When 2020 began, New Zealand tenor Simon O’Neill was looking forward to nine months of work overseas. Then as the pandemic took hold Simon watched his email inbox fill with the news of cancelled contracts.
Kiwi tenor Simon O'Neill Photo: Supplied
Among the cancellations was a performance of Act II from Wagner’s 'Tristan and Isolde' with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Simon had been working on the role of Tristan for more than a year and this performance was set to be his first time singing a part of it onstage. Simon is still waiting to hear whether he will make his full role debut at the prestigious Santa Fe Opera Summer Festival.
Simon O'Neill's music room Photo: supplied
Despite the alarming loss of income and opportunity, Simon is happy to be spending more time at home with his three children - Grace, Tom and Violet, his wife, Carmel and a brand new addition to the family - ‘Fritz’ (Fritz Wunderlich) the schnauzer.
Simon O'Neill with his Bayreuth Kaiserhorn gives his children a brass instrument lesson. Photo: supplied
“The kids are doing very well with their home schooling and my wife Carmel has set up her law office at home – they are all champs in putting up with Dad yelling a couple hours of Wagner each day.”
Simon spends his days singing through acts of 'Tristan and Isolde' to keep his vocal cords active and to polish the role. He’s also treated his Auckland neighbours to the sound of his Bayreuth Kaiserhorn. Simon grew up playing brass instruments in Ashburton. Now he’s passing that passion on to his children.
The time at home has been a “blessing”. As well as being closer to family, spending more time in New Zealand will also give him the chance to collaborate with other Kiwi musicians.
Simon’s excited to be singing one of his favourite arias ‘Care Selve’ from Handel’s 'Atalanta' with players from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. This online collaboration curated by conductor featured in the NZSO’s 'Play our Part' series and was livestreamed on Wednesday 22nd April at 7:30pm. And can be viewed in the video below.
Tenor Simon O'Neill and conductor Hamish McKeich Photo: supplied
