Who is David Hobson?
A singer, performer and composer. Husband and father of two.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I find it difficult to imagine doing anything else apart from some other discipline in the performing or creative arts, perhaps an instrumentalist or an actor. When I was younger I was very keen to be a sportsman and these days I’m still actively involved in many different sports.
Who inspires you and why?
It’s a very long list but, musically, a giant like Leonard Bernstein or, on a socio political level, of course there are people like Nelson Mandela. But when you are touched by someone you know, I think it reaches a greater depth. David McSkimming, the former head of music at Victoria Opera and wonderful pianist and accompanist, passed away after a long battle with MND. He was a role model of how to conduct oneself as a human being. He was passionate, compassionate, hard working, loyal, creative, fun, and all of these qualities and more when faced with this horrible disease.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I believe you should start from the inside out. Dealing with your own family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and immediate environment in a positive and supportive way – it would be great to translate this onto the wider world stage.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Surf Coast of Victoria. Awe inspiring landscape and waves. The cliff top walks and beaches are a source of respite, relaxation and inspiration.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A big AFL match at the MCG. The stadium is iconic and spectacular. The game is like an improvised piece of theatre or unplanned freeform ballet at its most dramatic and entertaining.
What are you currently reading?
The scripts for Follies, Funny Girl, In Tails (a show I’m doing with Colin Lane), and all the attendant research material relating to them. It’s pretty hard to fit anything else in at the moment!
What are you currently listening to?
The kettle boiling, which is asking me to make a pot of tea.
Happiness is?
A perfectly brewed pot of tea.
What does the future hold for you?
The immediate future is pretty busy full of opera and solo concerts, music theatre shows and a bit of comedy with Colin Lane at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. So I’ll try and take care of those before thinking too far ahead.
David can be seen in the celebrated Follies In Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre: 24 – 25 May 2016. For more information, visit: www.melbournerecital.com.au for details.
Image: David Hobson