Mark - Wayne Jenkins, The Welsh Tenor

I'm a classically trained Welsh Tenor . I embarked on a journey to master my voice, on a mission to become a real Tenor, with the ability to potray each character with conviction. On this great quest , I had to conquer many obstacles and overcome fears. I played rugby for many years as a scrum half before I decided to explore the possibilities of my voice. I began to have singing lessons with an Operatic Soprano who really helped me get a basic understanding of the voice. After three years I began to have lessons with Welsh Baritone Mark Llewelyn Evans , who also kindly gave me my first performance opportunities to sing at his singing events, he gave me a lot of encouragement and the confidence I needed. I then went on to spend time studying at Wales International Academy of voice . The place is a hidden wonder in Wales where some of the best young classical singers from around the globe are selected to study. I worked with great masters of the arts, such as Dennis O'Neil and Nuccia Focile . Dennis gave me the blue print for vocal technique which was key to me mastering my voice. I gained a wealth of knowledge there which I'm very greatful for. I joined Opera Mint Directed by an inspirational woman called Sara Clethero , who became my amazing mentor and friend. I had many performance opportunities with Opera mint in Cardiff, Birmingham, and I had an amazing opportunity to study for 2 summers in Bolzano Italy . The BBC and ITV both run my story about a steel worker embarking on a career in the Opera world. I had the chance to perform on BBC Wales radio , on the Wynne Evans show . I also featured on ITV Wales news, singing O sole mio . I've had many great singing experiences since, each one different, and I love getting to meet people from all walks of life and hearing about their journeys. I have a great passion for music, I also enjoy performing cross over songs such as the Great Mario Lanza selection, Neopolitan repertoire, musical theatre and all the great Tenor arias that opera has given us. Music has enriched my life through the many different people I've been lucky enough to meet, all with a different story to tell, I've worked and performed with some incredible musicians who have helped me master my craft. I've enjoyed and learnt something new from every performance opportunity I have had in a variety of different kinds of engagements in the UK and abroad.