Interviewed by: Sam Nan
Anoujoum: magazine recently had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable artist Anthony Rizk, whose journey from the quiet choirs of Kaslik to the dazzling stage of “Star of the Stars” has captivated audiencesِ in Australia. With his enchanting voice and magnetic presence, Anthony has swiftly ascended to become a revered figure in the realm of music.
Anoujoum: Anthony, could you share with us your artistic beginnings?
Anthony: My artistic journey truly took flight with the “Star of the Stars” competition. It was after this momentous win that poets and composers from Egypt and Lebanon reached out to collaborate with me on various projects. Prior to this, I was involved in the Holy Spirit Choir of Kaslik, but my engineering studies demanded most of my time. Upon relocating to Australia in 2019, I found solace in singing at Saint Charbel Church and with choirs at Saint Joseph Church. However, it was the “Star of the Stars” competition that marked a pivotal juncture in my life, as it catapulted me into the realm of professional artistry, with composers and poets eagerly seeking my voice.
Anoujoum: Did you always aspire to be a singer before entering the competition?
Anthony: Surprisingly, no. Despite my deep-rooted passion for music and singing, fueled by the timeless melodies of legends like Farid Al-Atrash, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Mayada Al-Hanawi, the notion of becoming a renowned singer never crossed my mind. It was an unexpected journey paved by destiny, one that led me to embrace a career in music, collaborating with esteemed composers and poets.
Anoujoum: Could you walk us through your experience leading up to the final stage of the competition?
Anthony: The competition comprised three challenging stages, each pushing me beyond my limits. Witnessing the caliber of participants, many of whom were seasoned performers, fueled my determination to succeed. However, clinching the first-place title was beyond my wildest dreams.
Anoujoum: How did the feedback from the esteemed jury members, including Magdy Boulos, Bashar Hanna, and Susan Hourani, influence your performance?
Anthony: Their encouragement and constructive feedback served as invaluable motivation, instilling confidence in my abilities and propelling me forward.
Anoujoum: Winning “Star of the Stars” undoubtedly marked a significant milestone in your career. How did it impact your artistic journey?
Anthony: Winning the competition was a game-changer. It not only elevated my profile on social media but also opened doors to collaborations with esteemed composers and poets. The serious pursuit of my artistic endeavors truly commenced after “Star of the Stars.”
Anoujoum: As an artist, who do you consider your idols?
Anthony: My admiration extends to Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid Al-Atrash, and Mayada Al-Hanawi, each leaving an indelible mark on my musical journey.
Anoujoum: Given your background in engineering, do you envision balancing both fields in the future?
Anthony: Absolutely. Engineering is an art form in itself, but my passion for lyrical expression compels me to pursue excellence in both realms.
Anoujoum: Lastly, what advice would you offer to aspiring talents preparing for the next “Star of the Stars” competition?
Anthony: To all aspiring talents, I impart this simple yet profound advice: “Be authentic.” Believe in your talent, trust in yourself, and success will inevitably follow.