Who is Andrew Goodwin?
I am an opera singer. I studied in St Petersburg and then London and have performed around the world. I have also started composing music!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would love to have been a film director.
Who inspires you and why?
My wife, Maria Timofeeva, is a true inspiration. Growing up in the heart of Russia during the tough times of the capitalist transition of the 90’s, she faced a difficult choice: to just go along with things or to work hard and refuse to be a victim of her situation. She chose to work and never let her circumstances define her. She went on to earn a spot at a prestigious acting academy in St. Petersburg, and the rest, as they say, is history!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would focus on bringing education to those regions of the world that require it.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve got to say, Congo on the South Coast of NSW is my favourite! It’s where so many of my childhood memories were made during the summer holidays.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
As a Sydney resident, I would take them to dinner at Watsons Bay, arriving just before sunset. The harbour view is spectacular from there.
What are you currently reading?
I am reading The Godfather of the Kremlin, which chronicles the story of a Russian oligarch who amassed a fortune, like the rest of them, through criminal activity during the 1990s and was eventually granted refuge in the UK in 2001. The book is particularly compelling for two reasons. I lived in Russia during the late 1990s and the author, Paul Klebnikov, was rumoured to have been murdered by the very person the book is about.
What are you currently listening to?
At the moment Symphonies by Shostakovich and music by George Benjamin. If I’m exercising, DJ Paul van Dyk!
Happiness is?
Composing music and singing.
What does the future hold for you?
More learning about my voice and developing my compositional technique
Andrew stars as Boris in Victorian Opera’s production of Katya Kabanova – which will be presented at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, from 14 – 16 October 2025. For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: Andrew Goodwin (supplied)