Where are they now: Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Jake Bigwood
West Australian Opera is proud to follow the journeys of past Wesfarmers Arts Young Artists as they continue to develop and shine on stages around the world. For many, their time with WAO was just the beginning of an exciting career filled with music, personal growth, and new horizons. One such artist is Jake Bigwood, a Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist (Class of 2022–2023), whom audiences may remember from WAO's recent production of MADAMA BUTTERFLY, where he appeared as The Bonze. Since then, his path has led him to discover a deep appreciation for Richard Wagner’s repertoire and an adventure that has shaped his artistry in remarkable ways.
"When I was asked to sing the Bonze last year, I thought “Great! I’m an uncle, I have some experience to bring to this!” Then I began looking at the source material and thank goodness I don’t have any experience in banishing my nieces.
Shortly after being offered the role, I was contacted by the Richard Wagner Society of WA regarding a scholarship that would take me to Bayreuth, to attend a week of performances, museum and city tours, lectures, and a tour of the opera house that Richard Wagner had built specifically to house his Ring das Nibelungen - The Ring Cycle.
In February, I learned that I had been successful in my nomination and, along with another former WAO Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist, Fleuranne Brockway, I would be attending this year’s festival.
I have now completed the week down in Bayreuth and wow; there really are no words for it. My first experience with Wagner was during my Bachelor’s degree, I was combing my way through some Wagner repertoire and when I really should have been looking at Schubert or Brahms, I found my way to the score of Der Fliegende Holländer and, with a recording of Bryn Terfel, sank into the waves of the Dutchman’s aria ‘Die frist ist um’. Having been a brass player throughout high school, Wagner’s use of brass immediately caught my attention and my love for his work became apparent. A decade later, I’m now beginning to scratch the surface of the Wagnerian repertoire myself so being able to see the highest echelon of Wagnerian singers sing in a house designed for those works was nothing short of surreal. Especially with Simone Young, fellow Australian and only the third woman to conduct in the house at the helm.
This past year I have been humbled to sing in concerts and competitions presenting Wagnerian repertoire. Earlier this year, the Wagner Society hosted a concert in which myself and fellow Wesfarmers Arts Young Artist Brett Peart sang excerpts from his operas with Alessandro Pittorino on the organ which made for a beautiful orchestral sound. A great preparation for later this year, when I will be singing Wotan’s aria from Das Rheingold ‘Abendlich strahlt der sonne Auge’ with the Melbourne Opera Orchestra for the finals of the Herald Sun Aria Competition."
Jake Bigwood is supported by The Roberts Emerging Artist Program.
