In the spotlight
GARDAR CORTES
Q: Gardar, you come from a very musical family. Can you tell us how it was to grow up in such an environment? For example, what can you remember of your very first musical or singing experiences?
A: It was such a privilege to grow up with so much music around and without a doubt that has had a huge influence on me. Mum would practice up to 8 hours a day on the piano and dad would be rehearsing all the time too. And of course all their albums that echoed through the house I still listen to today.
Q: At which point in your life did you realise you could actually make a career out of singing?
A: When I started learning classical singing at 18 I thought I could make a living from this, as does anybody that starts learning. The thing is, it doesn’t always work out that way. I have however been very fortunate to be able to make a living from my work.
Q: It can’t be easy to break into the elite and competitive circle of classical tenors or singers – what have been the most difficult stages of your career so far?
A: Apart from the years when one is studying and has a goal in mind as to where one wants to get to technically, and hasn’t reached that yet, I haven’t really come across that many difficult stages in my career, thankfully.
Q: For your debut album, you worked with Bo Halldorsson – “the Frank Sinatra of Iceland” – how was that experience?
A: Really great. We’ve known each other for many years and he is such a great artist and personality that working with him is a dream.
Q: What exactly did Bo contribute to the making of the album?
A: He was there for advice on a number of things. He also has a song on the album, “Skyid”.
Q: How does it feel to have released a (self-titled) debut album that has kept Pavarotti off the top spot?
A: Very unexpected!
Q: What’s your own favourite song on the album, and why?
A: I think I would have to say “Caruso”. The song is about the great tenor Caruso and each time I sing it one can’t but feel the passion and sacrifice that he had to endure to pursue his career.
Q: Your recent single, released on the 23rd July, is a cover of A-Ha’s ‘Hunting High and Low’ – what made you want to record that particular song? Are you a big A-ha fan?
A: I’ve always been a huge fan of A-ha but it was my manager, Einar Bardarson, who brought it up and I thought it was a splendid idea. It works really well in a classical makeover and we’re very pleased with the outcome.
Q: Proceeds of the single will go towards the homeless charity Shelter. What prompted this decision? Is charity work something you’ve been involved in for a long time?
A: Shelter is a very good charity. There are so many homeless people in London and the UK and like with so many good causes, it often just needs a little bit of awareness to make a huge difference. In my opinion, so little is needed from each one of us to dramatically improve the homelessness situation.
Q: You are also about to tour with Lesley Garrett. You’ve performed with her before, is that right? What can you tell us about the upcoming tour?
A: Yes I’m looking forward to the tour very much. We were supposed to perform together in June at Hampton Court but unfortunately I had to cancel due to a cold so the build up to our tour will be even more exciting for us both.
Q: You have a debut concert coming up London’s Barbican Centre on the 26th September. How are you feeling about that?
A: I’m so looking forward to that! My debut concert at the Barbican Centre! It has a nice ring to it ha-ha…my father will be conducting me and we love working together.
Q: Looking back over your career so far, what has been your proudest moment, or moments?
A: I’ve been fortunate I feel. I’ve sung in many different countries, performed in opera productions, musicals, concerts, etc. These moments have all been proud moments thinking back. All I can do is do my best each time I perform. As long as I do that and keep on learning and try to better my technique, follow my ambition and serve music as best I can, I am pleased.
