“A Day in the Life” with: Classical Works Artist Phillip Addis

Music has been on Phillip Addis’ mind as far back as he can remember. His first instruments were euphonium, bass and tuba, but after singing in choirs and then having some voice lessons he realized he had real potential as a baritone. He loves classical orchestral music, so it was a natural fit for him to add his voice to the mix in the form of opera. Since embarking on that path, he has sung roles at major houses across Canada and around the world.

Besides music, he loves hiking, travelling, and enjoying simple meals, made from scratch, all with his family.

-Written by Sebastian Addis, Phillip’s son

Phillip Addis
Getting ready to become Doctor Malatesta in Calgary Opera’s Don Pasquale
Sometimes the wig and makeup make the character (Don Giovanni, with Calgary Opera)
Just before opening the house to a sellout Carmina Burana with the Calgary Philharmonic (1)
Practicing Malatesta at home (there’s always more to learn from the score!)
Sometimes you just have to sit on the airport’s floor if you want one of the coveted outlets for charging your phone
First day of school, teaching voice studies at the School for Creative and Performing Arts at UofC
Phillip Addis
The bread I bake for toast and sandwiches. It’s more dense and filling than store-bought
Phillip Addis
It’s always worth making time to get out to the mountains

***

Which neighbourhood are you in?

I live in Rosscarrock. It’s been a good neighbourhood for access to many of the city’s services, for connecting with family, and for excursions west to the Rockies.

What do you do?

I’m a singer, and I perform classical works and opera both internationally and throughout Canada. I also teach singing at both the University of Calgary and at the McPhee Artist Development Program.

What are you currently working on?

Having just wrapped up Don Pasquale with Calgary Opera, which was such a pleasure thanks to the whole amazing team, I’m now getting cracking on a new role to me, Marco in Gianni Schicchi, again with Calgary Opera, as well as a premiere in June of a new work with Nuova Vocal Arts, in Edmonton, titled Silence, where I get to play a horrible medieval king.

Where can we find your work?

My upcoming performances of Gianni Schicchi are April 5, 9 and 11. Silence takes place in Edmonton June 22 – 28; venue details available soon at nuovavocalarts.ca

 

About Emilea Semancik 183 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: