Traveling as part of a team can be a challenge. But according to Paul Gelsumini, Touring Musical Director and singing member of the famed group, The Ten Tenors, traveling around the world with “your brothers” makes for a really great time.
The Ten Tenors are an Australian ensemble troupe known for covering classic hits with their own rock-opera spin. Founded in 1995, the group has toured around the world performing a crossover of genres including arias, Broadway tunes, classical songs, and mainstream contemporary songs by the likes of AC/DC and Aerosmith.
Their Dec. 4-5 visit to McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert comes on the heels of the release of their new album, “Our Christmas Wish.” Proceeds from the album will go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation to help ill children.
The makeup of The Ten Tenors has changed over the years, and yet that hasn't lessened their travel tour schedule of approximately 250 dates a year.
“The hardest part (of travel) is the beginning of the tour,” says Gelsumini (pictured at right). “Coming off a really long flight. Breathing air on the plane will dry you out. Changing climates. You need to get over jet lag quick. That being said, we are all just so excited to get on stage. We love our jobs. We love what we do…even through pure exhaustion.”
Palm Springs Life.com literally caught Gelsumini after a 38-hour flight from Australia as he and “his bros” begin their latest North American tour.
Through the years, the gentleman that make up “The TEN Tenors” have changed. How do you handle this type of a change when it happens?
“I think it’s a gradual change over… mostly in terms of touring style. New members learn from those older members about how to tour together. Learn what to do, what not to do. With new line-ups, maybe because we are all Australian, we are all good friends. Our sound is always changing with different types of tone, people, and singers. I’m glad the sound is always changing.”
What's the secret to keeping everyone together and happy?
“Being friends. Each audition process is 70 percent about singing…then we have a chat and it’s about personality. We have been so blessed that the caliber of guys has been wonderful. When you travel with ten guys who are like your brothers… you become family.”
What is a key to appealing to both men and women?
“I would say what makes us special is how much fun we have on stage. Our shows are a lot of fun. People can tell how great we all get a long. They say it’s transparent and a beautiful thing. With music being such a universal language, we can all enjoy something beautiful together. We are a football team on stage…but probably a little less athletic.”
Maintaining your voices, schedules, different venues every night…what are some of the keys to touring as much as you do?
“For me, two main things: 1) Drink a lot of water. 2) Sleep as much as you can, when you can.”
Will you be able to enjoy the Palm Springs area while you are here?
“We love it (in the desert). We hit certain malls. The boys play some golf. It’s a very different landscape. I remember to look out my window… it looks like a picture.”
Ten Tenors, Dec. 4-5, McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com
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