How do you listen to music?
Mostly when travelling, so it’s often on my iPhone with headphones.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Britten’s War Requiem.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
Covers of new songs in an old-school jazzy style, like Postmodern Jukebox’s cover of Megan Trainor’s “All About that Bass”. I know, but it makes my daughter smile when we sing it to her.
If you found yourself with six months free to learn a new instrument, what would you choose?
Cello. I love the sound of a cello.
Is applauding between movements acceptable?
It depends. If it is spontaneous and out of appreciation for a special performance it’s hard to complain about it. If it is breaking the positive tension or flow of, for instance, a Dichterliebe or Winterreise then it can be distracting for both the audience and the performer. As a performer you are always thankful for appreciation for what you are doing though: other audience members tend to be more annoyed by it than the performers themselves.
What single thing would improve the format of the classical concert?
I don’t think there is necessarily anything wrong with it. It is already quite varied and more and more performers bring their own creativity and initiative to it. A brilliant performance of good music can be effective whether you are standing dead still in front of a piano or otherwise. If the music is performed wonderfully what more can you want?
What’s been your most memorable live music experience as an audience member?
I had a great time watching Sir Paul McCartney at the Grammy’s a few years ago. He had so much charisma and presence that I hardly noticed the other world famous lead guitar players playing with him in a group riff performance. He completely stole the show for me.
What was the first ever record you bought?
Queen Greatest Hits I and II. I’m a big fan.
Do you enjoy musicals? Do you have a favorite?
I do, very much so. Call me cheesy but I still love Les Misérables.
How many recordings of the Beethoven Symphonies do you own? Do you have a favourite?
I have three recordings of the ninth. Karajan’s with the Berlin Phil is my favourite.
Which conductor of yester-year do you most wish you could have worked with?
Herbert von Karajan. From what I’ve heard he was quite difficult if he wanted to be, but I love almost all of the recordings I have of him, especially Debussy’s Pelléas and Mélisande.
Which non-classical musician would you love to work with?
Bruno Mars. He seems to have so much energy and creativity, and is an incredibly good live performer. A musician far beyond some of his popular songs and his band always seems to be having the best time. I think you could have a lot of fun working with him.
Imagine you’re a festival director here in London with unlimited resources. What would you programme - or commission - for your opening event?
I would love to put on an outdoor performance of Britten’s Billy Budd on a real old naval vessel on the Thames. I love the opera and have always wanted to see or sing it that setting.
What do you sing in the shower?
Either what I’m learning or performing at the moment or whatever makes my daughter smile. She’s a tough critic so I have to practice in the shower to impress her!
Jacques Imbrailo performs in Welsh National Opera’s new production of Pelléas and Mélisande on 29 May, 4 & 6 June at Wales Millennium Centre, and at Birmingham Hippodrome on 13 June.
