Bright young tenor Samuel Sakker is one of the three young Australian operatic hopefuls who won a place on this year’s Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House in London. It’s a golden opportunity but not one that can be realised without some significant pennies in his purse. But Sakker didn’t get where he is today without determination and resourcefulness – and it’s those qualities that have earned him the respect and affection of some of Australian opera’s best known professionals.

So, with a little help from his friends in high places he is organising a benefit next month. We caught up with him and asked him about his plans, his dreams, and just how he bagged the likes of Emma Matthews, José Carbó and Deborah Humble to sing for his future supper.

Do you remember the first time you heard opera?

I have a vivid memory as a kid watching an advert on TV for the Turandot Arena Opera Spectacular. I can’t exactly remember the music but I presume Nessun Dorma must have accompanied the ad and together with the costumes and make-up (now that I remember). I begged my parents to go but for whatever reason (probably...