CityLife

Interview: Bryn Terfel

Bryn Terfel

BRYN Terfel CBE thoroughly enjoys being a bad boy! “Well the villains usually get all the best songs so I thought I may as well record some of them,” the internationally renowned opera star roars with laughter. We're chatting about his new album and the accompanying concert tour and he can hardly contain his enthusiasm.

“It’s called the Bad Boy Album because the characters, most of whom I’ve already played on stage, are a band of demonic misfits and malcontents who sing some wonderful music.

“Working out the choice of songs was fun because there's a fair mix of operatic villains like Scarpia in Tosca and then of course there's Sportin’ Life so I get to sing It Ain’t Necessarily So from Porgy and Bess and Stars, Javert’s big number in Les Miserables.”

He’s been asked to appear in a couple of musicals but Bryn’s ambivalent about the commitment it would take.

“Two months out of your chosen career is a long time in my business. Also it would mean living in London for a long period and quite honestly I really love where we live in North Wales with a view of the Menai Straights.

“I actually like taking my kids to school and collecting them at the end of the day. I’m away quite a bit in my job already so when I’m home I try to make that quality time.”

'Musical family'

So how did the son of a sheep-farmer go from North Wales to sing on the stages of the largest opera houses in the world?

Bryn’s laugh rumbles somewhere in his huge chest and erupts like a volcano before he speaks.

“You’ve got to remember I was born into a musical nation and a musical family. There was always music of one kind or another in my home when I was growing up and when I went to the local comprehensive school there was the school choir. We went regularly to the Eisteddfod where you learn about standards and how you can improve.

“I must tell you about my dad,” he enthuses. “My dad had a really good voice. Obviously the family made sacrifices to ensure that I received the best of training and I’ll always be grateful to them. But when he hit 60, my dad joined a choir and he just loves it. I’m so proud of him because they even sing at the Eisteddfod!”

Bryn has even created his own personal Eisteddfod.

“For nine years I organised my own little festival in a field near Snowdonia – the credit crunch means that I can’t do it anymore. However, the highlight for me was persuading the world famous opera star Jose Carreras to perform and it all happened by accident because of football!

“Jose is a lovely man and he’s also the son of a sheep-farmer. I’d taken my middle son, Morgan, who’s a huge Manchester United fan, to see them play in Rome.

“We were watching the Champions League final against Barcelona when I felt a tap on my shoulder and when I turned round, there was Jose who was supporting his team! At half-time I mentioned my festival and he generously agreed to come along. For me it was the highlight of everything I’d hoped to achieve. Such a lovely man.”

Bryn Terfel sings the Bad Boys concert at Bridgewater Hall on Sunday, November 22, 2009.