Counter-tenor Stephen Diaz returns for farewell Whanganui concert

Stephen Diaz will sing for a Whanganui audience before embarking on his international career.

The extraordinary counter-tenor Stephen Diaz became a firm favourite with Whanganui audiences during his placements at the New Zealand Opera School on three occasions from 2010.

Diaz is now preparing to embark on his international career with an engagement which will see him based in Belgium.

Ingrid Culliford will accompany the young singer for a performance at Element Café & Restaurant next week.

Diaz embarked on his singing journey in 2004 when he joined the Auckland Youth Choir.

In the following years, Stephen moved on to the National Youth Choir and then the Auckland Chamber Choir at the University of Auckland where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Music.

He was selected for the New Zealand Opera's PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist programme and in 2012 was runner up in the Lexus Song Quest and winner of the New Zealand Aria competition.

Stephen Diaz with Ingrid Culliford, 4.30 to 5.30pm, Sunday October 8 at Element Café & Restaurant.The ticket price of $25 includes a glass of wine; purchase from Sarjeant on the Quay or by phoning 349 0506. Ticket numbers limited. Proceeds from the concert will go towards Stephen's tuition in Belgium and the Sarjeant Gallery.