Phillip Rhodes - A young singer on the rise
Posted on 17 November 2011
Phillip Rhodes recently sent a report to the Foundation trustees on his progress. Here are excerpts from that report...
“The last month has been extremely demanding yet one of the most enjoyable months of my time here in the UK. Let me start by saying that I am extremely honoured that Kiri has had enough belief in me and the improvements I have made to insert me into a number of concerts, beginning with a concert in Amsterdam.
It is always a privilege to see Dame Kiri at work. There are certain things that cannot be taught in the classroom, and I will be forever grateful to Kiri for allowing me the see every little detail and the possible pitfalls and what to expect when putting a tour together. This is another lesson in organisation, the art of being surrounded by people that will not take their eye off the ball, as every little bump on the road has a follow-on effect.
The second concert was in Israel and again Kiri gave a concert that belies her age, with a very difficult programme of songs and arias that demand the utmost in control and discipline. Reviews of Amsterdam read here >>> and Jerusalem read here >>>
The last of the concerts was held back in London in honour of Sir Colin Davis and whilst only one aria was required by me on this occasion the desired result came to fruition with the director of the Edinburgh Festival being present and very interested in trying to make something happen for me in the very near future.”
In August Phillip returned to Australia and New Zealand for concert appearances. For the Auckland Philharmonia, he took the baritone solos in Orff’s Carmina Burana; he performed in recital with Dame Kiri at the Melbourne Town Hall and then appeared as her guest for the ‘Opera in the Vineyards’ concert at the Wyndham Estate in New South Wales. As Aria went to press it was announced that Phillip will sing the title role in the brand new opera Hôhepa for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival.Subsequently Phillip returned to Australia and New Zealand for concert appearances. For the Auckland Philharmonia, he took the baritone solos in Orff’s Carmina Burana; he performed in recital with Dame Kiri at the Melbourne Town Hall and then appeared as her guest for the Opera in the Vineyards concert at Wyndham Estate in New South Wales. As Aria went to press it was announced that he will sing the title role in the brand new opera Hôhepa for The NBR New Zealand Opera at the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival.
Photo - Julian Reynolds, Dame Kiri & Phillip Rhodes at Carre Theatre, Amsterdam.