“Everyone’s voice is different, so enjoy the individuality of your own voice”
When did you first become involved with the Rodolfus Choir?
I first started out with Rods in the late summer of 2012, having recently finished my first Eton Choral Course.
What do you remember about your first concert singing with the choir?
It was a phenomenal experience singing amongst such a rich-sounding choir, particularly of people who were a similar age or slightly older than me, for the first time. I remember we "performed" John Cage's 4:33 and I think James Partridge, my consort group leader from my ECC, was keeping a timer going - perhaps, (very subtly!) on his phone - so that we weren't standing like lemons for the entire rest of the night!
Can you pick one highlight of being a member of the choir?
The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert at St John's Smith Square was a pretty special (and loud!) occasion as I was lucky enough to sing a solo from one of the Tippett Spirituals under Ed Gardner. The New Year's courses were also incredibly enjoyable, and I always looked forward to them immensely.
What are you up to now?
I am building up a freelancing career that has so far taken me to far flung corners of Europe and includes regular trips to France to perform with Les Voix Animées, a fantastic French consort based in Toulon. I frequently deputise with the major London church choirs and sing plenty of Messiahs and Mozart Requiems (et al!) up and down the country. During the pandemic, as the singing work has slowed somewhat, I have been delivery driving with Amazon and preparing for conservatoire auditions in the autumn.
If you had to pick only one song to sing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I know they're not songs, but it would have to be either The Matthew Passion, or the B Minor Mass. The musical narrative of both pieces, in their own individual way, is extraordinary, you feel like you have run a marathon (or three!) by the end. I could go on for hours about what I love about each movement (fear not, I won't!), but I suppose the most arresting thing about Bach, particularly in these mammoth works, is how his musical writing cuts straight to the core - whether it's the achingly tender Erbarme Dich, the arrestingly powerful Gratias and Dona Nobis, or the dramatic 'turba' choruses vociferously baying for Christ's death. It is music that dances with beauty at every turn. It's magical.
Who are your top three composers, musicians or bands from the past and present?
Blimey, far too many to choose only 3!
The King's Singers, even though I may be every so slightly biased...
Bach, as you've probably guessed!
And finally, Queen.
What an eclectic concert that would be to involve all of them!
Can anyone else in your family sing?
Yes, and rather better than me! My mum has sung to a fantastic amateur/semi-professional standard all her life and currently enjoys singing every week with the Bach Choir, and my dad was one of the founding members of The King's Singers, with whom he performed all over the world for 25 years.
I obviously didn't think that this was much to write home about though when, aged 5 or so, having heard dad putting in both the alto and bass parts to the hymns in church (he was the 2nd counter-tenor in the KS) I remarked "Dad, you've got one high voice and one low voice, and neither of them are very good!" It's fair to say he took it pretty well.
Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
Singing with the leading opera companies, choirs and orchestras, and enjoying the privilege of doing so!
Have you any advice to give to our junior singers?
You will never know the words of a song or piece you sing TOO well. Commit to conveying them in the most convincing way possible to your audience. They will be grateful for you doing so! Also, singing is such a subjective thing - there is no one right way of singing, no one voice that is the 'correct' voice. Everyone's voice is different, so enjoy the individuality of your own voice.
We have three office dogs at The Rodolfus Foundation. What's your favourite animal and why?
In that case, when can I come and work in the office?! Definitely dogs, particularly spaniels and labradors for their character and unconditional love.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, Alex! Don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to keep up with the latest news, project information, and great content from Rodolfus HQ.