We talk to baritone Tom Isherwood about singing opera for a living
When Tom Isherwood walks his lurcher Vincent he’s as likely to be listening to Handel on his headphones as Snoop Dogg or Led Zeppelin. The 25yr old baritone sings opera for a living and loves it.
“I realised I enjoyed singing when I sang Ol’ Man River in Yr 12 of St Clement Danes School (SCD)”says Tom. “Although they preferred me to play cello – I sang rather loudly!”
Tom’s booming voice was later recognised for its quality, expression and power when at 19 he was accepted into the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester (RNCM)
“I worked with some world-class singers there, especially Lynne Dawson who sang Libera me from Verdi’s Requiem at Princess Diana’s funeral.”
After his 4 yr degree course at RNCM, Tom completed his Masters in Vocal Studies at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. Despite being relatively young (“it takes years to build up stamina, master breathing technique and use muscles correctly”) he is in demand and last year received the coveted London Song Festival British Art Song Award, adjudicated by Sir Thomas Allen.
In spring, Tom is off to Abu Dhabi with the NSO Symphony Orchestra to play the father in Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel then in summer performs in Les Balades Musicales, at Combret sur Rance village, Toulouse
“I played Marcello in La Boheme at The King’s Head pub theatre, Islington last autumn – the audience was very close which made it very intimate!”
Best role ever? “Definitely Sweeney Todd first, then sharing the stage with Bryn Terfel in Fiddler on the Roof at the 2015 Proms”
But that could change! Tom sings the bass solo in Verdi’s Requiem with SCD /Tring Choral Society Choir this coming July at Watford Colosseum.
“It’s a big sing, a fantastic challenge and the acoustics are the best in the country!”
Verdi’s Requiem Mass, Watford Colosseum, Saturday 8 July