Dublin soprano Claudia Boyle has secured herself a stellar reputation on the world-wide stage as one of the finest Irish opera singers of her generation. She has recently returned from making her main stage debut singing the title role in Alice’s Adventures Underground at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
Aside from that, Claudia has won both the First Prize and the Critics Award at The Maria Calla Competition in Verona where the Callas Estate presented her with the miraculous medal once owned and worn by the legendary singer.
Back in Ireland for one night only this May, Claudia will sing as part of the Seafield Singers and Laetare Vocal Ensemble in St. Gabriel’s Church, Clontarf. Here, we catch up with Claudia ahead of her performance.
What first drew you to opera and when did you realise it could become your career?
It’s funny but I sort of fell into opera. I actually used to make fun of it as a child. Impressions of opera singers entertained my family around the dinner table. But I always loved drama and music and these two passions gradually merged when I was a little older. Performing is in my DNA.
I studied the cello in college and only sang part-time then. But I began to win competitions here and there and started to sing roles with some Irish opera companies which gave me the confidence to pursue it full time. For me it was so much more immediate and personal when I sang. I also love to act, so it’s the best of both worlds. Then I auditioned for a place on the prestigious Salzburg Opera Festival’s young artist course and the opera career followed soon after.
What’s the biggest misconceptions audiences have about opera singing?
That it’s too ‘highbrow’ or inaccessible. I think the language barrier can scare some people off too. But the music will show you the way. Most opera companies also have surtitles now above or to the side of the stage and I think this can really help an audience engage with the plot and invest more as a result. Then the beautiful music is yours for the taking.
Looking back, are there any performances that changed your career trajectory most significantly?
A few and at different points of my career. When I won the Maria Callas competition in Verona it gave me a vote of confidence. Not that it’s all about winning competitions – it isn’t. But it was a nice boost at the time and made me feel assured in pursuing this as a career.
I remember singing the famous role of ‘Gilda’ in Verdi’s Rigoletto at the main opera house in Rome. I had sang three different roles there in various languages before they let me sing this famous Italian role. Singing it for the Italian audiences, who know and love their opera so well, is something I’ll always cherish. Then at a later stage I sang the role of Mabel in the Pirates of Penzance for film director Mike Leigh’s first venture for the operatic stage. It was such an incredible experience to work with him, challenge myself and grow as an artist.
How important is it to nurture opera and classical music audiences in Ireland today?
It’s crucial. We live in an age where the technology and advancements all around us are incredible but can also be overwhelming. I know I certainly feel it. The constant feed of news, contact and work through our phones is something I don’t think we’re built for. Who knows the long term implications but classical music is certainly an antidote to some of the chaos in the world. Art, Opera and culture are a soothing balm for the soul and mind and we can never lose it. Otherwise, we’ll lose ourselves. I love presenting ‘Weekend Classics’ for RTÉ Lyric Fm every Saturday and Sunday. This year RTÉ Lyric FM were voted IMRO music station of the year and we continue to see a rise in listenership, which is so positive for a classical music station. The demand and appetite for it is growing which is fantastic.
Is there a piece of music you never tire of singing?
I’ve always adored Sempre Libera from Verdi’s La Traviata and there’s a beautiful aria ‘Comme autrefois’ from Bizet’s Pearl Fishers. Song to the Moon from Dvořák’s Rusalka up there too. And of course, Handel’s Messiah.
What are you most excited about creatively at the moment?
I’m currently singing the title role of ‘Medusa’ at La Monnaie Opera House in Brussels. This is a brand new opera and as a result it’s been so artistically satisfying to create, shape and humanise this iconic mythological character. I’ve also just finished recording a cross-over album which will be released later this year. This is a completely new venture for me and I can’t wait to share it. But it’s always a joy to return to the powerful and moving music from Handel’s Messiah. It’s a masterpiece and will be a special homecoming gift to perform it in Clontarf when I return this May.
If you want to catch Claudia, you can stay in Clontarf Castle for €459. The package includes an overnight stay for two in a deluxe room, breakfast, and two concert tickets. More details are available at www.clontarfcastle.ie.
