Backstage with participants of the IVC

09 September 2017 Being a participant of the First Rounds is very exciting. We had a chat backstage with some of them.

Being a participant of the First Rounds is very exciting. We had a chat about the Competition and expectations with tenor David Fischer, soprano Sara Bañeras Carrió and baritone Jaegyeong Jo.

Listening to others and spending time with the host family
Together with German tenor David Fischer we scroll through some photos we made backstage. He points to the screen. David: “That is a nice picture of me with Ted (volunteer IVC). She is my second mother you know, my IVC mother. I asked her about the buttons on my shirt: one more button open or not?” David wears his suit with pride. “Not to show off, but this is a tailored one. Once I was asked for a concert and I decided to put all the money I earned with that into a new outfit. The suit I already had was good, but this is really perfect.” David was the second participant to perform during the First Rounds. “It was good, but not perfect. Often when I practise it is so lovely and I feel comfortable. At a competition, on stage, it is always a bit more stiff. You simply can not start over. I’m happy with my performance though.” What if the singer doesn’t get to the second round? David: “Well, I hope to go through to the Semi-Finals, but I will stay here anyway. I’m looking forward to the Masterclasses, listening to other participants and spending time with my lovely host family. And of course, I will be strolling around in ‘s-Hertogenbosch as well!”

Favourite repertoire
“I’m really looking forward to discover the city, meeting new music friends and of course to enjoy what I like the most: singing. All the pieces I have chosen for my repertoire are favourites. I wouldn’t be able to sing them or communicate anything with it if I didn’t like them.” Spanish soprano Sara Bañeras Carrió has one favourite piece: “That must be ‘Willow song’ from the Ballad of Baby Doe. I’m in love with the nostalgic feel of this song.” Of course, the soprano hopes to win the IVC. Sara: “I will do my best. My true goal is to improve myself, always. Improvement in singing and interpretation and to become a better singer.” This Sunday afternoon, Sara is the 7^th participant to go on stage.

Best singer of Figaro in the world
“What I would like to achieve by participating the IVC? I want to present my music to people who love vocal music.” Baritone Jaegyeong Jo from South Korea will perform this Sunday afternoon, he is one of the last participants of the First Rounds. “The aria I like the most in my chosen repertoire is 'Largo al factotum'. 'The Barber of Seville' is one of my favourite operas and I would love to be one of the best singers of Figaro in the world. That has been my dream since I started to learn singing.” The baritone sees the IVC as a great opportunity. “I hope to impress the jury and audience and wish to find a good agency who can help me with my development as an artist. ”

Photos by Melanie van Zweeden