Anthony Callea Is Europe Bound + Finds A New Fan In Pavarotti!

Sydney, AU. (Sony BMG Music Entertainment) - We all know that Anthony Callea is one of the most talented performers in Australia, and now opera maestro Luciano Pavarotti knows it too! Anthony performed his No 1 smash 'The Prayer' for Pavarotti in Perth, and had the legend offer to introduce him to Italy in return! With Anthony heading off to Europe shortly on a songwriting trip, who knows what might happen... It's true. Anthony Callea is leaving the country - but only for a short time! Anthony will be heading off to the UK and Sweden on a songwriting trip to prepare for the follow-up to his smash self-titled debut album, and will be working with some of the best writers in the business, including Gary Barlow, Quiz & Larossi ('Rain'), Jorgen Elofsson, John Reid, Ben Robbins and Steve Balsamo ('Per Sempre').

While over in that neck of the woods, Anthony might even have time to catch up with a new fan - the one and only Pavarotti. Anthony performed his ARIA award-winning No 1 single 'The Prayer' at a function following Pavarotti's Perth concert, and thoroughly impressed the opera sensation.

"I'm proud and honoured to be here," Anthony told New Idea after his performance. "I absolutely appreciate what he does, but I don't think this will really sink in for a few days. My grandfather is a huge fan of Pavarotti's, so I grew up knowing who he is and listening to his music.

"The funny thing is that I haven't told him I'm here performing for Pavarotti tonight, because I haven't been home for two or three weeks!"

As for the first meeting of the two great voices, all went swimmingly.

"He was really nice and asked me how old I was and if I'd mind him introducing me to Italy," Anthony told New Idea.

"It's been a great experience for me and now I'm looking forward to my trip to Europe where I plan on writing some new songs over the next month."
Anthony's new DVD 'Live In Concert' out now