Who is Iain Henderson?
Iain is an Aussie opera singer from Brisbane. Lover of sports, cinema and a pretty good home cook.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Learn more languages and draw more. I really like learning and keeping my mind busy and I would love to try my hand at Directing one day.
Who inspires you and why?
I am fortunate to work with some amazing singers at Opera Australia. There are too many to mention really. It is them who I strive to be around and learn from. My parents too, they gave me drive and passion – I would not be who I am today without their belief.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Make Music Education more prominent in schools. Make Classical Music more accessible to a wider audience.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Somewhere in the Nordic region to see the Northern Lights. A nice cabin with an open fire and snow all around.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Jump on a ferry at Circular Quay and head to Manly. See the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, then have a wander and a swim and return in the evening to see it all again with a new light.
What are you currently reading?
Ernest Shackleton Biography
What are you currently listening to?
La Traviata and Mefistofele (Boito) as that‘s what I am learning at the moment. Other than that, I have LPs of Mario Lanza, Pavarotti, Dame Joan and some big band stuff too like Glenn Miller.
Happiness is?
Friends, family and being safe. Having a sense of accomplishment with what you have achieved as well as looking forward.
What does the future hold for you?
Singing and lots of it. In the immediate future sharing the stage with Diego Torre, Natalie Aroyan, Leah Crocetto and Ferruccio Furlanetto.
Iain can be seen in Opera Australia’s upcoming productions at the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne: Gastone in La Traviata: 4 – 28 May, and Wagner / Nereo in Mefistofele: 25 & 27 May 2022. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Iain Henderson – courtesy of Opera Australia