Meet the Ensemble - Dominick, Andrés, Rebecca and Charne
As we get ready to open the box office for our summer season we’re profiling the final four of our 2023 Ensemble. This group of talented singers, along with our Chorus and Guest Artists, will perform across the season with our repertory model, which prioritises the many over the few.
In the last instalment of our series of profiles, we’re talking to Dominick Felix, Andrés Presno, Rebecca Afonwy-Jones and Charne Rochford.
Dominick Felix
British tenor Dominick Felix will perform as Sergio/Rouvel in Fedora and Dad/Queen of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland both at Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
The idea of wanting to become a singer was a bit of a slow burn for me. I grew up in a working class family, but my mum loved classical music, and we always had it on in the house. Song and classical music always resonated with me, and I was in choirs from the age of 4. It was when I joined the choir at secondary school that the idea became more present.
I was very lucky and got to sing at venues such as Southwark Cathedral, St Paul’s, and the Royal Festival Hall. I was a boy soprano until the age of about 15, and got lucky that my voice broke in such a way that I slotted in nicely as a high tenor. By the time I started the introduction to opera class, at Morley College, with the incomparable Richard Jackson at the age of 17, I was pretty convinced that this was what I wanted to do.
Apart from singing, what else do you love to do?
I am very into computer games; they really help me relax. I am also a bit of a bookworm. Currently, though most of my time is taken up looking after my pregnant girlfriend.
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I am feeling incredibly excited about singing for If Opera this summer! I have many friends in the industry who have performed with the company and to a person they have all been very positive, favourable opinions about working as part of the ensemble. I’m particularly looking forward to getting my teeth into the role of the Queen of Hearts. Who would not want to sing “off with their heads” constantly!
Andrés Presno
This summer Uruguayan tenor Andrés Presno will perform as Desire in Fedora at Belcombe Court and Count Vaudemont in Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre, both in Bradford on Avon.
Who inspires you and why?
I feel inspired by every artist that tries to support new emerging artists who are trying to make this path their own from a non-privileged background.
What is your favourite piece of music to sing?
My favourite piece of music to sing is Rodolfo in La Boheme by G.Puccini
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I feel full of excitement in sharing this summer making music with so many wonderful artists. I’m so looking forward to it!
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones is a Welsh mezzo soprano who will be performing as Dimitri in Fedora, Mum/Mad Hatter in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Belcombe Court and as Marthe in Iolanta at the Wiltshire Music Centre, both in Bradford on Avon.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
I was a very musical child, in a household and whole family that was farming, so it wasn't really something that I entertained as a profession or dreamt of when I was little. After a very circuitous route, taking on lots of different jobs after university that were far removed from the creative industry, I gradually found my way back to music via an amazing, inspirational teacher in Wales who encouraged me to apply for a postgraduate course.
What is your favourite piece of music to sing?
I have a real love of singing Donizetti, Berlioz, Mahler and Wagner - all quite different, but I can think easily of pieces composed by each of them that thrill me. Then there's Bach, Purcell, Handel...I can't possibly pick just one! If pressed, then I might choose the opening of Rheingold, singing the role of Wellgunde. Listening to the orchestra come from absolutely nothing to this great swell of sound to open the whole Ring Cycle is hugely exciting, but I am sure I would think of a different answer tomorrow!
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
I'm really interested to join a group of singers, directors, conductors and crew who are all working together as a company. I am already acquainted with some of my colleagues but not all, so I am sure it will be a great experience to rekindle past working relationships and build new ones across a range of repertoire that I have never previously performed. It feels like a great challenge ahead to present four roles in three operas in three different languages!
Charne Rochford
British tenor, Charne Rochford, will play Loris in Fedora at Belcombe Court this summer.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
Growing up I sang in choirs my whole life but as a kid, I bought a cassette of Queen’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (at a car boot sale) and as soon as I heard Freddie Mercury I knew I wanted to be a singer; he sang like there was no tomorrow...
Who inspires you and why?
As a singer (apart from Freddie) my main inspiration is, and will always be, Franco Corelli - simply one of the best voices to have ever existed. Outside of music, I am a huge film buff and I am continuously astounded by the films of Stanley Kubrick & David Lynch (and many others) and the searing images they create. My other main inspiration is my 14 year-old wire-haired Vizsla, Marmite. I probably get my best ideas whilst walking her...
How do you feel about performing with If Opera this summer?
It's always exciting learning a new role and meeting new people, but I am really looking forward to be joining the If Opera company this summer. Not only are they doing some brilliant rep, but also, they are doing great things for the industry (with a superb company ethos) and I'm very pleased to be a small part of their movement!
Priority booking for the If Opera 2023 season opens on Friday 24 March.
General booking opens on Monday 3 April. To book go to Bath Box Office or call 01225 463 362.