Lise Davidsen, a soprano from Norway, had her first encounter with Italian opera relatively late in her musical journey. Raised with a passion for sports and initially considering a future in songwriting, Davidsen didn’t witness Italian operatic performances until she pursued her master’s degree as a budding soprano in Copenhagen. Despite this late introduction, Davidsen’s exceptional vocal talent quickly propelled her to stardom, particularly in the works of Wagner and Strauss.
Her meteoric rise saw her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2019, showcasing her formidable vocal prowess in Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades.” However, Davidsen’s operatic repertoire expanded unexpectedly when she was cast in Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” and subsequently slated to perform the title role in “Tosca” in the upcoming season at the Met. Suddenly, she found herself immersed in the world of Italian opera, tackling roles by two of its greatest composers.
Despite her newfound focus on Italian repertoire, Davidsen’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. While she has soft-launched her Italian vocal capabilities with performances such as “Forza” in concert with the Norwegian Opera, mastering the intricacies of Verdi’s music and the nuances of the Italian language has required dedicated effort and preparation.
However, Davidsen’s commitment to expanding her repertoire has been met with acclaim and encouragement from colleagues and mentors. Renowned conductor Mark Elder, with whom Davidsen collaborated on the album “Beethoven – Wagner – Verdi,” lauds her as an incredibly gifted singer who is actively broadening her musical horizons.
Navigating the transition from Wagnerian roles to Italian opera has demanded a shift in approach for Davidsen. Italian repertoire places different demands on singers, requiring meticulous control and attention to detail in both vocal delivery and interpretation. For Davidsen, adapting to the expressive subtleties of Verdi’s music has been a process of refinement, with a focus on precision and phrasing.
Working closely with the music staff at the Met, Davidsen has honed her interpretation of Verdi’s works, striving to strike a balance between emotional depth and vocal control. The new production of “Forza,” directed by Mariusz Trelinski, presents Davidsen with the opportunity to embody the complex character of Leonora within a contemporary setting, a challenge she embraces with enthusiasm and dedication.
Collaborating with acclaimed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Davidsen finds herself in good company as she prepares to take on the demanding role of Leonora. Nézet-Séguin praises her versatility and commitment to excellence, noting her ability to inhabit each role with nuance and authenticity.
As Davidsen prepares to step onto the stage of the Met in “La Forza del Destino,” she approaches her Italian opera debut with confidence and humility. Fully aware of the diverse opinions and expectations surrounding her interpretation, Davidsen remains steadfast in her artistic vision, eager to share her unique perspective with audiences.
For Davidsen, the journey into Italian opera represents not only a professional milestone but also a personal evolution as an artist. With each new role she undertakes, she embraces the opportunity to explore and expand her musical repertoire, confident in her ability to captivate and inspire audiences with her extraordinary talent and artistry.
