

"I learned a lot about breathing through watching Mr. Carreras, he is masterful.

"I have heard Mr. Carreras on CD, but nothing could have prepared me for this. I now know exactly what I want to do."

Gina Spence, agent for Mr. Simmons and Ms Maranzana, said she had no doubts that Elca could perform alongside the best of them.

In Ms Spence's drama class at the Bermuda College, every student had to get up and perform something that they had been practising.

She said: "Elca just rose and sang a beautiful aria, after that I was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that she had to sing at the Carreras concert."

The applause and encores were rampant in the concert hall, where Mr. Carreras made orgasmic musical love to an audience of 2,000 strong. Bravos and applause emanated throughout, touching the very heart and soul of each individual.

Mr. Carreras is one of The Three Tenors, the others being Luciano Pavorotti and Placedo Domingo.

After a five encore performance in New York's Lincoln Centre's Avery Hall on Saturday night, hundreds of adoring patrons waited for `a view of' or `a touch from' the master tenor.

When our group was invited in a for private audience by Mr. Carreras he said, he wanted the Bermudian people to know that he feels that it is not only a privilege, but also an honour to come to our Island and share his passion.

The very soft-spoken Mr. Carreras said: "I have never been to Bermuda before, not even on a holiday, so it will be a great new experience.

"If you have never listened to an opera, come for the experience. Initially many people think they don't like it, but they often find that they do and also they find they know much of the music."

His daughter may accompany him to the performance in April.

The very proud father said: "She is in university and my son is a lawyer". On his son being a lawyer he said - `no one's perfect.'

He is looking forward to singing in the amphitheatre at the Royal Navy Dockyard.

When meeting the young singers, Mr. Carreras was full of enthusiasm.

"Are you soprano - are you a tenor?" he asked the very thrilled youngsters.

"I am only sorry that I did not get a chance to hear you in a duet together.

"I am looking forward to hearing you perform at the opening of the concert in April. I hope to encourage other young people in an art form that not many readily choose."

Mr. Carreras looks like a tiny and delicate man, but when he opens his mouth in song, his voice resonates to the heart of the audience and his expressive eyes envelope with longing and emotion.

Also at the performance was Karl Hofer the managing director of KH International, the company, which is bringing Mr. Carreras to our shores.

"It's phenomenal," said Mr. Hofer.

"I have never seen such a performance with six standing ovations and five encores and the audience still begging for more. That has never happened before.

"I don't think that Bermuda has ever seen such a performer. The Royal Naval Dockyard will be filled with the 65-strong orchestra headed by maestro David Gim?nez.

"The musicians will be mainly from the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra."

During the concert the orchestra played to the dancing conductor, Mr. Gim?nez, who moved like an angelic being leading them to paradise.

A deep affection could be sensed between Mr. Carreras and Mr. Gim?nez as they encouraged the audience to applaud the other.

Rick Richardson, managing director of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company is excited about the show coming to the Island on April 4.

The concert ended with Mr. Carreras singing his signature aria, Granada.