Aveline Kirana
The hallowed stage of Teatro alla Scala, universally recognized as the pinnacle of operatic achievement, recently witnessed the much-anticipated debut of Italian soprano Selene Zanetti. A luminary rapidly ascending the global opera circuit, Zanetti has graced the stages of prestigious institutions including the Teatro La Fenice, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro San Carlo, Hamburg State Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, and the Wiener Staatsoper. Her latest triumph, however, marks a profound personal and professional milestone, solidifying her status as a significant voice of her generation.
Zanetti’s La Scala debut was in the demanding role of Liù in Giacomo Puccini’s iconic opera "Turandot." This is a role she has previously brought to life with critical acclaim at the Tokyo Opera and the Bayerische Staatsoper, demonstrating a consistent mastery of its intricate emotional and vocal demands. The significance of this debut cannot be overstated; for any opera singer, La Scala represents a benchmark of excellence and historical resonance. For an Italian soprano, the experience is imbued with an even deeper cultural and emotional weight, connecting them to a rich heritage of artistry and national pride.
A Debut Steeped in Tradition and Emotion
"Making my debut at Teatro alla Scala was one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of my career," Zanetti shared in an exclusive interview with OperaWire. "For any opera singer, La Scala represents excellence and tradition, but for an Italian soprano it carries an even deeper significance because it is part of our cultural identity." The soprano described an overwhelming sense of responsibility mingled with profound gratitude and excitement as she stepped onto the legendary stage. "Walking onto that stage for the first time, I felt an enormous sense of responsibility, but also gratitude and excitement. It is a theater where history lives in every corner, and you can truly feel the presence of the great artists who performed there before you."
The choice of Liù for this momentous occasion was deliberate and deeply personal. Zanetti explained her connection to the character: "Liù was the perfect role for my debut because she combines lyricism, fragility, and emotional intensity in a very authentic way. She is a character who speaks directly to the heart, and I felt immediately connected to her sincerity and humanity." The audience’s reception mirrored Zanetti’s own profound connection to the role. "The audience responded with incredible warmth and generosity. I could feel their emotional involvement, especially during her final scenes, and that connection with the public made the experience unforgettable for me."
The Vision of Davide Livermore and the Magic of Jackie Chan
Zanetti’s interpretation of Liù was further shaped by the production helmed by acclaimed director Davide Livermore. Livermore is known for his innovative yet musically sensitive approach to opera, often infusing productions with a cinematic flair. "Working on this production by Davide Livermore gave me a lot of inspiration," Zanetti remarked. "His production presents a very cinematic and modern vision, but always with great respect for the music and the psychology of the characters." Livermore’s direction encouraged Zanetti to explore facets of Liù beyond the conventional portrayal of a tragic victim. "Through his work, he inspired me to explore Liù not only as a victim, but also as a strong and courageous young woman. His direction helped me discover new emotional colors in the role and made my interpretation more layered and personal."
Adding another layer of international intrigue and artistic collaboration to Zanetti’s La Scala engagement is her subsequent work on a new production of "Turandot" directed by legendary filmmaker and martial arts icon, Jackie Chan. This collaboration represents a unique intersection of operatic tradition and global cinematic artistry. "Working on a production directed by Jackie Chan has been a truly extraordinary experience," Zanetti stated. "He is a global legend, but at the same time he is incredibly humble, disciplined, and generous. In his production, you can truly feel his contagious energy, as well as his passion and precision in every detail. Being able to take part in a project led by someone of his stature has been both exciting and enriching, on a human level as well as an artistic one."
Chan’s involvement brings a distinct cultural perspective to the opera, particularly given the Chinese setting of "Turandot." Zanetti elaborated on the insights she gained: "He brings a deep understanding of Chinese culture, especially the philosophy and discipline behind kung fu. For him, kung fu is not only about movement or action, but also about balance, respect, patience, and inner strength." The soprano highlighted the lessons learned from Chan’s disciplined approach to his craft, which transcends disciplines. "Watching him work, I learned how important discipline and dedication are in every form of art. He also shared fascinating insights about the connection between physical expression and storytelling, which inspired me as a performer. I learned a great deal from observing his work ethic and his attention to detail. In addition, he offered valuable perspectives on the cultural roots behind Turandot, which gave me a broader understanding of the opera and its atmosphere."
The Enduring Appeal of Liù
The character of Liù, a slave girl who sacrifices herself for the love of Prince Calaf, is often considered the emotional core of "Turandot." Zanetti’s profound affection for the role stems from its inherent sincerity and emotional depth. "Liù is a role I love because everything she expresses comes from pure emotion. Her music is intimate, sincere, and incredibly touching."
Puccini gifted Liù with two of opera’s most poignant arias: "Signore, ascolta" and "Tu che di gel sei cinta." Zanetti described the distinct emotional and vocal landscapes they inhabit. "The two arias, ‘Signore, ascolta’ and ‘Tu che di gel sei cinta,’ are very different emotionally and vocally. The first is tender and lyrical, full of youthful hope and vulnerability, while the second is more dramatic and transcendent, almost like a spiritual farewell. Singing them requires different vocal colors and emotional states, and that contrast is one of the reasons the role is so rewarding."
The enduring power of Liù to captivate audiences and often "steal the show" is a phenomenon Zanetti attributes to her universal humanity. "I think Liù often steals the show because she is the emotional heart of Turandot. While the other characters can seem larger than life or symbolic, Liù feels deeply human and relatable. Her love is unconditional and selfless, and audiences connect immediately with that sincerity. Puccini also gave her some of the most beautiful and heartfelt music in the opera, which makes her unforgettable."
Vocal Versatility and Future Aspirations
Comparing Liù to other roles in her repertoire, Zanetti noted the subtle but significant differences in character and vocal demands. "Liù is different from many other Puccini heroines because her strength is quiet and internal. Characters like Tosca or Manon are more dramatic and extroverted, while Liù communicates through simplicity and tenderness. Vocally, the role requires a great deal of control, delicacy, and legato singing. Compared to other roles I perform, Liù demands a very intimate emotional approach, where even the smallest nuance can have a huge impact."
Looking ahead, Zanetti is set to explore another complex and passionate female character: Nedda in Ruggero Leoncavallo’s verismo masterpiece, "Pagliacci." This will mark her role debut as Nedda, a character grappling with her own desires and the harsh realities of her life. "This fall I will sing Nedda in ‘Pagliacci,’ and I am very excited because she is such a complex and passionate character. My interpretation focuses on her desire for freedom and her refusal to accept a life without love or dignity. Singing Nedda combines lyrical beauty with dramatic intensity." Zanetti’s favorite moment in the role is Nedda’s iconic aria, "Stridono lassù," which encapsulates her dreams and yearning for escape. "One of my favorite moments is the great aria ‘Stridono lassù,’ because it reveals her dreams, her longing for escape, and her poetic side before the tragedy unfolds. It will also be my role debut, and I am truly looking forward to it."
Zanetti’s artistic vision extends to a future filled with challenging and iconic roles. Among her Puccini aspirations is the formidable Floria Tosca in "Tosca." However, her ambitions also reach into the dramatic realms of Richard Wagner. "I have many dream roles that I would love to explore in the future. Among the Puccini heroines, I would love to sing Floria Tosca in ‘Tosca.’ I am also very attracted to Wagnerian roles such as Elisabeth in ‘Tannhäuser’ and Elsa in ‘Lohengrin.’" Ultimately, Zanetti embraces a philosophy of artistic growth and discovery. "At the same time, I believe that every role arrives at the right moment in an artist’s life, so I am excited to continue growing and discovering new characters along the way."
Selene Zanetti’s journey at the Teatro alla Scala is more than just a debut; it is a testament to her burgeoning talent, her deep connection to the operatic tradition, and her commitment to exploring the profound emotional depths of the characters she embodies. Her continued artistic evolution promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
