South African born Colin Schachat has established himself internationally both as a renowned baritone and cantor. He performs a wide range of popular repertoire including Broadway, Yiddish, Opera, Chassidic, Israeli, Italian and Spanish songs.
Colin is frequently heard performing in concerts with the world’s leading orchestras, choirs and singers. His unique, rich baritone voice combined with rare artistic versatility has allowed him to build up an international career beyond Israel, which has been his home since 1992. Colin has just launched his new CD, Smile.
Smile is CD of the Week on Fine Music Radio commencing 19 February 2018. Listen to Nic Ciro on Winding Down weekdays at 4.20pm where he’ll play tracks from Smile. Tune into FMR on 101.3fm and online at fmr.co.za
Colin recently chatted about the CD and his career:
Growing up in Johannesburg who and what were your influences?
I always enjoyed songs from the musicals. In fact at age 12 or 13 I participated in the first production of Joseph with Richard Loring, Alvon Collison and Bruce Millar. In general I always enjoyed easy listening crooners and songs of the 1970s.
After you moved to Israel how did your career evolve?
I have always managed music as a career in parallel with other professional interests. In Israel, the music scene is very dynamic, especially classical music, there are seven full time orchestras in a small country. I somehow managed to develop a concert career performing the various genres of music I enjoy.
How easy is it to adapt your style from the cantor in a Shul to the baritone on stage?
The truth is that the cantorial repertoire is generally written for lyric tenor thus requiring transposition, so the cantorial genre has always been difficult for me stylistically. I am musically more comfortable on the general concert stage as the repertoire fits naturally.
You performed in Buckingham Palace – did you meet the queen?
I did not meet the queen, but performed for Prince Andrew who is the Patron of the Royal Philharmonic with whom I have performed and recorded. I met the prince who was friendly and easy going!
Which are the favourite orchestras that you’ve performed with?
Each orchestra has its own personality. Every time I perform with an orchestra I recognise the immense privilege and do not take it for granted. Each orchestra is different and special. My hometown orchestra, the Ra’anana Symphonette, who accompany me on the Smile CD, are probably my favourite.
How did you meet José Carreras?
He was in Israel for a concert and I was given the opportunity to perform with him. I met him many times since and he kindly agreed to participate in my CD Smile. He is a wonderful down to earth and friendly man.
Other greats you have performed with?
I performed with the legendary tenor Neil Schicoff in Cape Town. I also performed with South Africa’s great superstar Pretty Yende. As well as performing with Alan Glassman, a lead tenor of the Metropolitan Opera, Wynne Evans, a leading UK tenor, and with various other famous singers who regularly appear in La Scala and other world leading opera houses.
If you could perform alongside anyone, living or dead who would they be?
Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. I am due to perform alongside one of the world’s legendary sopranos later this year, however I am not at liberty to reveal who that is at this stage. She would be on this short list.
What is it like to work with your son, Gabi Schachat?
An immense blessing and pleasure. He is much more talented and musical than I am with a special vocal quality. I have had much pleasure in performing with the big name artists we mentioned before, but much more pleasure performing and recording with my son.
What was the inspiration behind Smile?
I have always wanted to record my favourite songs that I perform regularly. Each item has a special place in the line-up.
What are your top five favourite pieces of music?
Difficult question. Probably:
1) What a wonderful world
2) To fill the world with love – the theme from the movie Goodbye Mr Chips
3) Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor.
4) The Elijah oratorio
5) My Way
Where can we purchase Smile?
On all electronic platforms including iTunes and Google Playstore and soon from Amazon’s CD store and retail outlets here in SA and abroad.
WS
