In Conversation with Andrew Randall: Bringing Haydn’s Bass Roles to Life
As Sheffield Chamber Orchestra prepares for its performance of The Creation on 13 June 2026, we’re delighted to introduce bass soloist Andrew Randall, who will take on some of the most vivid and characterful music in the work.
In Haydn’s great oratorio, the bass soloist plays a central narrative role, most often as the archangel Raphael in Part I and as Adam in Part III. Raphael’s music is rich with storytelling, describing the creation of the natural world in striking detail—from the forming of landscapes to the appearance of animals—while Adam brings a more human warmth and lyricism in the later stages of the work. Together, these roles demand not only vocal depth and authority, but also imagination and a strong sense of character.
Andrew Randall brings a wealth of experience to this repertoire. A versatile and accomplished singer, he has performed widely in both concert and operatic settings, building a reputation for clarity of text, musical intelligence, and engaging stage presence—qualities that make him ideally suited to Haydn’s vividly descriptive writing.
When asked about the most powerful moment in The Creation, Andrew highlights one of the work’s most famous passages: “and… there… was… LIGHT.” “Even though I’m not directly involved, it’s so effective—it’s like the whole room suddenly perks up. Perfect writing, really expressive and dramatic.”
Among his own solos, one stands out in particular: “Straight opening her fertile womb.” “What I love about it is the way Haydn brings different animals to life—we're treated to a parade of creatures, each with their own personality. It’s vivid, playful writing, and as a performer you can really lean into that; it's fun to sing and (if I do my job!) quite fun to listen to.”
It’s a reminder of just how imaginative Haydn’s writing is—especially for the bass voice, which often carries some of the most colourful and descriptive music in the entire work.
Preparing for a performance of this scale requires focus, but Andrew keeps his approach refreshingly simple: “I try not to overcomplicate it. A bit of quiet, a few deep breaths, maybe reminding myself where I come in (always useful!) And then once you’re out there, you just trust the music—and your colleagues—to carry you along.”
That sense of trust and collaboration lies at the heart of The Creation, a work that brings together soloists, choir, and orchestra in a shared act of storytelling. With Andrew Randall’s engaging musicianship and flair for character, audiences can look forward to a performance full of colour, drama, and humanity.