Soldaten: Brilliantly Sung

March 21, 2018

Photo: Ludwig Olah

Today I arrived in my student town Gothenburg to start rehearsing Boris Godunov.

The premiere of Zimmermann’s die Soldaten went very well and I am both happy and relieved for the two successful performances we’ve had. Four are yet to come. I’m happy to get to do my Zimmermann-debut under such circumstances. Konwitschny’s deep understanding of the piece and my fabulous and funny colleagues Susanne Elmark and Sharon Kempton who both have earlier experience with the piece.

The premiere-audience was very positive towards both the director; Peter Konwitschny, the

Post-Trio-Happiness

set-designer; Helmut Brade and the conductor; Marcus Bosch. Not one single boo which is rather unusual for Nürnberg.

Susanne Elmark, me, Peter Konwitschny and Helmut Brade. Photo by Rossignol

The bavarian radio, Bayerische Rundfunk, broadcasted the second performance live, March the 20th 2018 – B. A. Zimmermann’s 100 birthday. Such a piece, Konwitschny directing and the timing with Zimmermann’s jubilee are enough factors to result in a big interest from the media. The reviews have so far been generally positive. I’ve also got some positive remarks about character and vocal quality. Two examples:

“Die Charlotte der Solgerd Isalv hat in der tieferen Lage einen angenehmen Mezzo zu bieten, und in Zwiegesang und Duett sind die beiden [Susanne Elmark] unschlagbar.” March 18, 2018 – OnlineMerker (Friedeon Rosén)

Photo by Ludwig Olah

“Dennoch wird munter gespielt und hervorragend gesungen… …die dramatische Stimme von Solgerd Isalv bleib[t] in Erinnerung.” March 19, 2018 – Donaukurier (Jesko Schulze-Reimpell)

The Live-broadcast on BR Klassik is available online until March 27th.

A short example from the third act is to be heard here