Member Spotlight: Jan Kristof Schliep - Tenor

Our member spotlights have proved so popular that we are delighted to return to them earlier than planned. This week we feature German tenor Jan Kristof Schliep.

1. How do you describe yourself as an artist?

My website says "Charakter- & jugendlicher Heldentenor" but in short I would describe myself as singer and actor on the opera stage.

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

I started my theatre journey as a fire spitter and acrobat in "The Bartered Bride" so ... there's that. I don't do it any more but I could. I play French and Swedish Bagpipes as a hobby. Folk music that is highly built on improvisation which gave me new ideas and freedom in Baroque music. I also like all sorts of crafts like knitting and sewing.

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

Singing and playing the role of David in Wagner's "Meistersinger". Perform "Die Zauberflöte" in the fantastic acoustic of the Goetheanum Dornach, Switzerland and singing Tamino in Dutch. There are so many more after having sung about 50 roles.

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

Role? Definitely Herodes in Strauss' "Salome". Florestan in "Fidelio" as well. Big overall dream: to finally get out of the dip Corona has created for me and have at least two engagements per season until I retire.

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

Communication and story telling through the art form of opera.

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

Be more proactive towards agencies and theatres. Maybe don't enjoy 10 years in a fixed contract as a soloist so much that you don't go to auditions and move on a bit earlier.

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

Stage presence, diction, storytelling

8. Where can we support you on stage next?

They are all on my website. First it's Altoum in "Turandot" at Stadttheater Bremerhaven (performances through till January), a Messiah this coming weekend in November and a Schütz Christmas Oratorio in December. 

Tickets for Turandot at Stadttheater Bremerhaven are availableable here - stadttheaterbremerhaven.de/turandot/