Hello!
I was intrigued to hear that Isabelle was going to make a trip to Italy. It
got me to thinking, you know, I could tell you all loads about Germany but I
don't know much about Italy. Why is that? There have been very few people
that I have met who have actually sung in Italy (including Italians!). Why
is that? There aren't really any books on the Italian opera or classical
music scene. Why is that? So, I decided to try to find some answers......
I went directly to two singers at my theater and asked them what was up.
The first gal, an older soprano who's father was Italian, said that as far
as she knew the system there was totally political and they tended to be
against foreigners if you were going to try to sing the Italian repertoire.
If you were an expert in Wagner, then they would probably be interested.
The second gal, who is a Swiss/Italian soprano soloist here and who's
husband is Italian, said literally, "There is a reason why I am working in
Germany and not in Italy." She went on to say that she found everything
really messed up there and very "closed" even though she is basically
Italian and has an Italian agent.
Both of them stated that Germany was probably the most open country as far
as foreign singers are concerned, but that too is changing. People here say
that around 15 years ago it was great for American singers in Germany. They
basically could come over and get a job without having much experience and
not able to speak German. Now, most agents and theaters are quite hesitant
to hire anyone who doesn't have at least a rudimentary ability in German and
can show that they've already worked a little professionally.
Quite a bummer, but that's what I was able to find out!!
Hope this helps!
Mary
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