HE GREW up an all-star athlete from Central Otago, has a passion for horses, and a mother who drives taxis.
It’s an unusual beginning for an acclaimed opera singer.
Jud Arthur, in town to perform as Banquo in New Zealand Opera’s Verdi Macbeth, says he could have quite easily ended up coaching a provincial rugby team or riding horses “but you never know what’s going to happen”.
Begining his career in his late twenties, the bass baritone played basketball and rugby for Otago before taking a trot down the singing path and, influenced by his mother’s love for horses, Arthur is also a part-time farrier. Fond childhood memories include helping his mum break in and train the horses they owned in Mosgiel.
The animals are as important to his life as singing, he says.
“I’ve always had a passion for singing.” Arthur’s love for music was never questioned at school. Instead, being a star sportsman made singing more acceptable.
“Stereotypes were alive and well but I never felt pressure not to perform. I always had positive feedback. The boys loved the fact I could sing at the parties after rugby.”
But it wasn’t until after he’d done stints as a rugby player in Italy and as a forestry worker down south that a singing career called more seriously.
A self-proclaimed “work in progress” the southern man admits that in retrospect, piano lessons would have helped the late-blooming career.
“I’ve still managed to make a job out of it, but it would have been so much easier coming from a musical background. I’ve kind of conned my way into singing.”
Now in his forties, Arthur has made things happen. He’s completed his 10-year vision to become an established artist and is at the point where he can pick and choose his work.
Now living in North Sydney with his family, the dedicated singer has a full-time contract with the Australian Opera Company.
He tours between Melbourne and Sydney, occasionally getting the opportunity to return to New Zealand for freelance jobs.
The pinnacle of performing, he says, would be a combination of singing and sports –belting the kiwi national anthem at the Rugby World Cup next year.
Until then, the country kid from Central Otago will continue his work on his “multi-faceted” skill set.
“At the end of the day it’s about sharing my love and passion.”
Jud Arthur stars in Verdi Macbeth, The St James’ Theatre, October 9-16.
Hannah Spyksma