How do you mostly listen to music most often?
In every possible way duing the whole day. I can’t live without it.
What was the first ever record you bought?
An album by Tom Jones, for my mother.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Buying music? Is there such a thing?!
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
There’s no guilt in musical taste.
If you found yourself with six months free to learn a new instrument, what would you choose?
Let me see.... six months to learn a musical instrument?... I would say the triangle as that’s something that I imagine you could play fairly averagely with only six months of studies. But, if I could choose an instrument to play masterfully, it would take much longer than six months, and it would be the bandoneon.
Is applauding between movements acceptable?
Who am I to judge?
What single thing would improve the format of the classical concert?
100% commitment from everyone.
What’s been your most memorable live music experience as an audience member?
Seeing Frank Sinatra in concert.
We’re giving you a time machine: what period, or moment in musical history, would you travel to and why?
I would visit Mozart and find out what his favourite meal was. Then I would master the preparation of it and invite him to dinner, several times.
Do you enjoy musicals? Do you have a favourite?
Yes, I enjoy most of them - my daughter would like to be a musical singer. I especially like The Producers.
Which non-classical musician would you love to work with?
There are many – and some I’m actually having the honour of making music with.
Imagine you’re a festival director here in London with unlimited resources. What would you programme - or commission - for your opening event?
I would start a super-cool educational programme for kids to give them the opportunity to experience classical music. If you would like to know what my plans are for the opening let me know when I should get started and let’s talk about the conditions....!
Erwin Schrott performs in Le nozze di Figaro at the Royal Opera House from 15 September; the performance on 5 October will be relayed live into cinemas in the UK and internationally.
