Stereoboard Speak To Tenor Noah Stewart Ahead Of The Release Of His Debut Album 'Noah' (Interview)
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Written by Jon Stickler
It is hard to believe that only a few years ago Harlem Tenor Noah Stewart was a receptionist at New York’s Carnegie Hall, working to pay for his singing lessons. Monday 26th March will see Noah release his debut album, 'Noah', demonstrating on record his fine reputation as one of the fastest-rising young tenors in the world, making debuts in Lisbon, London, New York and Paris in repertoire including Cavaradossi (Tosca), Rodolfo (La Boheme) and Don Jose (Carmen). Stereoboard caught up with Noah for a chat about his new album, his journey so far in becoming an opera star and what to look out for in the coming months.
Thanks for chatting to us Noah. What’s been going on so far in 2012?
2012 has been a very exciting year so far. I've premièred my first Romeo in Romeo & Juliet at Knoxville Opera, I've appeared on numerous television shows such as Andrew Marr and Alan Titchmarsh as well as BBC's Intune spring concert. I have also had the honour of making my Royal Opera House debut in Judith Weir's newest work, Miss Fortune.
Your new album 'Noah' is set for release on 26th March, can you give us a little insight into the production/recording of the album?
Sure, I wanted to do an album for all people to enjoy, just not opera lovers only. True I am an opera singer, but in truth I grew up singing many genres of music and styles such as jazz, gospel, classical, Musical theatre and spirituals. I wanted to show that great melodies exist in every form of music; the number one universal language in the world.
How do you feel about your name appearing on ‘ones to watch in 2012’ lists?
I think it's exciting. I'm very blessed indeed.
What first made you pursue the career of an opera singer and do you ever look back at the journey you’ve taken?
I saw the lack of young people and people of colour especially men, who were absent on the stages of classical music and I wanted to make my mark in the industry. I want to bring a fresh, new, modern and exciting twist to opera, while retaining its tradition and integrity.
Considering your musical roots – has it been a difficult route into opera?
Not at all. Because I trained classically, my technique allows me to utilise my entire range and cross genres quite easily while retaining a healthy approach to singing. Visually people were quite skeptical seeing a tall, chocolate, tenor audition for traditionally European cast characters, but as soon as I was given the chance, I always capitalised and won them over.
What do you find to be the best and worst parts of being able to tour?
The best part is meeting amazing people and learning about different cultures; languages, food, art, etc. the worst? Lack of proper sleep as you are always I a different bed. But if there's a descent cup of coffee around, I'm usually pretty happy ;)
What would you say are your personal favourite moments or greatest achievements to date?
I would say I've has many. Royal Albert Hall debut, Royal Opera House debut, Wembley Arena, singing my first Pinkerton with Opera North.
Is there anything in particular left you’d like to achieve through music?
Yes, I Haven’t even begun to scratch the surface on what I am here to do.
Overall, how would you say 2011 stood for you?
2011 was training for the snug show of 2012
What do you hope 2012 holds for Noah Stewart?
Adventure. I take one day at a time.
What do you have planned for 2012 that fans should watch out for?
My first solo tour in May of 5 venues in the UK. Don Jose in Carmen at Royal Albert Hall, also my role debut of Radames at Glimmerglass festival in the US
Anything else you’d like to add?
I feel very blessed to have been embraces by the audiences here in the UK and I thank them for their continued love and support!
Noah Stewart's debut album 'Noah' is released on Monday 26th March. You can catch 'An Evening With Noah Stewart' this May, Click Here to Compare & Buy Noah Stewart Tickets. In addition, you could be in with a chance of winning one of three copies of 'Noah' in our brand new competition HERE.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
Thanks for chatting to us Noah. What’s been going on so far in 2012?
