A question of taste: Baritone Benjamin Appl discusses his favourite artist things

German baritone Benjamin Appl is about to undertake a tour of Ireland, with dates including Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen (Sunday) and Triskel, Cork (November 20). His concert will include arias from popular Mozart operas such as The Marriage of Figaro, as well as songs by Mendelssohn and Schubert, and a new work by Irish composer Marian Ingoldsby.

Best recent book: 

Decisive Moments in History by Stefan Zweig.

Best recent film: 

The Theory of Everything.

Best recent show/exhibition/gig you’ve seen:

I really liked Wicked at the West End, such a great musical.

What formats do you access music?

I normally buy the discs in a shop or online, as I like to have the physical thing in front of me and to see the booklet. If I have to check repertory quickly I tend to look at iTunes or Spotify.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old):

Edvard Grieg — ‘An mein Vaterland’, completely unknown song, but a page of incredible beauty.

First ever piece of music or art or film that really moved you:

I think it was Mendelssohn’s ‘For He Shall Give His Angels’ (in German) from Elijah, when I heard it for the first time from the boys choir, which I joined seven years later.

Name three of your all-time music heroes:

Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Schubert and The Beatles

Your best celebrity encounter:

When I met Pope Benedict XVI several times in Rome and Germany. It was quite extraordinary.

Most expensive item of clothing you’ve ever bought — what was it and how much:

Wow, it’s difficult to remember. These might be my tails, which I bought a long time ago, something like €1,250.

Unsung hero — individual, organisation or group you think don’t get the profile/praise they deserve:

Samling Academy in the north of England, which provides musical education in opera productions and masterclasses for young people between 15 and 22 years. I gave a masterclass there a few weeks ago and it was most amazing to see the enthusiasm of young people for classical music. This is the future.

You are king for a day — what’s your first decree?

Free and best possible education for every child.