Who is Tomas Dalton?
A Melbourne-born Sydney-based tenor who feels so privileged to be able to contribute in a small way to the incredible legacy of operatic artistry.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d love one day to be involved in some sort of advocacy making the arts more accessible to a wider array of young people.
Who inspires you and why?
My touchstone for inspiration is great artists of the past; Lauri-Volpi, Tucker, Callas etc. However I’m constantly inspired by and learning from my colleagues. The Tales of Hoffmann I’m rehearsing at the moment has an extraordinary creative team lead by Damiano Michieletto; their combination of playful enthusiasm and considered nuance is very exciting.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I certainly hope that as performers we’re able to make a difference. Not just in the sense of providing entertainment or catharsis to audiences, but I think opera has so much potential still for commenting on and shaping the zeitgeist. I think in this country in particular we’re at an exciting crossroads where really talented and savvy creatives are champing at the bit to reimagine the canon, or make new work that grapples with the big issues in a uniquely Australian way. I hope I get the chance to be a part of that.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t really have just one; I like to mix it up. But I recently went to the Barossa for the first time with a few friends and had a wonderful few days.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well often they’re in town to see an opera so meeting at Opera Bar for a drink afterwards is a must. Otherwise I love to just wander on a long walk chewing the fat. Clarke’s Point Reserve in Woolwich is one of many favourites.
What are you currently reading?
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart, a queer coming of age story set in early 1990s Glasgow.
What are you currently listening to?
PNAU’s old albums, and the The Rest Is Politics podcast.
Happiness is?
Sleeping in late then having brunch with friends the morning after a performance that went really well.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m really looking forward to opening The Tales of Hoffmann in a few weeks, and early next year to revisiting Alfredo in La Traviata at the Opera House. I hope you’ll join us!
Tomas can be seen as Nathanael in Opera Australia’s production of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House from 11 July 2023. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Tomas Dalton – courtesy of Opera Australia