Beethoven's 9th Symphony is one of the most popular symphonies in the world. It features a choral section in its final movement, and the Napier Civic Choir will be performing it for the first time, at the Napier Municipal Theatre, next month.
The choral section will be sung by four soloists; soprano Anna Pierard, mezzo soprano Sarah Court, tenor Philip Griffin, and baritone Jared Holt, plus a chorus, with the words taken from the poem Ode to Joy.
Wellington-based Jared Holt, who won the Mobil Song Quest in 2000, shares a little about his life as a professional singer.
Did your Song Quest win open many doors in the singing world?
Yes. The prize money ($10,000 cash, international air travel, and $15,000 towards study) allowed me to study at the Royal College of Music, London. It was an incredible three years, working on my voice, my stage craft - including sword-fighting - and singing in other languages. It also led to many concerts which were really important in gaining performance experience.
You studied law and classics. Was singing always your priority?
Singing was the sole focus in the years immediately following my graduation but over time I became increasingly interested in coming back to law. I was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 2007 and have practised law in NZ and in the UK since then.
How did you become interested in singing?
I was lucky enough to be recognised as having a good voice when I was about 9. Clifton Cook, an experienced Christchurch singing teacher, picked me out of a normal school music class and said I should have lessons.
Was classical singing always your passion?
I was introduced to classical music at an early age and always enjoyed it, but I love all sorts of styles. It always intrigues me to hear how great the quality of voices and techniques are, or were of some of the most famous singers, Frank Sinatra, for example. From what I have seen, he was a real student of diction and technique as well as being a great storyteller.
What do you think is so special about Beethoven's music?
For me, Beethoven's greatest gift was to be able to write music that immediately connects with your emotions. It has the ability to stop you in your tracks, or even to change your state of mind, in an instant. The Ode to Joy is probably the best example of this.
Do you have any favourite composers?
Beethoven would certainly be up there, along with Tchaikovsky, Puccini and Mozart.
What are the best things about being a singer?
It is a great form of release from the "real" world. The processes of focus and deep regular breathing have parallels in meditation and can generate similar results in improving concentration and feeling better in body in mind. It has allowed me to see places I don't think I would have ever seen otherwise.
I have also met some incredibly talented and inspirational people. I am incredibly lucky to have had these opportunities, and to continue to have them. I guess you need a nice voice to start with, but the opportunities really come from the support and generosity of many other people.
Ode To Joy
A Beethoven Choral Symphony, directed by Jose Aparicio, Napier Municipal Theatre, 8pm, October 18; 2.30pm October 19. Tickets $15 students, $39 adults, from Beattie & Forbes, Napier, Take Note, Havelock North, or at the door.