Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel has recently taken up a new artistic role as part of Oxford International Opera (OIO), a fledgling company emerging from the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. The company, which is supported entirely by private philanthropy, is staging its inaugural production of Puccini’s “Tosca” at the New Theatre in Oxford this month, with two performances scheduled. Terfel, knighted in 2016, is listed as artistic director, though he downplays the title, describing himself more as a connector and adviser involved in casting and programming alongside conductor Marios Papadopoulos, founder of the orchestra in 1998.
The production features Italian soprano Carmen Giannattasio and Albanian tenor Samir Pirgu, with Terfel performing the role of Scarpia, a character he has portrayed intermittently for nearly 30 years. This staging is notable as the last time Terfel plans to sing Scarpia onstage, marking a significant moment in his distinguished career. The setting of the opera, directed by P Burton-Morgan, is contemporary and deliberately vague in location.
Terfel has expressed hope that OIO can help fill a perceived void in the British opera scene, particularly in Oxford, which he says has been overlooked by touring companies for some time. He reflects fondly on his early career with Welsh National Opera, which has faced substantial challenges following funding reductions from arts councils in both England and Wales. The company’s recent seasons have been scaled back, with last year’s “Tosca” performed with reduced orchestration and a limited number of large productions currently planned.
Acknowledging the difficulties facing the arts, Terfel maintains a cautiously optimistic stance regarding government support under the new prime minister. He noted a positive personal encounter with Andy Burnham, who mentioned having heard Terfel perform with the Liverpool Philharmonic. However, Terfel also admitted that previous petitions and appeals against funding cuts have yielded limited results.
Beyond his work with OIO, Terfel continues an active performance schedule, including upcoming engagements with the Sofia Philharmonic and an Australian tour, before returning to the Royal Opera House for Puccini’s “Il trittico” in March. He also plans to perform in the musical “Sweeney Todd” at Grange Park Opera next summer, demonstrating a willingness to embrace diverse musical styles, including contemporary opera and musical theatre.
Supporting the next generation of singers remains a priority for Terfel. His foundation, in partnership with the Royal Welsh College, has established the biennial £15,000 Cronfa Syr Bryn Terfel Song Prize, which encourages young conservatoire singers to perform songs in Welsh alongside selections highlighting their own linguistic and cultural heritage. The inaugural prize was awarded last year to Armenian vocalist David Karapetian.
Terfel, who was awarded a scholarship to attend the Guildhall School of Music and Drama early in his career, emphasized the financial challenges faced by young artists. He described the importance of funding to cover coaching, language lessons, travel, and accommodation, noting that these expenses can be significant hurdles for emerging performers.
As well as continuing to perform, Terfel has embraced roles beyond the opera stage, including serving as a coach on the Welsh television version of “The Voice,” known as “Y Llais,” now entering its third season. He described the competition’s focus on auditioning based solely on vocal ability as a valuable approach and expressed enthusiasm for supporting talent wherever it emerges.
Terfel’s reflections convey a blend of nostalgia and adaptability as he transitions into new phases of his career, balancing performance, mentorship, and advocacy within an arts sector facing ongoing financial pressures.