 |
 |
So, Andrew, you are an Opera singer in your spare time, which parts do you sing? |
Not an Opera singer any more, but a fairly busy concert singer with concerts across the whole country, many with the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for whom I am Principle Tenor.
These concerts can be theatre based evenings of Viennese Music for example or open air 'Last Night of the Proms' type events for audiences of several thousand. Plus, of course, my own duet concerts with pianist James Brown that are always thematically based and cover all sung styles. |
|
 |
| How long have you been performing live? And how did you get into singing in the first place? |
The earliest performance I recall was in the nativity play at the age of 6 when as Joseph - my trousers fell down! I have been performing ever since though not always with the same 'costume' problems!
I sang throughout school and university but had my first singing lesson at 24 when I was preparing to audition for the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester where I then studied for 5 years. Why singing? Well I knew I wanted to be a performer and as I had a resonable amateur voice it seemed sensible that this should be the performing 'tool' I concentrated on. |
|
| "Yes, I am a 'new' man..." |
We know you like performing on stage which, in your opinion, has been your best performance to date? |
 |
| I find it very hard to remember individual performances and which ever has been my best depends very much on the ‘ear’ of the listener. The ones I will probably always remember are: |
- The first time I stepped on to the stage of the Albert Hall and thought “oh my God this is huge. No one will hear me!”
- Again at the Albert Hall for the Proms and there were real life ticket touts selling outside for a concert I was in!
- Pagliachi for Welsh National Opera in Birmingham. A wonderful role and a world class orchestra
- Wozzeck in Porto. Doing a 20th century existential opera in English with local Portuguese people as the non singing chorus. This project really brought home to me the fact that good performances can change the lives of the participants and the audience.
But as I think about it, I have many happy memories of the projects I have worked on, but mainly the people I worked with. |
| |
|
 |
|
| You have lived in the Village for quite a long time, what is it that makes Norton Bavant a unique place to live? |
The people - plus the context of where they live. |
|
| "it's a muscle so needs to be warmed up..." |
| So, you will be giving a charity performance at All Saints Church, Norton Bavant on 12th December, what can we look forward to? |
The concert has something for everyone, from great classical songs to music from shows and other Christmas favourites that hopefully make the audience feel "Christmassey". The verbal links hopefully add moments of consideration and moments of humour. Plus of course the really wonderful piano playing by James Brown who is the best accompanist I have ever had the pleasure to work with as well as being a superb soloist in his own right.
And there will hopefully be a couple of guest appearances by village people. And I don't mean the ones who wear costumes and sing YMCA. |
|
 |
|
| The acoustics in the Church, is that a help or a hindrance to the singing voice? |
| Good acoustics always help. The building can add a lot to what the audience hears. All Saints has excellent acoustics, clear as a bell. Probably the best in the parish. |
|
| How do you look after your voice? |
| It's a muscle so needs to be warmed up properly. And in the words of Dame Eva Turner "Never sing louder than lovely". |
|
| Do you have any spare time for other interests? |
| I would like to have more time for writing. I love the use of words and enjoy writing poetry and prose. Also I would love to do some serious wood work as I really enjoy the feel of a piece of wood and the way it feels when oiled and polished. |
|
| Great, so we can look forward to reading some of your poetry on the website! |
| |
| Is there a particular role that you haven't yet had the opportunity to perform but would love to? |
| To be the star all rounder in the England cricket team or Chairman of the Arts Council. |
|
| What is a typical weekend for you? |
| A slow start to each day (a lie in) cooked breakfast. Chance to walk the dogs as a family. Washing, ironing and cook one of the evening meals (yes I am a 'new' man!!). To read a book, or my copy of 'The Week' magazine. To catch up with life in Ambridge. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
