Ten Tenors Honored with Keys to the City of Brisbane
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BRISBANE, Australia — On Wednesday evening, December 17, The Ten Tenors were awarded the keys to the City of Brisbane, a prestigious recognition that places them alongside esteemed local icons such as the Bee Gees, Savage Garden, and Powderfinger.
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Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner presented the award to current and former members of the ensemble, as well as their producer, D-J Wendt, during a special ceremony celebrating the group’s 30th anniversary.
“Tonight is one of those wonderful Brisbane moments where culture, talent, history, and a bit of magic come together,” Schrinner remarked during the event held at City Hall.
He added, “The highest honor that a city can give is the keys to the city. And tonight, that’s happening, and it is so well deserved. Now, that’s not something that we do lightly. It’s reserved for individuals or groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the city.”
Schrinner outlined the historical significance of the honor, noting that the tradition dates back to medieval times when the keys symbolized trust and freedom within the fortified cities. “To receive the keys was a symbol of trust that the city is yours,” he explained. “The city trusts you. The city is open to you.”
The Ten Tenors, established in 1995 with the model of The Three Tenors, have sought to make opera accessible and entertaining by blending genres such as pop, rock, and classical music. To date, the group has sold over 3.5 million concert tickets across 37 countries and 639 cities, with their 17 studio albums achieving sales of more than 1.5 million units.
“Like the song says, we still call Australia home,” Wendt told guests at Brisbane City Hall. “But for The Ten Tenors, Brisbane is home. Always will be. Together we’ve achieved so many incredible milestones, and this means the world to us.”
Wendt also made a playful suggestion to the Lord Mayor, advocating for the ensemble to perform the national anthem at the upcoming 2032 Olympic Games. The group’s impressive resume includes performances at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House, as well as special events for notable dignitaries.
The evening featured TV personality Melissa Downes as host, with a 90-minute program that included a Q&A session addressing various topics, such as life on tour and the challenges faced during the global financial crisis and the pandemic. The event concluded with a powerful rendition of “Nessun Dorma” by the ensemble.
“This business has taken us all around the world, many times,” Wendt noted. As The Ten Tenors prepare for a comprehensive 30th anniversary tour next year, they will begin with shows in North America, followed by performances in Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.
