Ev’ry Valley a tenor’s journey

           

Thomas Edmond’s journey took him from Hillside Farm, Morgan East via Peterborough to an Australian and International career as a tenor.

 His story begins in 1934 and in the first part of his autobiography he recreates life with his family on a small farm, then his time as a child, growing up in Peterborough, and finally to Adelaide where he trained to be a teacher.

His life took a dramatic turn when, in 1968, he won both the public first prize and the judges first prize in the television talent quest, Showcase. As he expressed it, his life had changed in a matter of seconds. Thomas Edmonds made the decision to leave teaching and pursue a career in music, and in this he was supported by Ruth, his then wife. With Ruth and son Tim he set off for London.

The second part of the autobiography is devoted to his singing career, from the early beginnings in the UK, further success in Australia and many returns to the Uk to sing in opera and oratorio. His return to live in Australia coincided with a period when opera was becoming more established here, with the Sydney Opera House, and especially in South Australia, with the Festival Theatre and what became the State Opera of South Australia. Along with Mozart and Puccini there were the popular performances of Gilbert and Sullivan, where he sang alongside Denis Olsen. In contrast he sang many performances of Oratorio, particularly Bach and Handel. Finally there were the lighter songs, many of which were recorded; songs ranging from Autumn Leaves to popular arias.

Tenors may be noted for their temperament and ego, but Thomas Edmonds is not one of these.  Much of what he writes will remind readers of times when they went to hear him sing. His voice was smooth and unforced, as is the way he tells his story. He worked with many musicians: teachers, conductors and fellow singers, composers and accompanists, and has many a story to tell about where his journey took him through life.  Along with the triumphs, the pressure took its toll, and he writes about that also, coming through a time of stress to a new serenity.

Thomas Edmonds was loved by audiences for his voice, and his personality on stage, whether in recital or in theatre. His autobiography will remind them of that pleasure.

With a complete list of his recordings, opera and concert performances, repertoire and reflections on Bach and Handel, this is also a book which may be a resource for anyone examining the development and growth of music performance in South Australia.

Request a copy by emailing everyvalley90@gmail.com