Alexander Knight
Guest baritone Alexander Knight is fast developing a reputation as a leading light in the younger generation of Sydney singers. Soon after the Marais Project concert on August 16 he heads overseas for further study. Alex kindly took some time recently to answer a few questions on his background, likes and dislikes:-
Favourite relaxation outside music?
Watching Australia thrash the Poms in Test cricket.
The composer you most enjoy performing?
In terms of song repertoire: Schumann. In terms of operatic repertoire: Janáček.
How did you come to choose singing as a career?
Piano was my first instrument but I properly discovered the world of classical singing during my final year of school and decided that it was incredibly exciting. I was accepted for both piano and voice at the Sydney Conservatorium but chose the latter. Without a doubt, it is the best decision I have ever made.
What you are most looking forward to about studying overseas?
The chance to be surrounded by world-class musicians and to hopefully perform some incredible music for an overseas’ audience. The history and support of the arts in Germany and Austria is inspiring.
What is the one thing you most fear about living in Europe?
Whether my language skills will develop efficiently enough.
What you most enjoy about French baroque music?
The instrumental sections.
What are the 3 or 4 “dessert island disks” you could not live without?
I’m going to make the rule that the entire Beatles discography is automatically included for every person travelling to the desert island. My choices: Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon; Britten – War Requiem (Hickox recording); Jeff Buckley – Grace; and finally, Sinatra’s greatest album – Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely.
And finally, the one thing you would like to change about classical music concerts?
More adventurous programming, with healthy support for excellent contemporary works. I do not want to see classical music and opera become a museum piece!
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What: The Marais Project presents: “Marais and the Operatic Muse”
When: 3pm Sunday August 16 2015
Where: Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Macquarie St, Sydney
Tickets: www.maraisproject.com.au or call 0412 459 156