ONE OF HAYDN’S MOST ENDURING WORKS
6 April 2022
DISCOVERING MOZART’S ‘LITANIAE LAURETANAE’
17 April 2022
SOPRANO SOLOIST FOR 'AUSTRIAN ENCOUNTERS' SUZANNE SHAKESPEARE
Suzanne, this is your first performance as a soloist with the Australian Boys Choir. What are you most looking forward to about this collaboration?
I was a member of the Australian Girls Choir for many years and I remember how special it was to sing with like-minded people, so to now be a soloist and sing with such great people at the Australian Boys Choir is just wonderful.
The terrific Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra will be playing on period instruments for these performances. Why is that so special?
Instrumentalists on period instruments bring such an incredibly unique and special feel to these works. I daresay the audience will feel drawn to the past, experiencing the music in the way the composers meant it to be heard. Such a great treat for us all!
Can you tell us a bit more about your role in this program and the music you get to sing?
As a soloist for liturgical scores, my role is not as important as the choral voices. Our aim will be to call the audience towards the meaning and depth of the music and text.
What have been your favourite or most interesting operas to perform?
My favourite role is Lucia in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. I first performed the role with Melbourne City Opera, and have performed it on tour throughout Scotland and at the Edinburgh Festival. To be honest, I would perform Lucia in a shed to one person as it is such a wonderfully fulfilling role to share.
So what’s actually the difference between singing as a soloist and singing in a choir or as part of an ensemble?
For me, singing in an ensemble or choir is as important as being out the front as a soloist. We are all part of a larger important team. All necessary to make a concert or show more memorable.
What about when you’re not singing? What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to run! I am still terribly slow, but I really enjoy it! Not that I have much spare time with my two beautiful daughters, but running is very helpful as my girls never stop moving!
What would you say to ABCI singers thinking about eventually moving into opera singing?
Enjoy the road as success is not a destination. It's the journey of learning and sharing what you learn!
Finally, what advice would you give to boys in the Choir now – and those hoping to join?
Keep singing! Keep sharing music and following the incredible guidance and musicianship your tutors show you. This important groundwork is essential for building a future in, and with, music.
'Austrian Encounters'
Presented by the Australian Boys Choral Institute
Saturday 21st May at St. Mary's Basilica Geelong | Sunday 22nd May at Sacred Heart Carlton
Also live-streamed on the Australian Digital Concert Hall platform. World-wide digital access.
The Australian Boys Choir joins with The Vocal Consort and the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra to present some of the finest 18th century choral repertoire.
Performed on period instruments, this concert will feature the sparkling 'Spatzenmesse' of Mozart and also include works by fraternal composers Joseph and Michael Haydn.