Q&A: Natasha Marsh

Published Wednesday 9 April 2008 at 12:55

Welsh opera singer Natasha Marsh, whose debut album ‘Amour’ has been nominated for Album of the Year at this year’s Classical Brit Awards, talks about her personal highlights of the last year

You’ve recently been nominated for a Classical Brit Award for the album ‘Amour’; how do you rate your chances of picking up the award?

To be honest, it was an absolute honour to be nominated. To have that kind of accolade is enough for me. It’s fantastic really. I certainly don’t expect to win but it’s been wonderful for me to be in a long list of fantastic artists like Cortes and Alfie Boe. I’m looking forward to having a good night there.

Who else do you tip to triumph at the awards?

Well, I’m a great fan of Anna Netrebko; I think she’s amazing. There have been some fantastic albums out this year. I love Cortes, and Alfie Boe as well - who seems to get more and more northern after a pint! I wish everyone well, as we’ve all sung with each other. Blake are up there as well, the opera ‘boyband’! I’ve sung with them loads over the past couple of months and had a great laugh with them as they are really good guys. I’m supporting them soon.

Many reviews of ‘Amour’ reference it as ‘going beyond opera’ - what do you think they mean by that?

I think it’s got a mix of different genres in the tone, from film references to pop ballads to folk music. I love the fact the album gave me the opportunity to not just produce an album of one particular style. It allowed me to experiment with music that I’m in love with but also music that allowed me to use my voice in a lyrical way.

The premise I used was to go back to gut feeling on music I liked. Whether the songs are opera or pop, every song needs a different treatment. For me it was a challenge to use my voice to suit each style of song.

Do you have a specific direction for the next album?

Generally, the songs are going to be more contemporary. I’m going to record some pretty well known tracks but there will also be some more obscure numbers.

Your European tour with Paul Potts is imminent - Are there any particular dates you are looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to going back to Helsinki when the sun is out! I was there at Christmas and it was absolutely freezing. I’ve never been so cold in my life; my teeth were chattering before I sang. I was there last year with Il Divo on a tour of Scandinavia so it will be good to go back to familiar places. Also, that part of the world is gorgeous. Last time I was there we would go out after the show and it would still be light at about 1am!

Most classical tours seem to have a European focus, and not so much on a worldwide scale. Do you think classical music and opera, as genres, tend not to lend themselves to a global audience?

Well, I did some shows in South Africa at the end of last year and it went down a storm. The audiences were so ‘vibed up’ and for them, it was probably a novelty. It was liberating and like singing at a Rock ‘n’ Roll concert by the end! If that was a little taste then I’d love to go back and do more. It’s just about giving that audience access to it. Also, it’s that same old myth with opera that people think they’ve got to be educated or know all about it to appreciate it, which is just not the case. If it moves you, that’s all it takes.

The genre does seem to have gained a more modern image in recent years thanks to the likes of Katherine Jenkins, Il Divo, Alfie Boe and yourself.

Oh absolutely. I think by making it more contemporary and keeping it young, the stereotypes of big old fat singers become removed. I love dressing up; I am a girl after all. Although, Alfie Boe does too. In his latest show I keep having to do a double-take! But that aside, we are a very visual society so I know it is all about looking the part. That said, I got to sing at the Carling Cup Final a short time ago and I found it liberating to be able sing in my jeans and not in a sparkly dress! It was a real honour though; I grew up with football. I lived in family of passionate Watford fans.

Does the stereotype of opera being viewed as an ‘upper-class’ taste frustrate you?

Definitely. I think it’s down to things like tickets being expensive and people not being able to afford to go. Thankfully, it is starting to change now. People are becoming more and more aware that opera houses are charging as little as £10. Even Covent Garden is becoming cheaper. Also, you don’t have to understand the plot for it to move you. In terms of bringing opera to the masses, I still consider one of the most defining moments when Pavarotti sang ‘Nessun Dorma’ at Italia ‘90. It was the moment where finally people could connect on a wide scale. There are also now many open-air summer concerts for opera and, thankfully, it’s changing.

What has been your highlight of the past year?

It was such a huge honour to sing with Jose Carreras at the Royal Albert Hall; it was amazing. But there are so many others, the Classical Brits nomination and even the Carling Cup Final. I also got to sing with Annie Lennox recently and I just love the variation of opportunities I get to do.

What are your ambitions both on and off-stage?

To just keep enjoying what I am doing and sing with fabulous artists on-stage. I’ll keep going on the route I am on as I love what I am doing. In terms of off-stage, to stay balanced, stay in touch with my roots and to be able to get to the pub more!

• The Classical Brits take place on 8th May at the Royal Albert Hall, and will be broadcast on ITV1 on Sunday May 11.