Curtain Call mit Thomas Hampson und dem Internationalen Opernstudio

Concert with Thomas Hampson and young artists from the International Opera Studio
with scenes and arias from Mozart's Così fan tutte, as well as selected songs by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert.

18. December 2020

  • More information:
    Tickets at CHF 60 each for the concerts can be purchased from Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 11.00 am, exclusively by telephone on +41 44 268 66 66. The ticket office can be reached by telephone from Monday to Friday, from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm. 

    In accordance with the Opera House's protection concept and federal guidelines, a maximum of 50 tickets will be sold.

Cast


Sopran Erica Petrocelli


Mezzosopran Siena Licht Miller


Tenor Saveliy Andreev


Tenor Luca Bernard


Tenor Luis Magallanes


Bariton Thomas Hampson


Bariton Yannick Debus


Bassbariton Andrew Moore


Klavier Joanna Laszczkowska


William Green


Adam Rogala


Hammerklavier Enrico Maria Cacciari

Erica Petrocelli

Erica Petrocelli war bis Ende der Spielzeit 2019/20 Mitglied des Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Programms der Los Angeles Opera. Sie gab ihr Debüt in Los Angeles 2018/19 in der Rolle von Mrs. Naidoo in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha. In Los Angeles folgten seither Annina (La traviata), Musetta (La bohème) und die Erste Dame in der Zauberflöte. Sie sang ausserdem die Titelrolle in einer Vorstellung der Uraufführung Eurydice von Matthew Aucoins. Mit dem Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra war sie als Pamina in der Zauberflöte zu hören und beim Bard Music Festival 2019 sang sie Zwei Lyrische Gesänge von Schreker und das Sopran-Solo in Zemlinskys Lyrischer Symphonie. Frühere Engagements umfassen an der Bostoner Jordan Hall Angès Sorel in Tschaikowskis Die Jungfrau von Orléans, La Vierge in Honeggers Jeanne d’arc au bûcher und die Erste Zofe in Zemlinskys Der Zwerg. An der Santa Fe Opera sang sie Szenen aus Floyds Wuthering Heights und aus Eugen Onegin mit dem Nachwuchsprogramm des Hauses. 2018 war sie Halbfinalistin beim Metropolitan Opera National Council, Preisträgerin des Sullivan Foundation Award und Teilnehmerin des Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Gerdine Young Artist Programms. Von 2020-2022 war sie Mitglied des Internationalen Opernstudios Zürich und sang hier u.a. in L’elisir d’amore, Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Das tapfere Schneiderlein und Zerlina in Don Giovanni. 2022/23 ist sie als Pamina an der Oper in Saint Louis zu erleben sowie als Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) an der Sarasota Opera.

Siena Licht Miller

Siena Licht Miller, German-American mezzo-soprano, studied voice at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She completed her training with programs at Opera Philadelphia, the Santa Fe Opera, the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and the Aspen Music Festival. She is a scholarship holder of the Bagby Foundation and a prizewinner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Marilyn Horne Rubin Foundation, and the Gerda Lissner Foundation.

Highlights of her career so far include role debuts as Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte, and one of the two solo roles in the world premiere of Denis and Katya by Philip Venables at Opera Philadelphia. At the Aspen Opera Center, she sang the title role in Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges under the baton of Robert Spano.

She also regularly dedicates herself to song repertoire. She appeared in The Song Continues recital series at Carnegie Hall in honor of her mentor Marilyn Horne, and toured the United States with a recital alongside pianist Kevin Murphy.

In the 2020/21 season, she was a member of the International Opera Studio in Zurich, where she performed in Maria Stuarda, Simon Boccanegra, Viva la mamma, Salome, Odyssee, in the ballet Monteverdi, in L’italiana in Algeri, and as Flosshilde in Das Rheingold. Since the 2022/23 season, she has been a member of the ensemble at Zurich Opera House, where she recently appeared in Barkouf, Salome, Anna Karenina, Lakmé, La rondine, Die Walküre, and Götterdämmerung.

She also sang the title role in Handel’s Serse at Theater Winterthur.

La scala di seta25 / 28 Sept / 19 / 24 Oct 2025 La clemenza di Tito26 / 29 Apr / 3 / 8 / 15 / 17 / 20 / 25 May 2026 Carmen18 / 21 / 23 / 27 / 31 Jan 2026 Madama Butterfly30 Dec 2025 / 3 / 9 / 11 / 13 / 16 Jan 2026 Così fan tutte3 / 7 / 9 / 12 Jul 2026 Hänsel und Gretel20 / 23 Nov / 2 / 16 / 18 Dec 2025 / 2 / 24 / 25 / 31 Jan 2026

Saveliy Andreev

Saveliy Andreev wurde in Sankt Petersburg geboren und studierte am Glinka Choral College Gesang, Dirigat und Klavier. 2015 schloss er sein Studium in Chorleitung ab und studierte anschliessend in Sankt Petersburg am Rimski-Korsakov Konservatorium Gesang. In der Music Hall in Sankt Petersburg war er seit 2017 regelmässig als Solist zu hören. 2017 war er Teilnehmer des Festivals «14th German Week» in St. Petersburg und sang dort eine Solopartie in der Bach-Kantate Lasst uns sorgen, lasst uns wachen. 2018 gewann er den ersten Preis in der Tenor-Kategorie bei dem Wettbewerb «Great Opera. Voices of the Future». 2019 war er Teilnehmer eines Studienprogramms des Teatro del Maggio Musicale in Florenz. Seit der Spielzeit 2020/21 ist er Mitglied des Internationalen Opernstudios und war hier bisher in Boris Godunov, Simon Boccanegra, Salome, Le Comte Ory, Dialogues des Carmélites und in Il mondo della luna zu erleben.

Luca Bernard

Luca Bernard war Mitglied der Zürcher Sängerknaben und sang den 2. Knaben in Mozarts Die Zauberflöte am Opernhaus Zürich.
Von 2009 bis 2014 erhielt er Gesangsunterricht bei Samuel Zünd am Konservatorium Zürich. Ab 2013 studierte er an der Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, zunächst Klavier bei Eckart Heiligers und ab 2014 Gesang bei Scot Weir. 2018 schloss er sein Studium ab. Er war Finalist des Internationalen Othmar Schoeck Wettbewerbs 2016. Bei der Operettenbühne Hombrechtikon sang er Ottokar (Der Zigeunerbaron) sowie Stanislaus (Der Vogelhändler). Luca Bernard ist Studienpreisträger der Prof. Armin Weltner Stiftung und von Migros Kulturprozent. Seit der Spielzeit 2019/2020 ist er Mitglied des Internationalen Opernstudios am Opernhaus Zürich und sang hier bisher in La traviata, Zauberflöte, Iphigénie en Tauride und Arabella.

Luis Magallanes

Luis Magallanes, Tenor, stammt aus Venezuela. Als Mitglied des Simon Bolivar National Symphonic Choir sang er u.a. unter Leitung von Sir Simon Rattle und Gustavo Dudamel, 2013 auch im Rahmen eines Gastspiels bei den Salzburger Festspielen. Als Solist stellte er sich 2013 in Baldassare Galuppis Il filosofo di campagna und 2015 als Ferrando (Così fan tutte) in Caracas vor. Ab 2018 studierte er an der Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin und sang im Chor der Irish National Opera. 2019 war er Semifinalist bei der Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition. Seit der Spielzeit 2020/21 ist er Mitglied des Internationalen Opernstudios und trat hier in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, in Salome, in Le Comte Ory, Il turco in Italia und in Il mondo della luna auf.

Thomas Hampson

Thomas Hampson zählt zu den gefragtesten Opern-, Konzert- und Liedsängern der Gegenwart. Er ist regelmässig auf den führenden internationalen Opern- und Konzertbühnen zu Gast. Breite Anerkennung geniesst er darüber hinaus für seine sorgfältig erforschten und aussergewöhnlich zusammengestellten Lied-Programme sowie für seine Lehrtätigkeit. Der in Spokane, Washington, aufgewachsene Bariton ist Mitglied der American Society of Arts and Sciences, Distinguished Visiting Artist of Voice an der University of Michigan und Honorarprofessor der Universität Heidelberg. Er ist Träger mehrerer Ehrendoktortitel (Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, Whithworth College, San Francisco College) und Ehrenmitglied der Londoner Royal Academy of Music. Er ist «Kammersänger» der Wiener Staatsoper, «Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres» der Republik Frankreich sowie Träger des österreichischen Ehrenkreuzes für Kunst und Wissenschaft. Ihm wurden ein «Living Legend Award» der Library of Congress, der «Edison Life Achievement Award» und, gemeinsam mit Wolfram Rieger, die Hugo-Wolf-Medaille verliehen. Seine aussergewöhnliche stilistische Spannweite spiegelt sich in knapp 200 Aufnahmen wider, von denen zahlreiche mit renommierten Preisen wie dem Grammy Award, dem Grand Prix du Disque oder dem Edison Award ausgezeichnet wurden. Am Opernhaus Zürich war Hampson u.a. als Don Giovanni, als Jago in Verdis Otello, als Wolfram in Tannhäuser, in der Titelpartie von Hindemiths Mathis der Maler sowie mit zahlreichen Liederabenden zu erleben.

Yannick Debus

Yannick Debus studied voice at the Lübeck University of Music, the Basel Music Academy, and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Alongside his vocal studies, he studied music theory and ear training in Lübeck. During his studies, he sang at the theaters in Kiel and Lübeck, including the lead role of the Poet in L’impresario in angustie (Cimarosa). As part of the Junge Oper Schloss Weikersheim, he appeared in the summer of 2017 in the role of the Father in Humperdinck’s fairy-tale opera Hänsel und Gretel. In the summer of 2018, he sang the role of Guglielmo in Così fan tutte at the Kammeroper Schloss Rheinsberg. He was seen at the Theater Basel as the Emperor Overall in Viktor Ullmann’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis, as Figaro in Milhaud’s La mère coupable, and at the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music as Emireno in Handel’s Ottone, re di Germania. From 2020 to 2022, he was a member of the International Opera Studio in Zurich, where he appeared as Kilian in Der Freischütz, as Speaker and 2nd Priest in Die Zauberflöte, as Hermann in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, as Thierry in Dialogues des Carmélites, and as Pieter in Girl with a Pearl Earring. He has a close collaboration with René Jacobs, with whom he appeared as Orpheus in Telemann’s opera of the same name in Basel, and in 2022 as Apollo in Handel’s Apollo e Dafne, as Kilian and Ottokar on the CD release tour of Der Freischütz, and in Israel in Egypt. In 2022, he sang Haydn’s Creation at the Berlin Konzerthaus and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at the Berlin Philharmonic.

Manon24 / 27 Sept / 3 / 7 Oct 2025 Fidelio3 / 6 / 10 / 14 / 16 May 2026 Così fan tutte3 / 7 / 9 / 12 Jul 2026 Die Fledermaus7 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 18 / 26 / 28 / 31 Dec 2025 / 2 / 4 / 6 / 10 Jan 2026 Johannes-Passion24 Mar 2026

Andrew Moore

Andrew Moore, bass-baritone, is from New Jersey. He studied at Rutgers University and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 2017, he was a finalist in the New Jersey State Opera Alfredo Silipigni Competition and in the same year sang the baritone part in Fauré’s Requiem with the New Jersey Chamber Singers. In 2018, he participated in the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco, where he sang in the Schwabacher Summer Concert and The Rake’s Progress. In 2019, he was a participant in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and reached the New England Regional Finals, where he was awarded the Susan Eastman Encouragement Award. That same year, he appeared at Santa Fe Opera in productions of La Bohème, Così fan tutte, and Jenůfa. Further appearances included Vicar (Albert Herring), Fiorello (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Talpa (Il tabarro), Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), Rocco (Fidelio), L’Arbre (L’Enfant et les sortilèges), and Adonis (Venus und Adonis). From 2020 to 2022, he was a member of the International Opera Studio, where he sang Mamma Agata in Viva la mamma, Gouverneur (Le Comte Ory), Masetto in Don Giovanni, and the title role in Die Odyssee. Since the 2022/23 season, he has been part of the ensemble at the Opernhaus Zürich. In the 2024/25 season, he will perform as Paolo Albiani (Simon Boccanegra), Max (In 80 Tagen um die Welt), Don Fernando (Fidelio), Paqui / Vertreter (Das grosse Feuer), and Marullo (Rigoletto) in Zürich.

Manon24 / 27 Sept / 3 / 7 / 10 Oct 2025 La clemenza di Tito26 / 29 Apr / 3 / 8 / 15 / 17 / 20 / 25 May 2026 Tannhäuser21 / 24 / 27 Jun / 2 / 5 / 8 / 11 Jul 2026 Le nozze di Figaro24 / 29 Jan / 1 / 5 / 7 / 10 / 14 Feb 2026

Joanna Laszczkowska

Joanna Laszczkowska wurde in Warschau geboren und schloss ihre Klavierausbildung an der Fryderyk Chopin Universität in Warschau ab. 2016 war sie Mitglied der Opera Academy am Teatr Wielki in Warschau und besuchte dort u.a. Workshops bei Eytan Pessen, Helmut Deutsch, Brenda Hurley, Neil Shicoff und Hedwig Fassbender. Als Korrepetitorin war sie im Rahmen der Opera Academy für die Produktionen About the Kingdom of Day and Night and Enchanted Instruments (Die Zauberflöte für Kinder) und The Miracle, or the Cracovians and the Highlanders tätig. Zudem war sie Teilnehmerin des ENOA Outreach Workshops in Aix-en-Provence und spielte 2019 Les Noces von Strawinsky am Teatr Wielki. 2019 war sie zudem Teilnehmerin beim Solti-Peretti Korrepetitions-Kurs in Venedig, wo sie von Richard Bonynge, Jonathan Papp und Anthony Legge unterrichtet wurde und beim Britten-Pears Young-Artist-Programme, welches von Antonio Pappano, Pamela Bullock und Julia Fisher geleitet wurde. Als Pianistin war sie beim Winter Vocal Course in Duszniki-Zdrój und bei der International Stanisław Moniuszko Vocal Competition engagiert. 2019 gewann sie am Teatro dell’Opera in Rom den Wettbewerb für Korrepetition des «Fabbrica» Young Artist Programs. Seit der Spielzeit 2020/21 ist sie Mitglied des Internationalen Opernstudios Zürich.

William Green

William Green stammt aus Grossbritannien. Er studierte in Oxford Musik und schloss 2013 sein Studium mit Auszeichnung ab. Im Anschluss doktorierte er in Liverpool in Musikanalyse zu Richard Wagners Der Ring des Nibelungen. Er ist Preisträger des «Clifford Smith Prize» und erhielt 2013 das Duncan Norman Stipendium. Während seines Studiums dirigierte er sowohl das Oxford University String Ensemble als auch das Christ Church Orchestra in Oxford. Als Pianist war er u.a. mit Klavierkonzerten von Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Ravel, Rachmaninoff und Tschaikowsky zu erleben. Von 2018-2019 war er als Korrepetitor Mitglied des National Opera Studios in London. 2018 arbeitete er als Assistent der Musikalischen Leitung an der Hampstead Garden Opera in London für La traviata, als Korrepetitor an der British Youth Opera für The Rake’s Progress, für The Turn of the Screw am Barnes Music Festival und 2019 beim Monteverdi Chor mit dem Orchester Révolutionnaire et Romantique unter John Eliot Gardiner für Benvenuto Cellini von Berlioz. Im April 2019 gewann er den «Help Musicians UK Accompanist’s Prize» bei den Kathleen Ferrier Awards, und im Juli 2019 übernahm der die Musikalische Leitung für Violetta (einer reduzierten Version von La traviata) beim Grimeborn Festival. Seit der Spielzeit 2019/20 ist er Mitglied des Internationalen Opernstudios in Zürich.

Adam Rogala

Pianist. A member of the Internationales Opernstudio – Opernhaus Zürich since 2019. A graduate of the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, where he studied piano under Prof. Małgorzata Furche-Jurczyk. He had been a participant in the Opera Academy Young Talents Development Programme at the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera since 2016, training with Eytan Pessen, Izabella Kłosińska, Matthias Rexroth and Olga Pasichnyk. He had been a pianist/répétiteur for the singing classes at his Alma Mater since 2015.

He has taken part in many piano courses and workshops taught by teachers including Andrzej Jasiński, Mikhail Voskresensky, Alexei Orlovetsky and Kevin Kenner. He has been an accompanist for vocal masterclasses in Bydgoszcz, Lubostroń and Duszniki-Zdrój (Poland). As a répétiteur he has taken part in numerous courses and seminars led by artists such as Brenda Hurley, Thomas Barthel, Neil Shicoff, Helmut Deutsch, Hedwig Fassbender, Rosemary Joshua, Tobias Truniger, Jerzy Marchwiński, Ewa Podleś, Umberto Finazzi, René Massis, Paul Plummer, Tomasz Konieczny, Elizabeth Rowe, Martin Lloyd Evans, Andrzej Dobber, Einar Røttingen.

He has accompanied singers during vocal competitions in Poland and abroad. He has played chamber music in concerts and at festivals organized in Poland and around Europe by Sinfonia Varsovia, the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra, the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera, the Silesia Institution for Promoting and Popularizing Music, and Opera Nova in Bydgoszcz. As a répétiteur and later as a performer, he has worked on productions including About the Kingdom of Day and Night and Enchanted Instruments, which is an adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute for children, and The Miracle, or the Cracovians and the Highlanders (Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera). With soprano Beata Gramza, in 2017 he recorded a CD with songs by Feliks Nowowiejski for Ars Sonora as part of the four-CD album Nowowiejski w wielu wymiarach. In 2018 he took part in international workshops run by ENOA: Recitativo performance in Belgrade and Exzellenz-Labor Gesang in Weikersheim. In 2019 he was an accompanist of X International Stanisław Moniuszko Vocal Competition in Warsaw (Poland) and V Nationwide Krystyna Jamroz Vocal Competition in Busko-Zdrój (Poland).

Enrico Maria Cacciari

Enrico Maria Cacciari studied piano at the conservatories of Bologna and Milan as well as chamber music in Fiesole with Dario De Rosa and Maureen Jones. As a pianist, harpsichordist, and organist, he has performed in numerous chamber music ensembles and orchestras, including the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Mozart, and the Lucerne Festival Orchestra. In 1997, he was engaged as a répétiteur at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and since 2000 he has held the same position at the Zurich Opera House. As a guest, he has worked at such renowned musical institutions as the Rossini Festival Pesaro, the Baden-Baden Festival House, the Teatro Real Madrid, the Edinburgh Festival, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Salzburg Festival, and the Lucerne Festival. In doing so, he collaborated with conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Chailly, Christoph Eschenbach, Daniele Gatti, Daniel Harding, Franz Welser-Möst, Nello Santi, and Marcello Viotti. He has given recitals with singers such as Elena Moşuc, Barbara Frittoli, Javier Camarena, Massimo Cavalletti, Carlo Colombara, and José Cura.

Le nozze di Figaro24 / 29 Jan / 1 / 5 / 7 / 10 / 14 Feb 2026
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Abstract

During the Advent season, with the generous support of Zürich Versicherung and the Friends of Zurich Opera, we present the series Curtain Call. Prominent singers will join the young talents of the International Opera Studio on an equal footing and together create a concert evening. During a three-day workshop, Diana Damrau, Anna Bonitatibus, Thomas Hampson and Benjamin Bernheim will work with the young singers on key works from the vocal repertoire, scenes from 18th and 19th century operas, and classic Lieder repertoire. The results will be presented live on stage to a small audience. The 50 spectators in attendance will have the unique opportunity to follow the concert from an unusual perspective. This concert series is also the prelude to our anniversary year - 60 years Friends of Zurich Opera and 60 years International Opera Studio.

Mezzo-soprano Anna Bonitatibus is at home in the baroque and bel canto repertoire. On 15 December, she will open the series with works by Rossini and Mozart, together with the young singers of the International Opera Studio. On 16 December, rising star Benjamin Bernheim and the young artists follow with arias and scenes from Verdi's Rigoletto and Massenet’s Manon and Werther. On 17 December, star soprano Diana Damrau gets in the mood for Christmas and joins the International Opera Studio to present songs by Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms. Last but not least, Thomas Hampson and the young singers will present scenes from Mozart's Così fan tutte and selected songs by Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert on 18 December.

All concerts will be recorded with several cameras. In addition, a camera team will accompany all the artists during the workshops and observe the development of the musical program backstage. These impressions will be presented as short documentaries. The Curtain Call concerts and documentaries will be digitally broadcast over Christmas and New Year via our homepage.

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Good to know

Erica Petrocelli

Tell us Erica...

«When I’m on stage, I love feeling the energy from the audience. Every audience is like its own unique entity, and makes each performance different and exciting. Becoming an opera singer takes an unbelievable amount of discipline, work ethic, a little madness… but feeds the soul.»

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.

Luis Magallanes

Tell us Luis...

«For me, opera is the biggest performance art, the most exciting and the most beautiful. Becoming an opera singer is one of the most beautiful gifts that life has given me. When I’m on stage I’m the happiest person in the world.»

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.

Andrew Moore

Tell us Andrew...

«For me, Opera is the place where I can be someone else for a night. A chance for me to sing someone else’s story.»

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.