My debut was just another day for a singer in a Polish theater – interview with baritone Andrzej Filończyk
After his first performance in 2015, baritone Andrzej Filończyk was hailed a “real discovery” and a “diamond.” The singer, who has just celebrated his 30th birthday, has already performed on the most important opera stages worldwide. On January 17 and 19, the Polish audience will have an opportunity to see him in Poznań – he will sing his signature role of Figaro in “The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini at the Grand Theater. Agata Ubysz talks to the Polish singer.
You were only 20 years old on the day of your debut as Tonio in Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci.” Do you remember this day?
How could I forget! It was on January 31, 2015 on the stage of the Grand Theater in Poznań. When I reach deeper into my memory, it seems to me it was another rehearsal that day, not the actual performance. Tonio’s part is quite demanding for a young, twenty-year-old vocalist. I prepared for it for a long time, I spent many hours working with pianists and teachers, and the rehearsals lasted several weeks. The stage debut itself, although definitely unique, was just another day for a singer in a Polish theater.
You are about to return to the Poznań stage as Figaro in Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.” How has Andrzej Filończyk changed over the last 10 years?
During the time the world made a 180-degree turn for me – from a twenty-year-old I have become a thirty-year-old. I started a family, which makes me very happy. On the professional side, I have definitely gained experience, I am calmer and I have greater awareness of the instrument I use – my voice. I know exactly what needs to be done day after day, so that later during the performance it will be easy, effortless and pleasant. Not only for me, but also for the viewers.
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The list of opera theaters in which you have performed and the roles you have in your repertoire is very long on Wikipedia. Have any of them become milestones in your career?
Figaro in „The Barber of Seville” is definitely one of them. It was as Figaro that I made my debut in the most important theaters. Regardless of where I sang it, whether it was Italy, France or England, the interpretation I proposed was appreciated by the audience. If I were to choose one theater that had a particular influence on my career, I would mention the Opéra Bastille in Paris. After singing Figaro in Paris I have received a number of wonderful offers, such as my first Verdian role which I will sing in March. It will be Marquis Posa in “Don Carlos”, a production in the original French language version (directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski, editor’s note). Although it is a long, five-hour play and my role is technically demanding, I can hardly wait to the performance. I hope it will be something special.
Before you perform in Paris, there is one more Figaro ahead of you.
Yes, at the Vienna Staatsoper. I will perform with a group of colleagues I sang “The Barber of Seville” with at the summer Rossini Festival in Pesaro last year.
Family, engagements on prestigious stages. What can we wish you in 2025?
Health, health and once again health. Development, peace, happiness, working on yourself, enjoying any rehearsal or performance without health is not possible, and we – opera singers – are not able to move forward.
Thank you for the interview.