Simone Kermes in an interview

"It's like a little circus act."

The German soprano Simone Kermes is often called the Queen of Baroque Music by the media. Her passionate performances, brimming with emotion and provocation, have made her a global star.

Classicpoint.ch: How did you get into singing?
When I was eight, I was constantly going to the library. I would borrow records there, and when I listened, I would simply sing along if I liked a song. It was almost exclusively opera, from Mozart to Wagner.

You initially trained as a secretary. When you then wanted to study singing, you were advised to try acting. What was the deciding factor that made you believe in yourself and ultimately lead to success?
I was, and still am, simply passionate about music. It's my passion. I couldn't live without music now. Nobody forced me. It all came from within. If you're passionate about music, it's possible for your dream to become reality.

You're also called the pop singer of Baroque music. What do you particularly like about Baroque music?
Everything! The rhythm, the melody, the challenge of mastering it technically. I see a connection to our modern pop music; BA ROCK is similar.

Do you even still have the desire to sing music other than Baroque?
I don't only sing Baroque. My repertoire ranges from the early Baroque to the present day. Baroque music simply holds a special place for me because it lends itself to such "modern" interpretations. My latest CD, by the way, is a BEL CANTO CD with works ranging from Mozart to early Verdi, including Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and Mercadante. There's also a Monteverdi piece at the end...

What do coloratura passages mean to you personally?
Coloratura is fun, an expression of fire, passion, and virtuosity. It's like a little circus act, conveying extreme emotions with profound expression and the highest technical perfection in such a moment.

You used to be determined to go into theater to sing operas, but you don't want to anymore. Why?
I've been in the theater and I'm still involved in the theater from time to time. On New Year's Eve, I sang Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus in Cologne , a role I've performed many times on various stages. After that, I was at the Theater in der Wien, the Opéra Comique in Paris, and in New York with a staged production (Rameau - Plattée - Folie...). Last year, I received the Golden Mask for Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, along with the entire opera production in Moscow. It's not true that I don't sing opera... on the contrary. It just has to be the right fit.

You strive to find unperformed Baroque music and bring it to life. What has been your most interesting discovery so far?
I can't say. If you look at all the CDs by Lava, Colori d'amore, Dramma, and also Belcanto, all the pieces are wonderful in their own way. I always try to find the most beautiful music and share it with people. I don't perform bad pieces. And of course, there are some.

Which composer's undiscovered masterpiece would you still like to find?
Perhaps by Mozart, Handel, Purcell, or even Bernstein? It doesn't matter, as long as it's beautiful, challenging, and above all, moving...

As a singer, your body is your instrument. Do you pay special attention to your body?
Yes, of course, you make sure you don't drink too much alcohol the night before a performance or concert, that you're sensible, and above all, that you get a good night's sleep. But you still have to live a life outside of singing. Many people forget that. You should also watch what you eat so you don't get too fat. It just doesn't look good on stage. These days, directors want to dress you like a model. Then there are the television broadcasts, where you look three times heavier anyway. So, paying a little attention to your weight isn't a bad idea. The idea that you need a lot of bulk to sing well is complete nonsense.

Do you have any future plans or wishes?
I wish to remain healthy both physically and mentally, to always be inspired, to meet wonderful musicians and people, and to remain open to new paths. And I want to keep my pure soul and my honesty. I want to accept myself as I am in order to be authentic. I want to constantly develop myself and give something back to society, to experience, share, love, and enjoy the moment with others!



Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.ch | February 3, 2014
Photo: Gregor Hohenberg