The Gramophone Magazine wrote “…Lemalu, a New Zealand born Samoan, is a major talent. His voice defies easy categorisation, combining the depth and authority of a bass with the flexibility and vocal colouring of a baritone”.
2020 began with King Sharyaati/Sukanya (LPO) and semi-staged productions of Fidelio, as Don Ferrando (Stavanger Symphony) and as Rocco (Western Australia Symphony). He also appeared in O Matou Malaga/Our Voyage (VSO) at the NZ International Arts Festival.
Future engagements this season include Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis (NZSO) and Ninth Symhony (DSO). Bottom/A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Grange Festival), Sacristan/Tosca (ROH) and Bernard/Bull Wild Thing/Where the Wild Things Are (ENO).
The 2019 season saw 5th Jew/Salome (ENO) Cold Genius/King Arthur (Theater an der Wien), Sprecher/Sarastro/The Magic Flute (ENO), Sacristan/Tosca (ROH) Voce di Nettuno/Idomeneo (Salzburger Festpiele), Publio/La Clemenza di Tito (Theater an der Wien). Other highlights include Some Enchanted Evening (VSO), Handel’s Messiah (SSO) and as guest television commentator at the final of the 2019 BBC Cardiff Singer of the Year.
Jonathan Lemalu | Bass 