Interview with the mezzo-soprano Carmen Artaza, winner of the First Grand Prize of 2021, 58th edition.
1. How did your passion for music begin and when did you know you wanted to become an opera singer?
My passion for music started when I was a child. My parents are very passionate about classical music, especially opera, and there was always a CD playing at home. I also started playing the violin and singing in the choir and I noticed that my passion for music was growing and that this was what I wanted to do one day. What seemed like a distant dream is now becoming a reality.
2. How did you decide to apply for the Tenor Viñas Competition?
I had been thinking about applying for the competition for a long time, as it has a great reputation and tradition and many opera stars have passed through it. I decided to take part in this year's competition because the Coronavirus was cancelling all the concerts in Germany. I thought that preparing the programme for the competition would motivate me and in the best case I would be able to sing in front of a real audience.
3. How would you describe your participation in the competition and did you imagine that you could make it to the final round?
I never imagined that I would reach the final and even less that I would win several prizes. The Viñas Contest has been a wonderful experience and I think it has helped me to trust my singing and express myself with my music. It has been a big step in my development as a singer.
4. What was the moment of the contest that you remember most affectionately?
Before going out to sing the final on the stage of the Liceu, I was both emotional and nervous at the same time. To calm my nerves, I walked up and down the stairs from my dressing room to the stage about twenty times, and I remember how the theatre and contest staff looked at me laughing. They even asked me: are you OK? Now I think back to that moment and laugh.
5. What has winning the first prize meant for your career?
Winning the First Grand Prize has made many people listen to me and take an interest in my career and my singing. The jury was made up of artistic directors from world-renowned theatres. Now some of these theatres take me into account and will count on me in the coming seasons. Thanks to the competition, many doors have opened for me in my profession.
6. How was the post-competition experience, in which projects have you been involved?
When the competition was over, even though was in the middle of the pandemic, many new interesting projects came up for me. In May I took part in a new production of Così fan tutte at the Hannover Opera. I also had the opportunity to sing at the Teatro Real in Madrid and the Salzburg Festival called me to sing in concerts organised in Mallorca with the Orquestra Simfónica de les Balears.
7. What advice would you give to a singer who wants to participate in the Tenor Viñas Competition?
I think that the most important thing when signing up for a competition like the Tenor Viñas Competition is to choose the repertoire very well. Choose pieces that you feel comfortable and confident with, that you love and that show the best of your qualities. I wouldn't try anything new or risky, as nerves can always play tricks on us.
8. What do you think is the most important thing to take into account when participating in a competition like this?
The right choice of repertoire is the most important thing. And I also think it is important to have a certain level of hope and positivity when you are going to participate in a competition. Enjoy each round and see it as an enriching and positive experience. It is an honour to be able to sing for such an international jury and such an enthusiastic audience.
9. What projects are you currently working on?
I have finished the performances of Così fan tutte at the Hannover Opera and am currently preparing to sing at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, at the Bilbao Opera ABAO and at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf.
10. What would be your dream in the world of opera?
Wow, I have a lot of dreams! There are roles I would love to sing like Octavian in The Rose Knight or Charlotte in Werther. I also admire many artists with whom I would like to share the stage and the music. And there are stages where I would very much like to perform, because of their artistic tradition and the history of singers they have. And if it all comes together, and I can sing one of my favourite roles, on a wonderful stage, sharing it with artists I admire, my dream will be fulfilled.