_{Artist of the Week} 14 Qs for Peter Barrett

When was your first singing lesson (and with whom)?
My first singing lesson was at the age of five. I was very fortunate to have Gary Graham as my teacher throughout my childhood and adolescence. He was incredibly knowledgable, endlessly supportive and a very cultured man. He exposed me to travel, opera, and the finer things in life. Gary passed away in 2019, but his impact on countless young artists endures, leaving behind an indelible legacy in Newfoundland and around world.

Who inspired you to sing?
I’ve always found inspiration in Russell Braun’s artistry. He possesses not only a beautiful voice and a commanding stage presence, but also a remarkable character and collegial spirit. As a young singer, I was captivated when I saw him perform the title role in The Barber of Seville in Toronto. That performance left a lasting impression. Years later, I had the opportunity to perform the same role and production with another Ontario company, an experience that was both thrilling and affirming!

Since then, I’ve had many opportunities to work alongside Russell, covering some of his iconic roles and sharing the stage with him. They say you should never meet your heroes, but Russell is truly the exception to that rule: a true gentlemen, supportive, generous and a joy to work with.

Favourite place?
Newfoundland is my favourite place in the world. I may be biased, but it is breathtakingly beautiful and home to some of the most authentic, down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet! I love being outdoors, especially on the water, and Newfoundland offers such a rich blend of natural beauty, culture and charm. It will always be home, and it’s where I feel most connected.

If you weren’t an opera singer, you’d be…?
While I do love being an opera singer and performing, I’m also a business owner. My wife and I operate a commercial property services company in the GTA, specializing in customized building management for the arts sector. The pandemic prompted us to pivot creatively, and six years on, we’ve become the primary provider for theatres and arts organizations in Toronto – something we’re incredibly proud of. We have an incredible team, many of whom are artists themselves, and we take great pride in offering services tailored to the unique needs of the live arts and theatre industries. It’s been a deeply rewarding endeavour, allowing us to support the arts in a very different, but very meaningful, way.

What’s the strangest or funniest thing that’s happened to you on stage?
Once, while performing Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, I snapped my Achilles tendon just before the big fight scene. I had to finish the scene hopping around on one foot. It certainly wasn’t funny at the time, but it’s a prefect example of how, no matter how well prepared you are, something unexpected can happen in live performance, and still, the show must go on.

What’s your favourite thing about singing with an orchestra?
There’s nothing quite like the moment you first sing your role with the orchestra. It’s a powerful and exhilarating experience. The orchestra not only supports the voice, but elevates it, allowing you as the singer to fully immerse yourself and explore the many facets of your technique and artistry. It’s the ultimate synergy!

Which role do you wish you could sing, but is not in your voice type?
There are definitely a number of incredible tenor roles I wish I could sing convincingly, like Rodolfo in La bohème or Don José in Carmen. I’d love to experience those soaring high notes and intense dramatic lines, even for a day! Alas, it’s not in the cards. 😉

Are there more musicians in your family? If so, who and what do they play/sing?
Yes, there are many musicians in my family. My mother was a piano teacher, and my brother is a tenor who has performed across Canada. My wife is a soprano and has sung with the Canadian Opera Company Chorus for the past 16 years. Recently, my son has developed a passion for brass instruments, particularly the euphonium. Even my greyhounds like to join in with their own brand of singing, although I think it’s mostly in protest! Needless to say, ours is never a quiet household!

What’s the best thing about being an opera artist?
The best thing about being an opera artist is the opportunity to perform and be creative. There are few careers that offer an outlet for artistic freedom and expression in the way that opera does. Opera artists must be creative, open to growth and change, vulnerable and resilient. If you can balance these qualities with a sense of wonder and fun, then this career is full of rewarding experiences.

What’s the downside to being an opera singer?
Certainly, the extended periods away from family are one of the biggest downsides of an opera singer’s career. Additionally, navigating the stretches of downtime between contracts is a huge challenge and often a deal-breaker for many artists. Having a flexible side hustle or a remote job can be invaluable to bridge the gaps between opera contracts.

Are you a cat or a dog person?
I have two Italian Greyhounds – Tommy and Ollie. They’re small, but they have big personalities! Though their singing voices won’t be securing them any stage time, they do excel at being lap warmers. 🙂

What is the ultimate goal of opera?
I believe that the ultimate goal of opera is to offer a momentary escape from reality. Opera encourages us to let go of inhibition and self-consciousness, immersing us in heightened states of human emotion. This profound experience is particularly appealing in today’s world. While some of opera’s themes may at first glance feel dated, opera’s ability to deeply connect us to our shared humanity is more essential and relevant than ever.

Which of your roles has had the greatest impact on you?
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to cover Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien in the role of Dr. Malatesta in Don Pasquale at the Metropolitan Opera. The cast was exceptional, and to be honest, a bit intimidating – especially with Anna Netrebko starring as Norina. On Valentine’s Day, I received a call early in the morning and was told that I’d be going on that evening. The company and my colleagues were incredibly supportive, and I truly had the time of my life! The experience remains one of the most exhilarating, nerve-wracking and ultimately rewarding performances I could have hoped for! A true career highlight that I’ll never forget.

What does success look like to you?
To me, success means being able to enjoy singing and performing while maintaining a healthy balance with my family life. Especially now, as my son is in middle school, I feel fortunate to have found that equilibrium. During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to reassess and redefine the path I wanted to take, both as an artist and as a father, and I’m happy with the trajectory I chose. I believe that defining success is a deeply personal journey. We often begin our careers influenced by societal notions of success, but time and experience reveal what is truly meaningful. I value having the freedom to choose the projects I commit to, prioritizing artistic integrity and allowing for continued growth. Additionally, focusing on health and being conscientious about time, especially with loved ones, is crucial.