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This is my story

All seven children in our family learned to play the piano. Later on many also took up a second instrument as well. It was our parent's firm belief that music is a crucial part of everybody's education, and I agree whole-heartedly with them. I joined a choir at ten and later, when my voice had broken, I was asked to conduct the choir. We even won a choral competition once when I was conducting!

Mary and Ben de Jong

Mary and Ben de Jong - 1996

(Photo - Fred Bakker)

When the opera came to town

When I was twelve, boys from our choir were employed in the Australian Opera season in Melbourne. I was among those chosen for 'Tosca' and was also chosen to sing the opening solo in act three, the shepherd boy. Being involved in the staging of an opera at such an impressionable age had a very memorable effect on me and for years I wondered whether or not I would ever be an opera singer. To this day I remember the experience and the very thrilling production of 'Tosca' in 1974 and it still remains my favourite opera. I dream of performing Scarpia one day...

My father, born in the Netherlands, is a music-lover. One of his early favourites was the opera 'La traviata'. He met and married my mother, another lover of music, in New Zealand and then started up a business in Australia.

Sarah de Jong

Sarah de Jong

 Two of us have become professionals in the music field: I am an opera singer and my sister, Sarah de Jong, is a professional composer. I am living in Melbourne working for Opera Australia and Sarah works freelance from Sydney, Australia.

All the others have been sure to give music lessons to their children, many of whom show great promise.

Through all this I have struggled to achieve a standard of performance to be proud of.

Arts Centre Spire

Arts Centre Spire, Melbourne

(Photo - THE AGE)

 Clearly one cannot do this alone and I acknowledge the love and support given to me by both my parents and by my amazing wife Fiona.

In March 1998 our first daughter Alexandra was born. Since that day she has brought delight into our lives and continues to do so. It's hard for me to spend time away working when I know she is changing every day. She is the most beautiful girl with a very sweet nature and a smile for everybody.

On the 17th of July 2000 our son Christopher was born. He is a very interesting boy and a constant joy to us all.

I love being a singer and all the thrills and challenges it brings. Each day is different and each job has its rewards.

Which other job would give you the possibility of international travel and great personal rewards?