Rolando Villazón in an interview

"I'm enjoying everything that's still to come."

Rolando Villazón is currently the most famous tenor in the world. He also frequently directs films, writes books, draws caricatures, and hosts television programs.

After graduating from school, you wanted to become a priest and spent a few months in a monastery in the mountains. Why did you decide against it?
During that time, I realized it wasn't the right path for me, and ultimately, my love for my wife also influenced my decision.

Do you see any parallels to your current work?
As a priest, just like as a singer, you have something to say. You want to move and touch people.

How important is your religion today?
I've explored materialism and Buddhism and have come to the conclusion that there is a higher order. But it's not a man or a woman sitting up in the clouds. These questions have receded into the background for me now. 

How and when did you discover your voice?
There wasn't a specific event. I sang a lot and enjoyed it. There were people who heard me and encouraged me, and that led to increasingly important performance opportunities.

You also enjoy drawing caricatures and illustrations for productions, you're a television presenter, you model in advertising, etc. Do you even have time for all of that?
I don't feel like anything is being neglected. It simply requires very good time management. I can't do several things at once. I need to be able to focus on one thing and immerse myself in it. I love the variety and everything I get to do.

You also work as a director. What appeals to you about this role?
It's wonderful to be involved in shaping the production process. While I have clear ideas about how something should be, I'm also very open to the singers' ideas. It's a collaborative development that I get to guide, and that's incredibly enjoyable.

Have you ever had problems with a director as a singer?
No, not really. Of course, there are ideas that are more difficult to implement, but dialogue is important. As a director, I'm also open to being persuaded if something is simply too complicated and not feasible.

Which are your favorite roles and why?
I can't single out any particular roles. Right now, I most enjoy discovering new roles that I've never sung before.

Do you have any plans for the future, projects you absolutely want to realize in your life?
No, actually I'm completely satisfied with everything I've already done. Everything that comes next is a gift. I'm going to enjoy it.

What do you do to relax?
I like to have a beer with friends or go for a leisurely stroll.

> Rolando Villazón can be heard on October 7, 2017 at the KKL in Lucerne.

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.net | September 4, 2017