HENRY CHOO

As one of Australia’s finest lyric coloratura tenors, Henry Choo has received widespread critical acclaim, his voice described as “blossoming with colour and honey sweetness,” akin to “vocal gold.”

His resumé is impressive. After participating in Opera Queensland’s Young Artist Program, Henry debuted as Ernesto in Don Pasquale. He was subsequently selected to participate in Opera Australia’s Moffatt Oxenbould Young Artist Development Program and has since performed many principal roles with the national company. Renowned as a soloist in many significant oratorio works, Henry has performed with leading national and international orchestras.

Henry‘s love of singing began when he was very young. “I recall standing on a stool singing I Still Call Australia Home at the top of my voice!” After joining the ABC as a Probationer in 1985 he progressed rapidly through training, becoming a Chorister in 1988. Highlights included summer camps that helped him to “grow up and learn independence”, and international tours. “It was a fantastic way to see the world,” he reflects.

After his voice changed and he left the Choir, Henry began singing with The Vocal Consort and was a member of the Choir’s teaching staff. During this time, he was excited by a shift in the Choir’s repertoire towards innovative and Australian choral works.

As a professional musician, Henry appreciates the benefit of the Choir’s Kodály training system. “I credit this for my ability to learn music really quickly...I use this skill all the time in my professional life.”

In 2013 Henry sang with the Choir to celebrate Benjamin Britten’s centenary in a triumphant performance of Britten’s St Nicolas. “It was exhilarating,” he says. “It felt like coming home.”

Backstage, Henry joked with the boys – “look out for the robe with my name on it!”