No stranger to the Vancouver Opera stage, Canadian bass Alain Coulombe impressed us all with his portrayal of Don Fernando in
Fidelio, as well as Zuniga in last season's
Carmen. For Vancouver Opera's Golden Anniversary season, Coulombe is singing the role of Oroveso in the season's opener of
Norma. A favourite among critics and the opera-going public, Coulombe is one of the most commanding and exciting singers of his generation.
Guilty musical pleasure?Jazz, instrumental and vocal; they have the highest position on my music list.
Where do you love to sing?Anywhere there is a fair combination of talent, passion, fun, dedication, intelligent concept, music making and stage direction, as well as genuine egoless work and collaboration between all the creative teams on the production.
What is your idea of earthly happiness? Family, love, creativity, humility, compassion, forgiveness.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?Since I have a tendency to over indulge in the bliss of good food, in order to keep an ideal weight and stay in good physical shape, I apply a simple equation to my life: As long as I burn as much energy as I take in, I don’t gain weight. It’s as simple as that!
Who are your favourite heroes/heroines of fiction? The characters from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The complexity of conversations, the language of the time and the numerous rules about social etiquette are fascinating.
Who are your favourite characters in history?The great peacemakers, the people who have the courage to fight against discrimination, and change the face of the world by their actions and dedication.
Who are your favourite heroes/heroines in real life? My parents and my partner, for their amazing attitude towards life and for their true understanding of love, compassion, sharing, forgiveness, resilience and joy.
Who is your favourite author? WOW! I like so many authors... it changes with the seasons of life! Right now, I am reading Joseph Boyden.
Your favourite musician?Way too many! From Keith Jarrett to Miles Davis and from Christa Ludwig to Cesare Siepi, there is a world of amazing musicians and singers that I admire!
Your favourite composer?Same here! Between jazz, classical, folk, world music, so many options! I think Richard Strauss was in a class apart, as well as Bach. Monteverdi, well he started the whole opera thing... Joni Mitchell, a genius, ageless... And I haven’t even put a foot into the ocean of jazz and world music yet... impossible to choose!
What quality do you most admire in a person? Honesty. I highly respect people who have the courage not to play games and show themselves with their strengths, weaknesses, vulnerability and truth.
Your favourite virtue?Forgiveness, compassion.
Your favourite occupation?Besides being on stage, it is interior design and home renovations.
What did you want to be as a child? A doctor, a dentist, a priest, a concert pianist! I pretty much have been every one of these on stage at some point now!
Your most marked characteristic?My ability to give everything I have on stage, day in day out. Many colleagues and friends would tell you that I am always friendly with people, generous, but that I have also a very private side, which is true. Solitude is a vital thing for me! It keeps me grounded and sane.
What do you most value in your friends?Their unconditional love, respect and compassion.
For what would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered for having been my true self in every moment of my life, and for having shared my talents with people with generosity and passion. I would like to be remembered by my loved ones for my sensibility, my compassion, my unconditional love.
What natural gift would you most like to possess? The gift to swim like a fish, without the goggles, the nose band, etc...
What is your motto? “Feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward, be yourself.”
What non-opera song do you rock? I can belt quite well some of Michel Legrand’s greatest hits.
