On the Couch with John Longmuir

John Longmuir AAR On the CouchWho is John Longmuir?
John Longmuir is a Scottish born Australian Opera singer. Raised in Perth, Western Australia and currently living in Sydney. Frequent traveller and musical theatre lover.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I think about this often. Most performers know that the next job may be their last, I have never actually been able to come up with an answer though. I get to make my living doing the thing I love most, I couldn’t dream of doing anything else. I WAS a chef for about 10 years after I left school but could never do it again for a job.

Who inspires you and why?
Two words… Patti LuPone! She knows who she is and what she is capable of and is not afraid to speak her mind, also a brilliantly thoughtful and detailed artist. Fun fact, her great-great aunt was Adelina Patti, one of the most famous opera singers in history. I’m also inspired by many of my colleagues, whether it’s their skill, great humour or integrity.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Get rid of any app or medium that allows people to act without consequence. The anonymity afforded on these platforms can bring out the absolute worst in us. People are forgetting how to interact with each other, how to converse and show compassion. Sadly this behaviour frequently carries over into real life. Oh, and any show along the lines of Married at First Sight… GONE!

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve been fortunate to see so many wonderful places, if I had to narrow it down; Malta and Montenegro for their sheer beauty, Berlin and London for their history and New York for its theatre.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m not really one for attractions, we’ve lived in Sydney for 9 years and have only JUST gone to Taronga Zoo. Can’t really beat a long catch up over Aperol spritzes and good food, location is inconsequential.

What are you currently reading?
The stack of scores sitting on my piano, including; Anna Bolena, Il viaggio a Reims, Peter Grimes, The Ghost Sonata and Turandot.

What are you currently listening to?
Sunday in the Park with George, Evening Primrose, Hooked on the Classics, Patti (singing anything) and Joan Sutherland (also singing anything).

Happiness is?
Sundays spent with the person I couldn’t live without, my wife. Seeing someone do great things.

What does the future hold for you?
Infinite possibilities. Countless opportunities to be kind and contribute something to our society. A never ending quest to be a better artist and person. The chance to pass on the knowledge and experience I have gained to others, so their path may be an easier one.

John stars as Sir Hervey in Opera Australia’s new production of Donizetti’s Anna Bolena – currently playing at the Sydney Opera House until 26 July 2019. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.

Image: John Longmuir (supplied)