The photographer Sim Canetty-Clarke was presented with a unique opportunity: unlimited access to leading operatic baritone Gerald Finley as he performed the role of Don Giovanni in five productions around the world. The gallery above features photographs taken during those productions in the dressing rooms and onstage at Glyndebourne, Bavarian State Opera, Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, New York, and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This is a candid and striking look at an opera singers' stage craft, and shows the lengths that Finley has to go to in order to portray this most complex of characters. As Finley says, 'In assuming the role, it becomes clear that it cannot be just the singing alone that thrusts his character over the orchestra but also the charisma, energy and tension between colleagues and I had luxury in all of those who joined in these performances. Without them, the Don is lifeless and this, of all operas, is about the vibrant relationship between the characters.'

Click on any of the images above to open the gallery.

All of the photographs are the copyright of Sim Canetty-Clarke. To find out more, visit: simphotography.com.

Gerald Finley discusses the role of Don Giovanni before the 2010 Glyndebourne production in the video below: