Meet the Ensemble - Alexey, Lara and Emyr
Alongside our guest artists and chorus, our repertory ensemble model means that a core group of singers perform all of our operas. This collegiate community is at the centre of If Opera’s ethos and vision and we’re really proud of the company we’ve brought together this year.
We wanted to find out a bit more about our Ensemble and what makes them tick. This week meet Alexey Gusev, Lara Marie Müller and Emyr Wyn Jones.
Alexey Gusev
Alexey Gusev is a Russian baritone. He will be playing Des Siriex in Fedora and March Hare in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland both at Belcombe Court and Robert in Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
During my teens I sang in a rock band; my friends were not happy with my contribution so I enlisted in a music school to try to improve my singing. My teacher understood the problem, recognised a certain quality in my voice and started training me as a classical singer. Soon afterwards, a “Eureka moment” came to me and I fell in love with opera: this led to formal studies at the Rostov Conservatoire and early engagements with the Rostov State Opera & Ballet Theatre.
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I read with interest about If Opera’s vision and innovative approach to attracting audiences to an art form often perceived as “something rare and impenetrable”, as well as the aim in making performances affordable to more people. At a time of concern about the cost of living crisis, global warming and war, there is even more need for people to escape into inspiring performances of opera. I greatly look forward to meeting this season’s cast, and the team at If Opera and to singing with the company.
Apart from singing, what else do you love to do?
My free time is limited and when there are no opera engagements I do different jobs to maintain my family. Parental duties are very important and bring great joy. When time permits I love exploring and researching new repertoire, listening to different genres of music and playing the guitar. Anything mechanical is of interest: I love fixing and riding motorbikes. The environment and the need to support initiatives that tackle climate change are also important issues for me.
Lara Marie Müller
Lara Marie Müller is a British/German soprano based in London. This summer she performs as Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Belcombe Court and Brigitte in Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
I didn't start music college until I was in my early 20's. I left school wanting to be an actress and prior to music college, I completed the foundation course in acting at Oxford School of Drama. It was through theatre that I came to singing and it remains a huge part of how I perform.
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
It's so great to be back this year after being part of the inaugural season. I'm so excited to be performing the role of Alice - the setting of Belcombe court will make the most magical wonderland!
Apart from singing, what else do you love to do?
During the Covid pandemic, when all theatres were boarded up and the world of performing arts came to a halt I set up a micro-bakery from my flat in London. I started by baking sourdough and pastry for my neighbours which very quickly expanded to my local community. I ended up baking every weekend for a good year and half. I now bake less frequently but still manage the odd bake when I'm in between singing projects. For anyone interested you can find me on Instagram @larasbakerylondon
Emyr Wyn Jones
This year Welsh bass/baritone Emyr Wyn Jones will perform as Lorek in Fedora and White Knight in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland both at Belcombe Court and Bertrand in Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre.
Who inspires you and why?
I am very aware of the inspiration I get from my family, and the way they have helped me or the way they have adapted themselves from various things we have faced either individually or collectively. I am a very proud uncle to three young children who are brilliant; they know so little, and have no care or pre-conceived idea to the world. I try and think of that in new jobs or new situations, the dreaded "first day" syndrome never wears off, and so little things however silly can help you to think "It's fine!".
Specifically, in singing I would have to take the opportunity to say I was so fortunate to learn for over a decade with the late baritone Eric Roberts. Not a week went by where he wouldn't say something that wouldn't draw my attention, whether an anecdote or an "Eric-ism" which would be a piece of wisdom or advice he gave that I can assure you I'll never forget.
What is your favourite piece of music to sing?
There are so many songs I wish I could sing but they're too high, or I just sit in my car dejected I can't sound like them!
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I am so excited to work with If Opera this year. Having so many friends work with them previously, I was almost jealous of their experience! I'm thrilled and intrigued to see up close the work Michael [Volpe] and the whole team are doing to better the sustainability of the opera industry and its accessibility. Undoubtedly it's an easy sell when you have a good audition experience, you get the job, and then you find out who else will be with you and you can't help but feel enthusiastic to create and catch up with everyone. It's going to be a lovely way to close out the summer in beautiful Wiltshire.