Sonya Yoncheva, one of the greatest sopranos of our era, continues to embrace new challenges with unmatched zeal. The Bulgarian diva has recently added the role of Maddalena, the tragic heroine in Andrea Chénier, to her repertoire, performing at the illustrious La Scala opera house. Alongside this, she is also debuting as Ciò-Ciò-San in Madama Butterfly at the Vienna Staatsoper. But how does this opera sensation manage to make these complex roles uniquely her own?
Inside her Milan studio, Yoncheva graced Musica with a rendering of Andrea Chénier’s musical score on the piano. “Playing the score helps me immensely. It provides an intimate moment where I can experiment and explore different emotional colors,” she shared.
Preparing for the Stage: From Rehearsals to Performances
Two weeks before the premiere, Yoncheva immersed herself in preparations for the ‘sitzprobe’ or seated rehearsal. “It’s our first chance to hear how the orchestra plays, allowing us to integrate into the magical blend that is opera,” explained conductor Marco Armilato. “When an orchestra plays live and singers perform live, that’s when the true magic happens,” he added.
Sonya emphasized the importance of rehearsing with the orchestra: “We find ourselves in a safe space where mistakes are part of the process. This rehearsal is crucial.” The subsequent stage rehearsals allow singers to familiarize themselves with the set, perfecting their entrances and exits.
The Tragic Tale of Andrea Chénier
This dramatic opera recounts the story of revolutionary poet Andrea Chénier and his ill-fated love with Maddalena. “Currently, I’m still discovering the character because it’s a new experience for me. Maddalena’s pure love for Chénier is profound; she loves with all her heart. In the end, she chooses to die with him, despite not being destined to,” Yoncheva revealed.
The opera, composed by Umberto Giordano, premiered with great success at La Scala in 1896. The venue holds a special place in Sonya’s heart, as it was here she won the renowned Operalia singing competition, catapulting her to fame in 2010.
“For an artist, it’s vital to push boundaries and continually seek new roles. They provide new dimensions and enrich my artistry,” Sonya enthused.
On the night of the premiere, Sonya felt the weight of expectation: “Since this morning, I’ve been eager to perform and release the pressure. Building a character and debuting at a place like La Scala is intense. Everyone knows various interpretations of this opera, so I strive to offer something fresh and captivating.”
Weeks later, still performing in Milan, Sonya was already preparing for her next endeavor: tackling the iconic role of Ciò-Ciò-San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
Bringing Ciò-Ciò-San to Life with Ricordi Archive’s Treasures
To delve into the history of this demanding role and seek inspiration, Yoncheva visited Milan’s Ricordi Archive, a treasure trove of Italian opera history, representing two centuries of musical heritage. Founded in 1808, Ricordi’s legacy is safeguarded by the German media group Bertelsmann, ensuring its conservation and cultural development.
The vast collection, housed in Milan’s Braidense National Library, boasts approximately 8,000 musical scores, 13,500 costume and set designs, and 6,000 photographs. The archive’s collection of Puccini’s works is considered the most comprehensive worldwide. “We possess autographed scores and designs from world premieres, enabling us to reconstruct the creation of these masterpieces,” stated Pierluigi Ledda, the archive’s managing director.
“Puccini meticulously noted everything happening on stage,” said archivist Maria Pia Ferraris. Sonya found this invaluable: “Seeing the composer’s notes about my stage presence equips me to engage with stage directors. ‘Oh, no, no, no, Puccini instructed it to be this way,'” she humorously remarked.
The Essence of Madama Butterfly
Transitioning from Milan to Vienna, Sonya transformed into the geisha Ciò-Ciò-San for Madama Butterfly, a heartrending tragedy that remains one of opera’s most poignant tales. Yoncheva reflected on her connection to the character: “It’s challenging to suppress tears while studying this role. The emotional depth is extraordinary.”
“Ciò-Ciò-San is emotionally fragile yet incredibly resilient. I admire her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and promises,” Sonya expressed.
Looking ahead, Sonya Yoncheva is set to take the stage as the lead in Cherubini’s Médée at Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter den Linden theatre on July 6, 12, and 16.
