Małgorzata Walewska: I have been entrusted with great responsibility and I do not want to hurt anyone
The names of 70 young opera singers shortlisted for the 21st Ada Sari International Vocal Artistry Competition in Nowy Sącz have just been announced. Featuring 23 Polish vocalists, the list proves how important it is for emerging artists to be able to present themselves to a jury of international operatic experts. The qualifying committee includes Małgorzata Walewska, acclaimed artist and juror of the TV show “Your Face Sounds Familiar.” Agata Ubysz talks to the mezzo-soprano who has beeen the artistic director of the competition for ten years; she has also chaired the jury during the period.
In May, young singers from 18 countries will compete in Nowy Sącz during the 21st Ada Sari International Vocal Art Competition. Their participation in the contest has been subject to a preliminary assessment by the jury. What does the selection process involve?
Singers under 30 submit their applications along with links to two recordings. As specified in the rules and regulations, one of the demos should be a piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Why Mozart?
Because it is extremely demanding when it comes to singing technique. Selectivity of coloratura, legato, or the ability to lead a phrase smoothly, and attention to the articulation of words are the basic skills a candidate must have to qualify. Virtually every piece written by Mozart can showcase vocal art or expose its lack.
210 artists from 40 countries have applied this year – a record-breaking number in the history of the event. How long did it take you to listen to 420 songs?
A whole week. During this time, from morning till night, I lived only with the recordings. I listened to some of them many times to make the right decision. I am aware I have been entrusted with great responsibility, and I do not want to hurt anyone. I then consulted my choice with Wojciech Maciejowski – he has served as the secretary of the jury for many years.
How could you compare your work on the jury of the Ada Sari Competition with that of the program “Your Face Sounds Familiar?”
In “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” the evaluation of the participants is much more difficult, as we have no clear criteria. We look at the similarity to the original performance, not strictly vocal skills. On the other hand, I have it at the back of my head it is an entertainment show, and the future life or career of the participants does not depend on the assessment of the jury. In the case of the Ada Sari, winning the competition can have a significant impact on the artistic development of emerging singers. After all, they are demonstrating their skills before an international commission.
Among the qualifiers for the current edition, the largest group are Polish singers – as many as 23 people. Did you pay attention to nationality when listening to the recordings?
Nationality is not a criterion. I check where the participant comes from only after listening and making my choice.
The majority of the participants are sopranos – as many as 38 this year.
This is completely normal. Soprano, the highest female voice, is the most popular in our latitude. The patron of our Competition is Ada Sari (1886-1968), a soprano, one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Polish vocal art and a phenomenon on a global scale. Her career developed thanks to hard work and by taking an unusual path: from dramatic soprano to coloratura soprano, and not the other way around as is usually the case. I encourage you to listen to her vocal artistry on the recordings available on YouTube.
Thank you for the interview.
The list of qualified singers can be found here.