You’re going to be featuring in Brisbane Chorale and Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra’s upcoming performance of ‘A Sea Symphony’ as the baritone soloist. What are you most looking forward to about performing this work?
I absolutely love the music of Vaughan Williams. I grew up singing his music with my mother and father teaching me some of his great music – ‘Songs of Travel’ and the song ‘Youth and Love’. More recently I discovered his incredible ‘Mystical Songs’ and sang these with orchestra. The tessitura (the vocal range) of Vaughan Williams’ music is challenging for any singer, particularly young baritones. I am thrilled to have to have this opportunity now (at my more mature age ) where I am more secure in my vocal technique. ‘Sea Symphony’ is a huge sing for the baritone (and soprano). I am loving practising daily to get to know this music and building the stamina so I can sing at my best during the orchestral rehearsals and in the one performance. The orchestration is stunning and the wonderful poetry is shared beautifully between soloists and choir. I am so excited to sing this wonderful music and poetry with the BPO and Brisbane Chorale. I would also like to dedicate this performance of mine to my late mum.
Which performers or artists have inspired you the most in your career and why?
Mmm – so many. Dietrich Fischer Diskau for his incredible expertise and singing of the German language and so much lieder and music. Pavarotti, Giorgio Zancanaro, Dmitri Hvorostovsky for their incredible vocal technique and beauty of singing. Mum and Dad for sharing their love of music with me. Jan Delpratt and Greg Massingham, my first singing teachers in Queensland at the Conservatorium, for sharing their love and expertise in music and vocal technique.
What is your favourite concert or performance memory and what made it special?
1st – While working full time in Germany in the Freiburg Opera Chorus, I started learning one of the major roles (Paolo) for our next opera ‘Simon Boccanbegra’ by Verdi. I auditioned for the Head of Music and I was told to make myself ready to be the second cast. The original singer became sick and I was asked to “jump in” with two hours’ notice. It was very scary but wonderful at the same time. It went very well and I was given another performance as a reward as well as some other very valuable performance opportunities.
2nd – Last year at the Gateway Baptist Christmas Carols here in Brisbane. My wife, Leanne and I sang with many others some wonderful arrangements of carols with great modern musicians. The huge team of volunteers helped raise several hundred thousand dollars for a hospital (run and founded by friends) in Uganda. The medical team do such incredible life-saving work for the community.
3rd – Recording and performing an album of songs called ‘Mythical Creatures’ by the local composer Paul Kopetz. These are wonderful songs for baritone and soprano (Leanne Kenneally-Warnock) and wind quintet. A wonderful opportunity to record these songs at the fabulous recording studio Ghostgum Audio and then perform them at the wonderful Tyalgum Music Festival. You can hear the songs on Youtube, Spotify etc.
Did you ever have any career in mind other than professional singer and if so, what was it?
Well, I trained as a teacher in 2001 and began teaching in the classroom as a supply teacher. I continued, off and on, for many years combining singing work with doing contracts and part-time teaching as well as singing teaching and choral conducting. I have only recently become a full time classroom teacher. I do miss singing teaching and choral conducting and it is sometimes challenging to balance teaching with singing. I do find teaching singing and classroom very rewarding.
What advice would you give to young classical singers just starting out on their careers?
Firstly, congratulations on starting a wonderful career. Find yourself an expert vocal teacher and people who understand the demands of the profession. Listen to them and do not be in too much of a hurry to undertake demanding repertoire and performance experience. Be patient and diligent with learning good vocal technique and performance skills. Enjoy and commit to travelling to the countries that speak the languages you need for singing. If possible, live, work there and become fluent in the language. Fall in love with the language and its culture (you might have guessed that I loved my 5 + years in Germany). Above all, enjoy and love what you do.
Do you have a favourite ‘party piece’ to sing from the baritone repertoire and if so, what is it and why is it your favourite?
‘Toreador Song’ from Carmen – It’s such a wonderful melody and you get to have a lot of fun performing it. ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ by Malotte – a beautiful classical song of worship. ‘Ah! Pescator!’ by Ponchielli – a fabulous fisherman’s song who doubles as a spy. I won a few competitions with this great aria as a young baritone. Now it’s even better to sing this challenging range and be able to sing the optional A flat at the end. Great fun.
