BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
We’re midway through the world premiere season of ‘Voyage to the Moon’, the chamber opera co-presented by Musica Viva and Victorian Opera. But it also marks a beginning for bass baritone Jeremy Kleeman, who in his mid-20s has taken to the stage in his first major role. Sharing the spotlight with renowned singers including Emma Matthews and Sally-Ann Russell, Jeremy sings in this pasticcio work by Michael Gow and the late Alan Curtis, which combines Baroque operas with entirely new music. Jeremy chats with CutCommon about the feeling of taking a lead for the first time, and offers some practical advice for young singers with a similar goal.
You’re part-way through your first major role in ‘Voyage to the Moon’. How are you finding the experience so far?
It has been an incredible ride. I have done major roles before, but that was way back in high school doing musicals so I wasn’t sure quite sure what was in store. To make sure I gave a good account of myself, I put a massive effort into my music preparation and it has meant that I have been able to go into every rehearsal and show confidence in delivering. Performing for an audience has been exciting, and transferring to Sydney in a day with new stage dimensions was a challenge, but an enjoyable one.
You’ve spent years training in the lead up – was there ever a time you felt any self-doubt about making it to a leading part?
I have always wanted to be singing leading roles, and in the back of my mind there was a confidence that I would get there. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The most difficult time for me was making the transition between singing being a hobby and a potential profession. Mid-way through my undergraduate music degree, I felt like I had hit a wall and was confronted with the realities of what the profession requires. It was then that I needed to put a lot of work into the psychology of performing to maintain my positive outlook, and steel myself for the inevitable challenging moments ahead.
Now that you’re in action, what are some of the things involved in taking on a lead role that you weren’t expecting?
I’d have to say two things: I’m surprised at how wired I am after the show, and the trouble I’m having getting to sleep afterwards! And on opening night, I was constantly surprised by the audience reaction. There were laughs when I didn’t expect them, and such a positive response at the end. It’s not that I didn’t think the show was good, it’s just that having lived the show for weeks, it’s difficult to get a sense of what a fresh experience of it would be like.
So what have been the biggest challenges so far?
The music call on day one – entering into the unknown and singing through the entire show. Transferring to a different city with different stage dimensions in one day; and doing the recording! It was very weird to suddenly take away all of the action and costumes, and the knowledge that we could go back and fix a take ironically made it more challenging to ‘go for it’ on the first one. Having said that, I am very happy with what we were able to achieve with it.
What have you learnt from the other leads who share the stage with you? Are people supportive of you as a newcomer?
Incredibly supportive. Interestingly, last year both Sally-Anne and Emma adjudicated me in competitions, but on this show have treated me as a peer. It has been flattering and given me the confidence to deliver my best work, a good thing for all of us. And now it’s got to the point where we just have fun!
Do you feel you’re at a young age to achieve such a role or is it the right (or ‘normal’) time to start?
Age is a number, to an extent, in my opinion. Some great baritones of the past with long careers were singing leads at younger ages. I believe that you are ready to sing a role when you can do it efficiently. This role has been particularly good for me to start with, as I have had a say in every note I sing, so I have made sure it will feature what I can do well.
What did your very first performance of ‘Voyage to the Moon’ feel like? Did you feel any stage fright, and how did you overcome it?
I was nervous – there is a lot at stake and many unknowns for the first performance, especially given it was also our first audience. But I have a solid pre-show routine, and a very settling first entry to stage in this show, so before long I was able to relax into it.
What advice would you give to other aspiring singers who hope to work up to lead roles in their careers?
Firstly, I’d like to know why the individual wants to be a leading singer. I find it a very interesting question, and the answer would lead my advice. The gist of it would be to follow what you love, and seek out the situations where you can best pursue it. It also pays to take some risks, and have a bit of faith in the path you have taken – performance psychology work never goes to waste. Never underestimate giving yourself good preparation time, too. Say no when your gut tells you to, and when the opportunity you are after arises, pin back your ears and go for it!
‘Voyage to the Moon’ continues across Australia until March 12. Full details musicaviva.com.au/voyage.
Image supplied. Credit: Bri Hammond.
