Our Meet Our Artists series continues with our opening night Nadir, Philippe Talbot. This French tenor recently made his American debut in New York City Opera’s La Périchole, for which Opera News praised him as a “tenor emerging with such unforced, natural lyricism that one could well understand why Périchole adored him.”
Philippe Talbot will be performing the role of Nadir in Florida Grand Opera's lush and exotic production of Bizet's The Pearl Fishers on February 28, March 3, 7, 12, and 14.
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| " Ecco ridente " |
Hello and welcome to Florida Grand Opera! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, my name’s Philippe Talbot, and I am thrilled to play the part of Nadir. I was born in Nantes, France, where I still live. I sang in a choir throughout my childhood, and at the age of 13, just before my voice changed, I sang the role of one of the three boys in Die Zauberflöte in my home town at Nantes Opera. This was such an intense experience, and I felt so comfortable on stage that it was, for me, proof that I will play Tamino one day!That's fantastic! Now you're enjoying the start of an exciting international career. What advice would you give to young singers in the early stages of their careers?
The advice I could give to young singers is that they must keep in mind that opera is theater, and our job is to transmit emotion through both voice and body. In Europe the only way to make a good career is to become the best at the repertoire you choose. If you are not in the top three to five artists specializing in these roles, you can’t live off your work. The competition is so fierce.It is very important to choose repertoire that perfectly matches your vocal and acting abilities .
Insightful advice. Do you feel you have a particular advantage performing this role, seeing as French is your native language?
Half of the year I’m singing in my native language. The rest of the time I’m singing in Italian because I’m fluent in both Italian and French. I love to sing in those two languages.When you can understand every aspect and the subtleties of the languages you are singing, it gives you a better chance to defend your character.
Great point, and we're very glad you're bringing such passion and understanding to this role! Now let's transion into this production: How would you describe the plot of The Pearl Fishers in one sentence?
When love is stronger than an oath. |
| "Dinorah" en version Concert au Berliner Philharmoniker |
What are your personal opinions towards the oath with Zurga that Nadir breaks?
I’m the kind of guy who believe that, when you give your word, you can’t break it no matter what happens. So, for me, Nadir should have run away the minute he recognized Leïla so that he couldn't be tempted to break his promise!
If only Nadir were more like you, Philippe (but then it would be a much shorter opera)!
What has been some of the biggest challenges you've faced when preparing for this role?
The biggest challenge I have faced as Nadir has been to make the audience believe that the aria I sing is very easy :) It is a very difficult piece of music, as it requires perfect technique and great control of breath and passaggio.What aspect of the opera do you think audiences will enjoy the most?
I’m sure audiences will love all the beautiful melodies Bizet writes throughout this musical masterpiece. The chorus pieces are so beautiful and powerful, and, of course, there is Nadir’s aria to look forward :)Well, of course! We already cannot wait.
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| Photo: Rod Millington for Sarasota Opera |
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