Juan Diego Flórez, where have you been all our lives?

The Peruvian tenor is finally performing in Australia, 27 years after he became an overnight sensation at the age of 23, and proceeded to conquer the opera world from La Scala to The Met. It’s a classic case of worth the wait.

Juan Diego Florez. Photo © Castiglione

Flórez’s Melbourne recital, the first of three on these shores, was an unforgettable display of technique, artistry and talent, combined with a warm personality that sealed his conquest of the audience.

Accompanied by French pianist Cécile Restier, Flórez performs a program representative of his career on this tour. The first half is all bel canto, the early 19th century Italian opera style with which he established his career. After interval, there’s a little French repertoire, a generous serve of Verdi and finally a Puccini showstopper.

It’s difficult to pick out highlights from Flórez’s performance at Hamer Hall, as it was all so sublime. Wearing a dark-grey double-breasted suit and white shirt open at the collar, he revealed a strong, supple high tenor that has a lovely light quality that makes me think of spun gold.

His...