What is the best or worst thing about performing?

The best are the moments when you feel a true connection with the audience, and an understanding of what you’re trying to communicate.

The worst is the panic which ensues when you’ve brought along the wrong score or clothing; or when you just missed the train or airplane. But… the show must go on!

For example? An anecdote?

Regarding contact with the audience:

While learning repertoire, I often arrive at nuances and subtleties which don’t seem to be noticed by listeners because I never get any reaction to them. In the end, I grow accustomed to the fact that such little details are apparently not audible, and I proceed to do them for my own satisfaction. And then, unexpectedly, it happens: after years of singing that same repertoire, someone from the audience tells me how much he appreciated those very same subtleties. Then I realize that a truly receptive ear does notice them, after all… a happy moment!

Regarding late arrival:

In a performance of the St. Matthew Passion, I sang the bass arias, and for the part of Jesus a renowned African-American singer had been engaged: the delightful baritone Charles Holland. At the start of the concert, the performer of the Jesus role hadn’t arrived yet, which caused both the conductor and the organizers to panic. I was then asked to take over the part of Jesus temporarily, but to give way to my colleague Charles, as soon as he arrived. Well, that happened in the middle of the Last Supper scene. As a result, I still sang “Take ye, eat ye; this is my body”, while Charles immediately continued with “Drink ye all of it, this is my blood of the new testament”. I have always remembered that moment as a musical version of true racial integration!

Is there a discrepancy between teaching and performing?

Absolutely! For a performance, you work only with yourself: your condition, memory, technique, emotions. From necessity, you are egocentric.

But when teaching, you concentrate completely on another person; you give all that you have; you are self-sacrificing.

On days when I taught in the morning, and had to perform in the evening (not an ideal situation), halfway through the day I felt myself “switch” my attention from the student towards myself.

Do you often develop friendships with (former) students?

Collaboration with students is often long-term and intense. With participants in (summer) courses, the work takes only weeks but you see each other daily and also outside of actual class time, during meals and other social activities. This has led to some permanent friendships with regular contacts through mail, e-mail or visits.

And with colleagues (who are no former students)?

There is a world of difference. The colleague is a finished product; the student is still being molded. The colleague knows what he/she wants; the student is still searching.

With a colleague, you work on a concert for a few days, and then it’s: “goodbye!” With a student you labor together in a long process of self-discovery and technical perfection.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

Of course. With some students, no mutual understanding develops; i.e. situations involving only a one-day workshop, or perhaps interrupted studies. Then you often lose touch with each other.

In contrast, the collaboration with a piano accompanist can lead to lasting friendship, since you prepare various recitals (a long and intensive process), and then go on tour to various cities or countries.

Moreover, I have developed a lifelong cooperation with some conductors who appreciated my work enough to ask me back repeatedly. Finally, there are no doubt some singer colleagues with whom I have, over the years, collected treasured memories.

And if the collaboration goes wrong, are there sometimes conflicts?

Luckily not often. Very occasionally, there was a conductor or opera director with whom I disagreed, or who appeared less capable. Luckily, I can adjust easily to such situations, or accept a compromise. Serious quarrels have almost never occurred.

How can someone really annoy you?

That doesn’t happen very easily. I instinctively prefer to see things in a philosophical and realistic manner. Therefore, I’m “more often sad than angry”, as one says.

But… organizations that waste people’s time and money can really get my back up.

What are you angry about right now?

About the power-hungry nature of some nations, religions, and organizations.

What kind of people can’t you stand, and what sort do you like?

People who are only preoccupied with themselves can become very tiring for me. But those who create a positive and relaxed atmosphere around themselves are beyond price.