From mechanic to to Les Miserables

‘Leaving a steady job like that to become an opera singer did seem a bit out there’ says Alfie Boe.

From car mechanic to award-winning Broadway star, Boe certainly made the right decision. His enchanting voice has captured the hearts of audiences and critics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Born in the north of England to an Anglo-Norwegian parentage. Boe’s mother came from County Meath and his grandparents from Mayo.

Boe is best known for taking his role in Baz Luhrmann’s infamous Broadway production of Puccini’s La Boheme.

The Australian producer had been searching for almost two years for his leading man in the controversial production when he saw a recording of Boe performing La Boheme in London.

“They asked me to come and audition, liked what I did and offered me the job,’’ says Boe, who didn’t view the production as controversial.

“When Baz Luhrmann comes knocking at your door, you don’t ignore it.

“To me it was just a great production that spoke to so many people and touched people’s hearts.

“It was a great opportunity to sing some fantastic music, a wonderful opportunity to work with a great director and a great chance to take classical music to a new audience – a Broadway audience. I was glad I was part of it.’’

Redefining the term cross over, Boe thinks of it in terms of taking classical music to a different audience.

He has performed in Belfast a number of times, including the Last Night of the Proms from Carrickfergus and is looking forward to this weekends concert with the Ulster Orchestra.

The programme features a wide range of music from traditional folk songs to operatic arias, including James Molloy’s Kerry Dance, Tchaikovsky’s Lensky’s Aria from Eugene Onegin and Donizetti’s Una furtiva lagrima from L’elisir d’amore.

“There’s a good range of music, I’m also going to get the chance to do some Neapolitan in the second half as well as some Irish songs, She Moves Through the Fair and The Last Rose of Summer.’’

Brought up listening to his dad’s collection of classical music, he enjoys a diverse range of musical styles.

“My tastes change all the time. When I’m singing a certain style of music, I obviously have to get into it and like it as well as I can because I want to do a good job with it.

“I’m listening to a lot of Franz Leha and Viennese repertoire, as I’m making a new album with that in mind.’’

Boe starts recording his third album later this month with the target of a December release.

Once again it marks a change in direction from his previous albums. The first album, Onward, was very anthemic; the second, La Passione, combined popular Neapolitan music with Spanish arias.

Away from the classical world, Boe is a huge rock ‘n’ roll fan and plays the drums for a release of energy.

“I’m a big fan of Pink Floyd and like my 1970’s classic rock of The Who, Rolling Stone and Led Zepplin.

“I used to be in a number of rock and blues bands when I was younger, playing drums, so I’ve played a few gigs in smokey pubs,’’ he reveals.

The modest Boe says making the leap from factory to stage involved “a lot of luck’’.

But combine this with sheer talent, hard work and beguiling charm and you get a more realistic picture.

“I got spotted and got a lot of good advice and just went for it,’’ adds Boe.

It was when singing along to a song on the radio from West Side Story at the garage, Boe was approached by a man buying a car, who just happened to work in opera.

“He told me I had a good voice and encouraged me to go to London to audition for the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company.

He got a role in the chorus and wanting to learn his art thoroughly, later enrolled at the Royal College of Music and then The National Opera Studio.

And his advice to someone happily singing whilst they work, but lacking the confidence to take that leap of faith?

“Just keeping singing. Sing to as many people as you can and go for as many opportunities as you can. You never know who is listening. Just take advice and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.’’

Boe is open to what direction the future will take him and he doesn’t rule out a return to Broadway and the world of musical theatre – even if it’s one penned by himself.

“There are some wonderful musicals out there like Les Miserables, which is a good, heavy sing where you have to give as much as do in opera.’’

Next up for Boe is a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe in San Francisco and in the autumn he returns to the UK for a production of Verdi’s La Traviata at the Welsh National Opera.

And that just leaves his time to sing bedtime lullabies to his one-year-old daughter Grace.

- Alfie Boe in concert with the Ulster Orchestra, Waterfront Hall on May 15. Box office 028 9066 8798 or book online at www.ulster-orchestra.org.uk: Irish News