Who is Angus Wood?
I’m a Melbourne born tenor now based in New York with my wife and young daughter. I’m in my hometown to sing for the first time in about a decade, one of my favourite roles, Pelleas in Pelleas et Melisande for Victorian Opera.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
In my personal life, I would change nothing, as I love where my choices have led me to. Professionally, I regret perhaps not having been a little more open to other performing opportunities that arose when I was younger, rather than focusing exclusively upon Opera. That isn’t to say I am dissatisfied, rather, that I perhaps could have added to the fulfillment and ongoing challenges.
Who inspires you and why?
I am lucky and grateful to be blessed with families, through blood and by marriage, from whom much inspiration is garnered. Above all however is my wife, who is both a source of inspiration, and lesson in aspiration.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would hope that by performing I make a difference to someone’s world each night. I believe that I am doing what I am best suited to do, and I hope that I am able to change the audiences perception of the world for at least the duration of a performance. On a good day perhaps that change may last a little longer. I know that I have heard and seen performances that left a lasting and positive affect upon me, and I would hope that on occasion I have been able to do the same for someone else also.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Perhaps another obvious answer, but coming home to Melbourne, where my parents and brothers’ families live, and to Houston where my wife’s family is from, remain my favourite destinations. I left Australia in 2001 and getting back to Melbourne has been far too infrequent for comfort, so it is a particular joy to be here now. Getting to Houston normally signals a full family get together on my wife’s side, and never fails to supply wonderful new memories.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Boulevard bistro in Harlem for their grits. I had previously had very little interest in them at all, but after their grits I am a changed man. It shows you just how profoundly New York can change you in less than 10 minutes.
What are you currently reading?
Just finished A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway and just started The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley.
What are you currently listening to?
Selections from Bruno Mars and Earth Wind and Fire, and the entire back catalogues of Bounce Patrol and the Mother Goose Club. Basically, whatever my daughter likes to dance to!
Happiness is?
A happy wife and daughter.
What does the future hold for you?
The next few years seem to be shaping up to contain just the right amount of change and challenge, and that suits me fine.
Angus can be seen as Pelleas in Victorian Opera’s production of Pelleas and Melisande at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda on Thursday 11 and Saturday 13 October 2018. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: Angus Wood – photo by Charlie Kinross