If you’re looking for some entertainment next weekend, NZ Opera is bringing world-class Baritone Phillip Rhodes to Christchurch to sing in a one-off concert at The Piano with Dame Malvina Major Foundation studio artists Katherine Winitana and Katie Trigg as well as pianist Mark W Dorrell. Phillip tells Cityscape about some of his top picks from the evening's varied programme.

I'm keen on getting down to Christchurch and being in The Piano, which will be a new venue for me. It’s been a year away from the stages, so I'm really looking forward to it. I’ve had one show, and I’m just ready to get into it. We’ve got a lot of time to make up for.

Mozart – 'Soave sia il Vento'

I’m doing a couple of Mozart numbers, because I've got the studio artists Katherine Winitana and Katie Trigg involved. Mozart should never leave you in your career. It's there at the beginning and its keeps you young as you develop. So its always something I come back to. Mozart's 'Soave Sia il Vento', the trio is a beautiful piece for the three of us – it's an amazing piece of music and I’m looking forward to being able to sing that with people who are in the position I was in 12 or 13 years ago.

Verdi – 'Eri Tu'

There’s a couple of Verdi pieces. Verdi has been my bread and butter as I've been making my name in baritone roles. I’m now getting right into it and having some success with them.

For me the highlight of the afternoon would be 'Eri Tu' from Un Bello in Maschera, which is a role I've performed quite a lot recently. In general I would play baddies and villains, but this guy is actually a slighted husband. He believes his best friend is having an affair with his wife, and his wife is most definitely in love with his best friend. It’s a lot more touching than a lot of the villainous roles I might play. There's more scope to the character. He’s a bit more 3D.

Gershwin – 'Bess, You Is My Woman Now'

We’ll have a few lighter pieces as well, a few showtunes that people love to hear. My philosophy has always been that we are entertainers; we always come back to the things I know people like. We've got some some Porgy and Bess to ease the afternoon away. 'Bess You Is My Woman Now', that duet is lovely and a great opportunity to sing with the next batch of young singers.

Opera in the City
Sunday 16 May
The Piano
nzopera.com