Who is Lachlann Lawton?
I am a Lyric Baritone from Roelands in Western Australia’s Southwest. I grew up on a farm until I was 16 and moved to Perth for years 11 and 12 to study music. I attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts before moving to Manchester in the UK to study for my Master of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music. I am fifty percent English so felt very at home in the UK. I am currently living in Perth and when I’m not singing, I’m spending time with my lovely wife, training at Body Fit Training in Morley, watching sports or catching up with family and friends.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t an opera singer, I would have gone into sport science and fitness. I love sports and training and have a real passion for creating relationships with people and helping them to hit their goals and find progression in their training.
Who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by people who can challenge themselves and not settle for what they have been given. The most impressive part of someone’s success to me is what that person has been prepared to do behind closed doors to help their own success without any external motivators. I strive to be one of these people myself.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would create a place where everyone has access to the arts for free. Money is always an obstacle within the arts when creating new works. Especially within Australia as the cost of putting on professional performances is high and is reflected in ticket prices. If I could eliminate this, then I feel It would make a huge impact for opera within Australia as younger and less fortunate people would be able to afford to attend and experience the arts.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I may be slightly biased, but my favourite place to go for a holiday is the Margaret River region in Western Australia’s Southwest. With its combination of fantastic food, stunning wineries, pristine beaches, great coffee and beautiful weather, it is hard to beat.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I had friends come from the UK last year who had never been to Australia before, so this Is a question that I had to ask myself. The answer I found was our beautiful natural landscape in Western Australia. We went to a number of beaches around Perth and the Southwest, each one lovelier than the next. We spent time in Kings Park botanical gardens overlooking Perth. Finally, we went bar hopping through Fremantle in the sunshine watching the large ships come into dock. Western Australia is the attraction.
What are you currently reading?
I struggle to find time to just sit down and read as I am constantly on the go, and when I do get time to read, I am reading the score for my next project. I am currently working on Dido and Aeneas with West Australian Opera.
What are you currently listening to?
Currently I am listening to Dido and Aeneas to prepare for the show at West Australian Opera. When I am not listening to classical music, I like to listen to metal core and am especially into Australian band Northlane and their most recent album
Happiness is?
A sunny day where I spend time with my wife, go to the gym and perform with my friends that night.
What does the future hold for you?
I have several contracts to perform in fun places throughout Australia this year which is exciting for me as it is career progression. My wife and I are looking at relocating closer to work opportunities near the end of the year which is also exciting for us.
Lachlann stars as Aeneas in West Australian Opera’s production of Dido & Aeneas for a strictly limited season in the Government House Ballroom, Perth, from 9 – 12 May 2024. For more information, visit: www.waopera.asn.au for details.
Image: Lachlann Lawton – photo by Angelo di Benedetetto