…you will spend the fall at Kulturhuset Spira in Jönköping for the production of Carmen. And with none other than Rickard Söderberg in the lead role. Exciting! What will you be doing?
“We have been offered an internship to sing the roles of Frasquita (soprano) and Mercédès (mezzo-soprano) - Carmen’s close friends. It will be a concert version with scenic elements. We will spend three intensive weeks rehearsing in Jönköping leading up to the three performances on 12/9, 14/9, and 15/9. An alumnus from Ingesund, Arvid Emilsson, will participate as Remendado (tenor).”
Have you been part of such a large production before?
“So far in opera, I have sung parts of Bellini’s “I Capuleti e i Montecchi,” says Elin. This was during spring 2023 at Birkagårdens Folk High School, where I sang the role of Juliet. Frasquita will be my first experience on a professional stage with a full-scale orchestra. It’s also my debut role, which feels incredibly exciting!”
“I have been involved in several opera productions, mostly as a choir member in Venezuela, but also in Chile and Lithuania. During my time in Klaipėda, I had the opportunity to participate in a production of Dvořák’s Rusalka and sing the third nymph, which is part of a trio. The role of Mercédès differs from what I’ve done before because it has a more independent character.”
You both study in the bachelor musician program with classical singing as your main instrument. What knowledge do you hope to gain from Jönköping?
“It will be an incredible experience to be surrounded by so many professional musicians and singers, says Elin. I’ll gain insight into the life of a professional musician and the work behind an opera production. Being a successful musician requires so much, and some experiences are hard to obtain within a school environment. That’s why I’m grateful for this internship—it allows me to learn by doing.”
“I agree with Elin; it’s a privilege to sing on a grand stage like Spira in Jönköping, says Indra. I look forward to learning from all these professional musicians and receiving feedback on my performance. Additionally, studying an entire opera role and delving into the nuances and colors of a character is very exciting!”
Elin Emanuelsson has just completed her first year in the bachelor programme in music and will start her second year this fall. Indra Nielsen has just finished her second year and will begin her third year this fall.
