Born in north Wales, Bryn Terfel, 59, made his Welsh National Opera debut in 1990. His award-winning discography encompasses opera, musical theatre and Welsh songs. He was knighted in 2017, and last year sang at the King’s coronation. From 16 to 20 December, he performs Bryn’s Christmas in London, Swansea, Manchester and Bristol. He has five children and lives in south Wales with his second wife, the harpist Hannah Stone.
What is your greatest fear?
I’ve been a strong advocate that all my five children should be great swimmers, so you can deduce what my fear is.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Thinking that singing makes me fit.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Unfriendliness.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
One horrible afternoon in Chicago when I forgot my words in The Marriage of Figaro, in a role I’d sung hundreds of times.
Describe yourself in three words
Collegial, kind and stubborn.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
When I was three, I was bitten by a dog right between my eyes. Underneath that scar, there’s a nose that’s been hit multiple times on the rugby field.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Meat Loaf.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Dame Emma Thompson.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“You’re a wonderful musician but a terrible friend.” It was Daniel Barenboim, the famous conductor, because I didn’t have time in the calendar to work with him.
What was the last lie that you told?
“I’m nearly at the airport” – I wasn’t. I am very late to get to the airport whereas my wife will be there eight hours before the flight.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Cigars.
What does love feel like?
Full of passion and laughter.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
I cleaned the toilets at the local pub every Saturday morning.
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If you could edit your past, what would you change?
That moment in Bilbao in 2020, when I tried to cross the street and did a pirouette and suffered a dreadful break in my right leg, which means now I have 10 screws and a band in it.
If not yourself, who would you most like to be?
Frank Sinatra. I’d love to be able to sing in his style.
How often do you have sex?
As often as possible when I’m home.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
In 2006, I went fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. On the way back, one of the engines caught fire and then we had one engine for 70 miles. Slowly but surely, we got to Baton Rouge in the darkness but then got very close to a very large passing ship – they didn’t see us and we didn’t see them.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Fitness.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I loved my 1 minute 40 seconds singing at the coronation of King Charles. I was the most nervous I’ve been.
What keeps you awake at night?
Absolutely nothing.
What happens when we die?
I’ll join the choir.
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