When and why did you decide to become an opera singer?
I decided to become an opera singer in my senior year of high school. I performed in a recital for my voice studio at the time, and realized in that moment that I could not live without it.

If I hadn't become an opera singer, I would be …
… either an interpreter or a visual artist.

Which was your most precious experience on stage so far?
Singing Musetta in Barrie Kosky’s production of «La Bohème» – amazing costumes, fun staging, and the concertato in Act 2 is just the best.

… the most embarrassing moment?
Performing in the chorus of «Candide», and barely making a quick change before El Dorado… Trying to maintain composure onstage in a wig cap (no wig) and a barely laced up corset.

… the biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was stepping in for the final dress rehearsal of Matt Aucoin’s «Eurydice» at LA Opera, with barely any rehearsal, in front of some very important people.

Thinking of your career, what would be your biggest dream?
My biggest dream would be performing with my fiancé conducting.

Do you have a lucky charm or a ritual before going on stage?
I am a huge lover of yoga, and always make sure I do 30-60 seconds of deep yoga breathing to calm myself before stepping onstage.

My secret weapon to prevent hoarseness:
A secret from a dear teacher of mine – gargling hot water, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Definitely gross, but works every time!

My idol:
Mirella Freni

Which opera character do you identify with the most and why?
This is very difficult as most every great opera character is dying, suicidal, or kills someone else… I’m going to go with Komponist from «Ariadne auf Naxos» – sublime music, trying to find the deeper meaning of life.

This song speaks out of the fullness of my heart:
The last song of the «Liebesbriefchen» by Korngold – «Fern von dir denk ich dein»

Which is you favorite place in Zürich and why?
Simply sitting in front of the lake by the opera house plaza. Doesn’t get much more beautiful than that.

What is your favorite word in Swiss German?
«Chuchichäschtli!»

Erica Petrocelli, soprano, comes from the USA. 
The twenty-eight year old has been a member of the IOS since the 2O/21 season.

When and why did you decide to become an opera singer?
10 years ago, because I watched a Video of Juan Diego Florez doing a concert in Venezuela and that was the inspiration.

If I hadn't become an opera singer, I'd be …
a teacher probably. Or a Fútbol journalist (hahaha).

Which was your most precious experience on stage so far?
The last one, singing on the main stage at Opernhaus Zürich for an audition.

… the most embarrassing moment?
Oh Lord, my pants fell down during a rehearsal of «Così fan Tutte» in Venezuela.

… the biggest challenge?
The last Rossini Coloratura

And what would be your biggest dream?
To have a beautiful career, starting with a debut at Opernhaus Zürich.

Do you have a lucky charm or a ritual before going on stage?
Drink water, smile and go!

My secret weapon to prevent hoarseness:
It won’t be a secret anymore if I tell (only joking): Sleep well and drink enough water.

My idol:
My mother.

Which opera character do you identify with the most and why?
Considering the few roles that I know, I think could be Nemorino.

This song speaks out of the fullness of my heart:
A Venezuelan song called: «Tonada del cabestrero»

Which is you favorite place in Zürich and why?
Opernhaus Zürich, because it’s where magical things happen.

What is your favorite word in Swiss German?
Oh God! I don’t know so many, maybe «En Guete».

Luis Magallanes, tenor, comes from Venezuela. 
The thirty-year-old has been a member of the IOS since the 2O/21 season.

When and why did you decide to become an opera singer?
When I was about 25 years old and already in my studies at university. It came much more naturally to me than playing an instrument and it gave me always so much joy to perform.

If I hadn't become an opera singer…
I'd be a political scientist

Which was your most precious experience on stage so far?
Singing in the choir under the baton of Maestro Christoph Eschenbach the «2nd Symphony» of Gustav Mahler.

… the most embarrassing moment?
Having learned the wrong piece for a concert and then side-reading in the dress rehearsal.

… the biggest challenge?
Studying and learning the role of Leporello by heart in 2 and a half weeks

And what would be your biggest dream?
Never losing my love for music

Do you have a lucky charm or a ritual before going on stage?
I do a short meditation to focus.

My secret weapon to prevent hoarseness:
Take one day off a week when I don’t sing at all.

My idol:
Giorgio Zancanaro, Fritz Wunderlich and Tito Gobbi

Which opera character do you identify with the most and why?
Guglielmo from «Così fan tutte». He thinks he is cleverer than he actually is.

This song speaks out of the fullness of my heart:
«Du bist die Ruh» (Schubert)

Which is you favorite place in Zürich and why?
The lake. The water is so incredibly clear and spending a summer day at the waterside is very relaxing.

What is your favorite word in Swiss German?
«Chuchichäschtli»

Yannick Debus, baritone, comes from Germany. 
The twenty-nine-year-old has been with the IOS since the 2O/21 season.

This interview was conducted in 2020

When and why did you decide to become an opera singer?
I began my journey in music studying music education to become a music teacher. I really loved the idea of giving back and teaching music because, for me, music was something I really cherished growing up. It wasn’t until my senior year of college where after several convincing conversations with my voice teacher, I decided to try performing. It was after my first performance in my first opera (guglielmo in «Così fan Tutte») where I thought to myself «I could get used to this...». It was such a rewarding feeling. Being able to use my voice to tell a story to an audience. I loved it. Since then, I began performing much more over the years, and has now taken me up to be in Zurich with the IOS.

If I hadn't become an opera singer, I'd be …
A flavor chemist. Chemistry was my favorite subject in school, and I wanted to work in a food science laboratory and create new ways of creating foods and flavorings with natural and man made ingredients.

Which was your most precious experience on stage so far?
I think my most precious moment was having the chance to sing some of the role of Papageno on the San Francisco opera stage with a full house in the audience. It was a feeling unlike any other and I treasure it, as it was my first time singing on the stage of a major house.

… the most embarrassing moment?
Once I was in a production of «Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat». There was a dance break, and in the show I had on the craziest wig. During the dance break, one of the dancers grabbed my neck in her choreography, and as she turned, she took my wig with her! And there I was: standing on stage in a bald cap. The entire audience burst into laughter. It was very fun though, I played it off very well. Something I will never forget.

… the biggest challenge?
Languages. Languages have always been a struggle for me. I work extra hard to make sure that I really understand my text and that things are pronounced as well as a native speaker would. I was once told the best advice by a colleauge that said: «Learn a new word in a different language everyday. This way, in a year, you would have learned 365 new words». When she put it like that, my struggle with languages became something that challenges me, but keeps me motivated to work hard and improve.

And what would be your biggest dream?
I’m not super sure what my biggest dream would be, to be honest. Being in this wonderful place like Zürich, is something a year ago I would have never imagined for myself. I have no idea what lies in front of me for the future, but im excited for the journey ahead.

Do you have a lucky charm or a ritual before going on stage?
Every night before a big performance, I use the small area in my bedroom and do a mini walk and talk, where I go through the motions and text of the show. It sounds crazy, but going to bed with a good feeling of confidence is key and helps me get a good night sleep for the next day.

My secret weapon to prevent hoarseness:
Tons and tons of sleep and not talking.

My idol:
Sam Ramey

Which opera character do you identify with the most and why?
Alfredo in «La Traviata». Although I am not a tenor, I am 100% a hopeless romantic. Someone who pursues not as a heroic chivalry act, but out of genuine love and affection. He loves deeply.

This song speaks out of the fullness of my heart:
«An die Musik» (Schubert)

Which is you favorite place in Zurich and why?
There is a little farm area on top of Sonnenberg past the Dolder called Adlisberg. It’s the cutest place and it has a really good restaurant with great food. I absolutely love it here.

What is your favorite word in Swiss German?
«Öpfuchüechli»

Andrew Moore studied in Philadelphia. He was a member of the International Opera Studio at Opernhaus Zürich and has been part of the ensemble since the 2022/23 season.