Tenor plans Verdi gala in Palma next summer

SOUTH African tenor Johan Botha is holidaying in Majorca, at the home of Joseph Egger, president of the Friends of Austria association, and he said yesterday that his future plans include a gala dedicated to Verdi in Palma.
Q. You are considered one of the leading tenors of your generation, are you at ease with this?
A. I can only feel honoured. However, I consider myself very young, I still have very much to learn.
Why are you here and how long are you planning to stay?
My family and I are here as guests of my good friend Joseph Egger. We are having a wonderful time, the island is beautiful, but I must leave for Madrid on Monday for professional reasons.
You have sung in the leading theatres of the world, such as La Scala in Milan and the Paris Opera, which is your favourite?
I love any place where I can sing what I like. I couldn't choose. Every stage has its magic.
What are your future plans?
My contracts with the Vienna Opera and the New York Met start shortly. Also next summer, I am planning to give a gala dedicated to Verdi with the Balearic Symphony Orchestra. I am not sure exactly where, but it will be in the Auditorium, Bellver Castle or la Misericordia in Palma.
How do you see the future of opera?
Very good, but it is necessary for young people to start to take an interest.