James Atkinson WNO: Artist Q&A
James Atkinson on the power of harmony and the master baritones who inspired him.
In our second piece leading up to the WNO’s spring season, James Atkinson, who is set to play the role of Guglielmo in Così fan tutte, answers our Artist Q&A and reflects on his career and influences to date.
Where are you from and how does it influence your work?
I’m from Bournemouth in Dorset. I’m very passionate about English language music, poetry and literature that reflects the spirit and beauty of Britain, its countryside and its people.
Where are you while you answer these questions, and what can you see when you look up from the page/screen?
I’m at my desk in my digs in Cardiff. Outside the window it is a bright, crisp winter morning!
What motivates you to create?
When people come together in harmony it creates a powerful and very real magic, transcending language and cutting directly to our shared humanity. To share that numinous power with audiences and colleagues is a great privilege.
What are you currently working on?
We’re in the middle of rehearsals for Cosí fan Tutte. I’m also preparing some Fauré and Mahler songs for recitals later this year, and Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem which I’ll be performing soon in Boston, MA.
When do you work?
I practice a lot at home (to the chagrin of my neighbours), but otherwise work whenever people pay me to do so!
How important is collaboration to you?
To me, collaboration is one of the most important and exciting aspects of music-making. I love working with all sorts of artists and learning from their different approaches to the work.
Who has had the biggest impact on your work?
My family. I come from a big musical family and from a young age they have taught me everything I know, each in their own way.
How would you describe your oeuvre?
What I most love about singing is the opportunity to combine music, text and drama. I’m equally keen in opera, song and concert works, and the composers I am probably most passionate about are Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Verdi, Wagner, Finzi and Vaughan Williams.
What was the first book you remember reading?
I was a fairly voracious reader as a child, but some of my earliest memories are of being read the Harry Potter books by my parents.
What was the last book you read?
I’m currently reading Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake and The English Civil War: A People's History by Dianne Purkis.
Is there a painting/sculpture you struggle to turn away from?
The Lady of Shalott by Waterhouse – though pretty much anything in the Pre-Raphaelite style (and indeed anything Arthurian) appeals to my romantic heart!
Who is the musical artist you know you can always return to?
The great master baritones I most often turn to are Ettore Bastianini, Piero Cappuccilli, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Thomas Allen and George London.
During the working process of your last work, in those quiet moments, who was closest to your thoughts?
My family and dearest friends are always close to my thoughts.
Do you believe in the power of art to change society?
Art moves people in a unique way, and reason is the slave of the passions! One need only look to Mr Bates vs The Post Office and its aftermath for a recent reminder of the power of art to move people to action.
Which artist working in your area, alive and working today, do you most admire and why?
Even if I limit myself to other baritones it’s impossible to pick just one. Simon Keenlyside has been a great inspiration and mentor to me; I’m in awe of his imagination, daring and utter dedication. Roderick Williams’ command of text and ability to move people with it is unparalleled. Ludovic Tézier is such a magnetic performer with a hell of a voice.
What is your relationship with social media?
I’m afraid I’m a bit of a social media Luddite. I find I’m much happier if I can stay off it.
What has been/is your greatest challenge as an artist?
When starting out, it can be hard not to let all the rejection get you down and to remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean that you did something wrong – you just weren’t what they were looking for on that occasion.
Do you have any words of advice for your younger self?
Don’t overthink things so much and be sure to let the people you love know how important they are to you (probably still good advice).
What does the future hold for you?
Wedding planning and hopefully lots of singing!
James Atkinson will play Guglielmo in WNO’s production of Così fan tutte this spring, details available here.