Who? Rock-blooded baritone Byron Jackson

The buzz… Jackson got tongues wagging when he mounted the opera Wagner in German and got the attention of the King of England.

His take… Undertaking this opera was an enormous challenge. It involved not only casting the performers, assembling the orchestra, and sourcing the venue, but also recruiting volunteer community singers, handling the extensive preparations and fundraising. The entire project took two exhausting years. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to understudy the role in German with a reputable opera company in the UK, which provided me with valuable training and helped me remember key sections of my role. However, I wouldn’t recommend taking on such a venture without an experienced and capable team.

His Jamaican roots… My mother Sandra Jackson was born in Birmingham UK. I was mainly raised by my late grandmother Ivy May Jackson who had emigrated from Palmer’s Cross, Clarendon Ja, to Birmingham, in 1961 and from whom I got most of my Jamaican nuances.

On his operatic calling… I was always interested in singing even as a very shy child, and often enjoyed listening to my grandmother in her church choir. When she died I was introduced to a more classical music-based church choir by my high school music teacher. When my fascination in classical music grew, I went to a live performance of Madame Butterfly in Birmingham when I was 18 and I was immediately hooked. I went to my local library and borrowed as may CDs as I could. And then came Salome with Sir Bryn Terfel. I never looked back!

I was encouraged by … My high school music and drama teacher Amanda Doyle. She knew the big difficulties that I faced and could see my musical interest and potential at school and ensured that I could attend as many musical trips and activities as possible.

Industry icons like… Shirley Thompson and Sir Willard White have also been very supportive of me as an artist. I was fortunate to perform in two of Thompson’s special commissions for a televised service to commemorate the 70-year anniversary of the arrival of the SS Windrush to the UK at Westminster Abbey, the JNB 30th anniversary service at Central Hall Westminster, and for BBC Radio 4.

I also had the fortune of… participating in a masterclass led by Sir Willard White in 2007. In 2022, I served as his official cover and was the 2nd cast of Count Monterone in Opera North UK’s groundbreaking production of Rigoletto, where I received critical acclaim.

Monterone/Rigoletto/Opera North – The Theatre Royal, Newcastle (26 March 2022)

“And the Count was played by Byron Jackson who had such a powerful voice as well as stage presence. I really had no choice but to take in all of the sounds when Byron was onstage. Even during those swells from the pit, Byron was able to sing over and remain part of the musical score, without being too shouty or over the top. For a first-time opera goer, this is really impressive to see and the whole character was really well-developed and clear.”

Jonathan Harper/https://www.stagesideuk.co.uk/rigoletto-opera-north-review/March 2022

More Rave Reviews…

Monterone/Rigoletto/Opera North – The Lowry Manchester (9 March 2022)

“In contrast Jackson gave us power and presence with aplomb, serving to demonstrate what a good catch he was”.

Mark Davoren/North West End UK/March 2022

“Channelling Solomon Burke for his take on Count Monterone, Byron Jackson sets a high bar…”

Martin Thomasson/www.quayslife.com/March 2022

“Byron Jackson had all the power needed for Monterone and that fateful curse, thundering from centre stage almost like the undead Commendatore in Don Giovanni.”

Robert Beale/https://www.theatrereviewsnorth.com/March 2022

Encouragement also came from Ambassador Theresa Roberts… I first met Ambassador Roberts in 2018. I was a regular customer at Jamaica Patty Co, Covent Garden. At the time, I was rehearsing for English National Opera’s highly anticipated and new production of Porgy and Bess. My visits continued, and we began discussing her love for opera, often visiting the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and seeing Sir Willard perform. Earlier this year, just after Easter, I visited her Liverpool Street location with a friend and mentioned my new opera company and forthcoming production The Flying Dutchman, which piqued her interest.

She attended a performance in Birmingham on July 7th in her official capacity.

On receiving acknowledgment from King Charles himself… I’m still in shock even now. It was completely unexpected, especially since most of the press coverage had been local. However, an article in a national newspaper caught his attention. It was such an honour that all that hard work received such recognition.

What’s next for Byron Jackson… Creating more crazy opera ideas with Persona Arts!!!

St Mary’s Church Handsworth ChoirSorrel Price

UK-based Jamaican Ambassador for Arts and Culture Theresa Roberts and opera singer Byron Jackson.

Byron Jackson in Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi, January 20, 2022.

Byron Jackson as the Dutchman in Flying Dutchman, 2024.

Jackson’s grandmother Ivy May Jackson.

Byron Jackson (left) as the Dutchman, Christian Joel as Steuerman/Steersman.

Byron Jackson as Dutchman in the Flying Dutchman.

A congratulatory letter from King Charles.

Byron Jackson’s mom Sandra Jackson.