Meet countertenor Russell Harcourt
Ahead of his debut with West Australian Opera, countertenor Russell Harcourt shares about vocal and physical acrobatics in Orpheus & Eurydice.
This is your debut with West Australian Opera. How are rehearsals going?
Our first week of rehearsal has been challenging but also really enjoyable. I feel very welcomed and safe with Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa crew, and with Chris van Tuinen at the helm we’re in very good shape to move in to His Majesty’s to commence stage rehearsals.
You are singing the role of Orpheus in Orpheus & Eurydice. How would you describe your character?
Orpheus is complex. He has a very strong moral compass but is also a desperate, tormented soul, and will do anything to be reunited with Eurydice.
The countertenor voice type is rare. How did you discover your vocal range and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
The countertenor voice is the highest male voice and like many other countertenors, I was a boy soprano and I retained my high notes after puberty.
I always loved singing and I sang in a few choirs throughout my school years. As a teenager I performed in the children’s chorus of Puccini’s Tosca with Opera Australia, and I fell in love with opera as an art form. I later discovered the music of composers Handel, Bach and Vivaldi, is often performed by singers with my voice type. I was captivated by the beauty, drama and virtuosity of this music. The music and the musicians performing it opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in my chosen vocation.
I am also inspired by the many teachers and performers that I have observed, worked with and continue to work with, especially my greatest mentor, Graham Pushee.
This production includes thrilling acrobatics and striking video design. How does this compare to other operas you’ve appeared in?
Of all the operas I’ve appeared in, none of them come close to this production! This is my first opera involving both acrobatics and video design. The minimalist set, acrobatics, and video design heighten the emotions and plight of Orpheus and really draw the audience in to his mind and world around him. The acrobatics and physicality involved in portraying Orpheus adds a whole new dimension to the character and the art form and what opera can be.
What is your favourite moment in this production?
I have a number of favourite moments but if I had to choose, the scenes in Act 2 involving the whole company, before Orpheus reunites with Eurydice. The sound world created by the chorus and orchestra, the complexity of the acrobatics, and the energy and emotional shifts on stage is really exciting to be a part of, and I really enjoy singing it!
West Australian Opera presents Orpheus & Eurydice at His Majesty's Theatre from 24 October - 2 November. Book here.
