Who is Steven Gallop?
I’m a father to a 13-year-old boy with my partner of 20 years. I’m a classical singer and I love to connect with audiences through the medium of opera. To me immersing myself not just in the wonderful music, but using the drama to transport people to a different world and move them emotionally is opera’s purpose.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
At this point in my life, I wouldn’t do anything else. I’m about to take a new role across Australia and give opportunities to new young singers to be part of the production. If I had more time I’d probably travel with family.
Who inspires you and why?
The people who inspired me directly were my teachers who always were guiding me to perfect my craft. I worked with great Australian artists such as Margreta Elkins in Brisbane and Robert Allman in Sydney. In Vienna I studied with Hugh Beresford and later Ron Murdock. Over-arching this was my continual close friendship with a philosopher and my mentor Rudi Talmacs.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well, I believe we’ve reached a time where we must do as much as we can to minimise our footprint on the planet. No matter how small that is for example using renewables as much as possible. Touring brought home the huge challenges we face when we visited areas struggling with drought and then singing in Sydney during massive fires.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I would always choose to surround myself with nature, especially the sea. Probably any Sunshine Coast area, particularly Noosa with its fabulous beaches and National Park. I really love so many different places it’s hard being tied to one.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Generally, as I live in Frankston, it’s the sights of the Mornington Peninsula. Galleries, wineries, hiking trails and enjoying the natural beauty. If I’m performing, I’ve included that in the past, also.
What are you currently reading?
The Stieg Larsson Trilogy, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
What are you currently listening to?
The role I’ve been learning for The Barber of Seville, Basilio.
Happiness is?
Being with family and friends. Watching my son, whether it be in sport or music. Lazy Sundays. Good films, great food and exploring new places.
What does the future hold for you?
The immediate future is taking this wonderful production across Australia. But looking further afield – it never ceases to amaze me how any made plans can change very quickly!
Steven can be seen in Opera Australia’s National Tour of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville – which commences at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres on 14 & 15 July 2023, before heading to New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Victoria. For more information, including venues and performance dates, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Steven Gallop – courtesy of Opera Australia