How does a conversation about Bach lead to a chat about a shared love of the classic US television series M*A*S*H? It’s hard to say but, the thing is, acclaimed American countertenor Reginald Mobley is a fan of the hit ’70s show.
And not that long ago he rewatched the entire 11 seasons. So he knows the episode that mentions Bach that I just happen to bring up. In it, much-loved radio operator Radar (Gary Burghoff) is trying to win a girl’s heart. He knows she loves classical music so military medico Hawkeye (Alan Alda) counsels him to say “Ah, Bach” when she mentions Johann Sebastian Bach.
That’s not quite enough to get the conversation going in the right direction for Radar, but chatting to Reginald Mobley is fun.
“I know that episode well,” Mobley says. “I love M*A*S*H.”
I guess that proves he’s a regular guy rather than some classical music snob who decries popular culture. It turns out he is happy to chat about a range of subjects. The interview is ahead of his first visit to Australia for Bach Akadamie Australia, which is launching its 2025 season with The Countertenor – Bach’s Holy Spirit, featuring the world-renowned Grammy-nominated singer.
This concert marks the ensemble’s first national tour, with performances from April 4 to 25 in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and regional NSW. Bringing to life the transcendent beauty of J.S. Bach’s music, the tour will showcase Mobley’s extraordinary artistry alongside Australia’s premier Baroque musicians.
Mobley, celebrated for his luminous tone and expressive depth, has captivated audiences worldwide with his performances spanning from Bach’s masterpieces to contemporary works. His deep connection to Baroque repertoire and impeccable vocal technique makes him an ideal collaborator for Bach Akademie Australia’s dedication to authentic and inspiring performances.
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The program will feature works by J.S. Bach, J.C. Bach and Vivaldi. According to theological tradition in Lutheran Germany, the alto voice was the very symbol of the Holy Ghost. Bach felt this deeply, reserving the alto voice for the most moving and special of arias in his passions and cantatas.
This concert will highlight the rich emotional depth and spiritual resonance of these works, bringing together the exquisite expressiveness of Mobley’s voice with the vibrant and historically informed playing of Bach Akademie Australia.
Clans, a new composition by contemporary Biripi and Gamillaroi musician and composer Troy Russell, will be performed at the concerts in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Orange.
Under artistic director Madeleine Easton, the performance promises to be a stirring and inspiring beginning to the 2025 season.
“After many years of trying to bring Reginald to Australia, we are delighted that he is to make his Australian debut with Bach Akademie Australia on the occasion of our first national tour,” Easton says. “I am sure Australian audiences will connect with him and be transported by his magical voice just as the rest of the world has.”
Mobley is an imposing figure whose physical presence adds to the drama of his performances. As one critic suggested, “one of the joys of seeing Mobley is hearing his beautiful alto coming out of a big, tall man who looks more like a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins than the P.G. Wodehouse party guest his name might suggest”.
He is friendly and quite casual when we chat. His friends call him Reggie and I suggest that Australians love shortening a name and will go for that.
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“For as long as I can remember, Australia is a place I’ve always wanted to visit,” Mobley says. “It’s been a goal of mine to come over and share a little of what I do and the music I make with Australia.
“I’ve never met an Aussie I haven’t loved, and it’s a place I’ve always admired. From the arts to the scenic wonders, I can’t wait to see how I change as a person from seeing how much I take from being in Australia for the first time.”
Mobley grew up as a Seventh Day Adventist, although he’s non-denominational nowadays.
“I’ve fallen out of love with denominations,” he says. “I still consider myself devout, though, and I have Christian beliefs. Being a queer person I love religion more than religion loves me. The only really important commandment is the commandment to love each other.”
As for the sacred music of Bach, which he will sing in some scared spaces here, including in The Cathedral of St Stephen in Brisbane, he’s in tune with those aspects of the music.
“The cool thing is that I believe every word I sing,” Mobley says adding: “There’s always a universal massage though.”
His voice was discovered when he was at college. He sang in a barber shop quartet at the time and on the strength of that got a job singing at a Disney resort in Tokyo, where he lived for a couple of years before coming home to a new life as a jobbing countertenor. That included a stint with twice Grammy- nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire.
Alongside his performances with Bach Akademie Australia, Mobley will explore his much-feted album Because, celebrating the spiritual and gospel traditions in special duo performances with pianist Paul Grabowsky in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Warragul.
Tickets for The Countertenor – Bach’s Holy Spirit and the rest of the 2025 season are currently on sale.