Meet the cast and creative teams behind Opera Holland Park’s 2022 season. Over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce our singers, directors, conductors and crews at the heart of the productions this summer.
Today's Spotlight continues with Chorus Member, Bobby Jeffrey. Bobby is a regular member of the Opera Holland Park Chorus, having performed in many operas on the OHP stage, including La traviata and Un ballo in maschera most recently.
It’s great to have you back again this year, Bobby. Could you describe your role at OHP?
I’m an Opera Holland Park chorus member.
What aspects of your work are you most excited about?
I’m always excited to return to the company, especially getting back together with regular colleagues including performers and creatives.
Do you have a favourite OHP Memory?
This isn’t the career I ever thought I would do professionally. Having trained as a hairdresser, in the early days I was able to help singers with their hair, especially if it was long. During the run of Così fan tutte, I dressed the hair for one of the mezzos. I had to make sure I was in costume because there wasn’t always a lot of time to get it done. By the final performances the period style got larger. Whatever the result, it had to stay!
Who is your musical role model?
I can’t say I have any particular role model. I’m happy to have been in productions with a soloist who began in the chorus with me. More so with Matthew Kofi Waldren now in the pit. It’s great to have someone who really understands the real vocal side of performance as well as the stagecraft.
Was there any music that got you through lockdown? What was it and how did it help you?
No particular music, just being able to sing during lockdown really kept me sane!
What are you looking forward to this OHP season?
Working on two new productions, and with Martin Lloyd-Evans who is a regular on the creative team at OHP. He is very good at playing to people’s strengths. It makes sure that the chorus are all individual.
If you could perform any role, what would it be?
Probably Don Basilio, quite a character!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received, musical or otherwise?
Keep your mouth shut in the dressing room! (Fail!)