As part of the Royal Opera House's latest season, Mozart's comic opera The Marriage of Figaro showcases laugh-out-loud moments alongside breathtaking beauty this September. Read our interview with Swedish soprano Maria Bengtsson to find out more about the production.
Maria Bengtsson headshot.
1. Could you share how your passion for opera singing began and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
Music has always played a very big part in my family home. My father and brother are both professional musicians. In my childhood, I sang in different choirs and took piano lessons and my passion for opera was awakened when I saw Ingmar Bergman's Magic Flute on television when I was around 6 years old.
2. You've had the opportunity to perform at the Royal Opera House multiple times. What do you enjoy most about returning to this iconic stage?
It is such a joy to come back to the ROH. It is for sure one of my favourite theatres in the world. The staff is unbelievably professional, everything is working so flawlessly and at the same time everybody is polite and kind. And of course to stand on the same spots on stage as so many opera icons have.
3. You're about to perform in The Marriage of Figaro. Please give us an overview of what the opera is about.
Although written over 200 years ago, these themes are still relevant and permeate today’s culture and current issues.
The Marriage of Figaro involves many themes including love, infidelity, class, authority, gender questions and equality. It tells the story about how the servants Susanna and Figaro, who wants to get married, but their employer Count Almaviva stands in their way. With the cunning help of Countess Almaviva, the three of them teach the Count a lesson, tricking him to expose his infidelity.
4. Can you tell us more about the character you'll be portraying in The Marriage of Figaro?
The Countess is a young woman, who only after a couple of years of marriage is completely neglected by her husband, the Count. She is a smart, witty, sensible, sad and beautiful human, who is in need of respect and love.
5. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being an opera singer?
The most challenging aspect is also the most fun and exciting; the hard training and daily practicing hours. Keep in mind: You are only as good as you were in your last performance.
6. Is there a particular moment or scene in the show that you find especially meaningful or enjoyable?
I adore the genius moment of Mozart at the end of the opera, when the Count apologizes to the Countess. Suddenly the opera stops and all of the characters on stage are in a kind of fermata with a question mark.
7. What can audiences look forward to in this production of The Marriage of Figaro?
The story is so intelligent and beautiful stage by Sir David McVicar. The costumes and settings are extremely beautiful, the music is spectacular under the baton of wonderful Julia Jones and my colleagues are perfect in every role.
8. Why should people book tickets to see this performance?
If you ever wanted to see The Marriage of Figaro and to hear a piece by Mozart- this is the show to satisfy your ears and eyes!
Maria Bengtsson performs in The Tales of Figaro at The Royal Opera House between 2 - 15 September 2024.
