Two young Bermudians will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they perform with world-renowned opera singer Jos? Carreras when he comes to the Island later this year.

Elca Maranzana and Kion Simmons will take to the stage with Mr. Carreras when he performs on April 4.

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

Bermuda Broadcasting Company, managing director, Rick Richardson said: "We are pleased to announce that Miss Maranzana and Mr. Simmons will open the Jos? Carreras concert. The pair will perform a duet - `Time to Say Goodbye' - at the opening. People will be pleasantly surprised at the local talent."

Between the two, Miss Maranzana, 22, has a classical repertoire that includes works by Brahms, Handel, Vivaldi and Puccini and sings in Italian, French, German and Latin. This is quite a feat as she is autistic and cannot read music, but this has not hindered her.

Mr. Simmons, 26, has been singing classically for three years. He has toured Europe and performed pieces by Bach. He was also special guest at the Apollo in New York and opened for Patti LaBelle and the Manhattans. His repertoire includes Umberto, Giordano, Undine Smith and Verdi.

Also performing throughout the concert is the Bermuda Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concert has also been receiving a lot of overseas media hype.

In the New York City area several stations, including network ABC, are having competitions to win tickets to the Bermuda concert.

This is Mr. Carreras' first performance on the Island and the organisers say that people are trying to purchase tickets from as far away as Australia, Germany, Canada, the US and South America.

Glenn Doers, chief operating officer of Independent Media Services, said the ticket sales where going really well.

"Ticket sales are coming in from all over the world, and locally tickets are moving quite quickly. There are around 3,000 tickets and they have room for another 500 if needed.

Mr. Doers said: "One woman who had bought tickets to the event said `I am so happy that Jos? Carreras is coming to Bermuda - I usually book my vacations around where opera singers are performing'."

The international organiser thought it would be a wonderful idea for Mr. Carreras to sing in Bermuda, but did not expect the popularity that it has gained.

Karl Hofer managing director of KH International said: "I coined the idea, but I had no idea that it would be quite so popular. People are asking `Jos? Carreras in Bermuda, are you sure in Bermuda?' I like the vibe that I am feeling here.

"The concert will not be totally classical, it will also feature Broadway hits and other show tunes and some popular music."

Mr. Richardson said: "This concert is giving Bermuda a great deal of publicity."

Locally, tickets can be purchased at the Music Box, 27th Century Boutique and Sound Stage.