Member Spotlight: Anthony Flaum - Tenor

By Audition Oracle – Sat 16 Nov 2024 @ 17:35

This week's Member Spotlight welcomes British Tenor Anthony Flaum. 

 

Anthony Flaum - Tenor

1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?

Singer, actor, producer, Artistic Director for Barefoot Opera, CEO of Prologue Opera and general opera-preneur!
 

2. What other skills or passions do you have that help shape you as an artist?

My family. Landscape photography, beach and skyscapes, archaeology, driving around the country, travel, cooking, mixology, languages, being an Excel geek! Many things inspire and interest me. Passion is found in many places.
 

3. What has been the most memorable and rewarding experience you have had as an artist?

A prison project with Pimlico Opera where I sang Valjean in Les Mis. 6 weeks of rehearsals with the inmates, some of whom I kept in touch with, some of whom came out to get jobs backstage. An unbelievably intense, at times heart-breaking, yet ultimately wonderfully positive experience. We also got to meet Queen Camilla as well, who then was just “Camilla”! Also, most recently, a wonderful project at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield run by Music in the Round where I sung Theseus in Jonathan Dove’s Monster in the Maze (and got to meet him!)….but it was so humbling to be part of such a nurturing and positive community project like that.
 

4. What role, company or performing situation would be a dream come true for you as an artist?

Dreams....well, dream big! In opera, it’s got to be the big dramatic roles in pieces by Tschaikowsky or Verdi e.g. Hermann, Otello. However, vocally I’m probably more suited to lyric roles. From other genres – Camille in Merry Widow, Tony in West Side Story (please!). A juicy acting role somewhere like the National Theatre, the Almeida, the Crucible - contemporary or classic. Chris in Miss Saigon - anywhere!

Plus, a number of dream ideas down here in Hastings - both as a producer and as a singer. So watch this space!!
 

5. What do you like most about being a creative artist?

That you get to make people forget about their everyday lives and lose themselves in a story/world that you are helping to create. For a suspended amount of time, however short, people forget about their troubles and are moved/laugh/cry. Expressing emotion is so important and to be a conduit for that sort of release is a wonderful thing.
 

6. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Trust your gut - I did the finance degree and went into banking. I knew it wasn't for me and gradually made my way into the industry. Although, I wouldn't change anything about my past, I think perhaps I might have got opportunities quicker had I made the leap earlier! Also, practise more!!
 

7. Three words that are the pillars you shape your career by:

Versatility. Reputation. Learning.
 

8. Upcoming performances:

Planning next year’s educational outreach project of a children’s opera called RED to schools in Sussex as well as a tour of Lucia di Lammermoor (both for Barefoot Opera). Further performances of Becoming Tosca with Prologue Opera and a nice La bohème with Opera South East. Plus, further work on a business idea in the theatre industry to do with sustainability!
 
 
Keep up-to-date with all Anothony's latest projects by visiting his website and his Audition Oracle Profile Page.