By Natasha Barbieri
Jonathan Antoine was introduced to the world as part of a duo on “Britain’s Got Talent.” After releasing two albums with his friend, Charlotte Jaconelli, the pair parted ways. The teenager with the rich booming voice is now ready to take on the world as a solo artist. We were privileged to interview Jonathan at the very beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
I love how you say music has given your life a purpose. How important do you feel it is to find and follow your dreams?
As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, you should take every step possible to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be!
I think the incredible part of your story is that you inspire people to look beyond their narrow views and see the beauty inside. Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for other young people who are being bullied?
I know most things anyone could say wouldn’t help, but just know that you are not the source of the problem. It is not your fault, tell someone. And remember there is always someone that cares
You have studied at the Royal Academy of Music junior division. Please tell us more about the experience and training you received.
I’ve been extraordinarily privileged to be able to have such excellent tuition, from great teachers, always at the forefront for me were my singing lessons, although to receive training in composition and sight reading (I’m not very good yet!!) were big assets too – I have since had the opportunity to travel across Europe and the US to perform and take part in masterclasses, and I have learned so much. Russell Watson, Leone Magiera, Rolando Villazon, all incredible people, and teachers. I am very much a ‘learn by doing’ type of guy. I have regular singing lessons, access to a brilliant accompanist and language coach too, despite not being at an institution to train anymore.
After two albums with your friend Charlotte, you are now ready to pursue a solo career. Can we expect the focus of your repertoire to become more classical (art songs, arias, etc) or do you intend to keep a strong crossover influence?
I feel like the crossover element is kept but in an entirely different way. As opposed to modern pop songs with a classical twist, I have included some 1950s classics, some opera arias such as ‘La donna e mobile’ and Panis Angelicus which I have been singing since I was 13. Hopefully, this is an album that all can enjoy – a little cliché, I know – but there’s definitely something for everyone.
Who is your greatest tenor role model?
Luciano Pavarotti.
Laura Wright pursued a degree in performance while maintaining her recording career. Is attending university something that interests you?
Not at present. I don’t have the time to maintain my regular life! That said, I have the support network and advisors to turn to without being at university. It’s not to say it won’t happen in the future, but I know it’d be at a time that was right for me. I do know that I will be studying/learning in one way or another throughout my whole life!
Tell us a bit more about your guitar skills. Is that something we can expect to hear from you in the future? Maybe at an upcoming concert?
Hopefully, there’ll be some acoustic versions of songs from the new album coming out, too!
What is your favorite thing to do when you are home relaxing? Are you are a Dr. Who fan?
I just like to sit on the internet, watching shows, chatting to friends, listening to music or play guitar! I haven’t watched any of Peter Capaldi – Doctor Who, but I’m intrigued to get started.
If you could meet any composer (dead or alive) who would it be?
Mozart. Purity of form and melody.
Do you still get nervous when performing? And if so, how do you cope?
I’m nervous before every single performance! I usually take some quiet time to myself before going on stage, but nerves can help you deliver a great performance.
Tell us a little bit about the behind-the-scenes process of making an album.
We recorded half the tracks at Angel studio’s in Islington, with the orchestra literally in the room performing with me, and three vocal mics. The other half of the album was recorded in a church in Finchley, using five vocal mics for all natural reverb, you can hear the room on the album!
If you had to pick two other tenors to sing in a “3 Tenors” type concert, who would they be?
Jonas Kaufman and Russell Watson, I have a feeling that would be such a laugh!
‘Tenore’ is out now
jonathanantoineofficial.com
