What is the best things idea bout my job? What I like most is the feeling of mirroring the character I play, which often reveals a little- known aspect of my own personality. It’s like returning to the interior of an atom; we access the vast field of creation where everything reveals itself with its true nature. I believe very strongly in the cathartic function of Opera on the spectator but also on the performer.
What is my idea of happiness? It is impossible for me to feel fully happy if my loved ones are suffering that is why happiness is simply knowing my family happy.
What is my biggest fear? Dying alone and without being able to say a final goodbye to my lovedones and telling them that I am leaving the planet happy.
What is the trait deplore most about myself? My hypersensitivity which only becomes a quality once we have learned to control our emotions. Art and the stage is also an excellent way to use my hypersensitivity.
Which living people in my profession do I admire the most? Pumeza Matshikiza, Sabine Devieilhe, Natalie Dessay
What is my biggest extravagance? I believe that extravagance is mainly on the side of the person who is looking at you.
That is why ;practicing shamanic drumming for a lyric singer may be considered extravagance for some but certainly not for me…
When would I lie? I hate it but I can lie to my family to make them believe everything is okay even when I’m on the verge of collapse.I can’t stand the thought of seeing my loved ones suffer because of me.
What is the things I don’t like most about my job? The social determinism which means there is a glassceiling even if you are talented.
When and where was I happiest at my job? During the world recreation of Sarah the Orphan of Glencoé, Albert Grisar in April 2022. I believe that bringing forgotten repertoire back to life as a former musicological research student is priceless. It is also a way of continuing musicological research and supporting the world of research which always needs help and funding. Special thanks to my godmother without whom this project would never exist. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the extent to which creation needs the support of the people. I believe that the creative world will change and that it will be much more linked to the people than to policies and subsidies. This is no worse for guaranteeing creative freedom and guaranteeing the separation between the world of art and politics.
If Icould,what would I change about my self? I will have eye surgery to be able to free myself from my glasses and contact lenses forgood.
What is my greatest professional achievement? Join a conservatory because for a long time the doors were closed to me.
I think it is a shame that there is not more of bridge from primary schooland especially for children from working-class area.
Where would I most like to live? Unlike many opera singer who have the chance to integrate “Conservatoire National Supérieur” in France and to do exchanges with partner conservatories; I didn’t travel much as part of my studies and I missed it. I believe that in England I will have the opportunity to work on English melodies with specialists and to complete my training in baroque music.
What is my most precious possession? My most precious possession is my soul.
What is my most marked characteristic? My voice that some call an“angel”voice because of the fact that my voice seems “disembodied” and “stellar.”
What is my most inspiring place in my city? Lyon2 University where I spent the best years of my life.
Where is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? I love “Café Berlin” in Lyon 7th because we are always well received there. The staff is dynamic and smiling and we listen to good music. I also have the feeling to travel because I have never been to Germany. Theire prices are great for small budgets and you can work quietly and eat well.
What books have influenced my life and how? Unquestionably; A life,Simone Veil because I admire her strength of character and her way of rebuilding herself from almost “nothingness”. There is also Belle du Seigneur,by Albert Cohen because I would like to meet a man who can love me as much as Solal. This novel is an Ode to love.
To finish;Black skin, whitemask by Frantz Fanonon the complexity of black identity to evolve in the West. Which brings us back to the necessary discussion between total assimilation or multi-culturalism.
You only die once. What music would I listen to on my last day? Beethoven;“the heroic” or symphony number 3 because I listen to it every time I faced a great life challenge. And the Life is a great challenge…
Who is my fictional hero or heroine? Anna Coupeau known as “Nana”at Emile Zola who would be the twin double of Carmen in Bizet’s opera and Marylin Monroe incarnated in real life. An attractive woman who turns the heads of the male gender and who, from nothing, reaches the top step.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Nelson Mandela for his atypical career and Jessye Norman who established herself as one of the most great singer of her time and who had an extraordinary personality.
What movie would I recommend seeing once in a lifetime? I recommend the film The Green Line, Frank Darabont
What role-playing stories in my life and work? I don’t play role-playing games but why try it occasionally. I prefer simple board games such as a good game of domino’s or card games. I’m trying my hand at chess but it’s not a success.
What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean tome?
That nothing and no one is best suited to talking about yourself. This is why I prefer an autobiographical story than biographies written by third parties.
Who is my biggest fan, sponsor, partner incrime? I probably have secret admirers but at the moment I don’t know. I’m a very discreet girl and I don’t like the feeling of being “adored” or seen as an idol. I remain convinced that my family is my greatest fan.
Which people or companies would I like to work with? I would very much like to get artistic coaching with Benjamin Bernheim, Julie Fuchs, Patricia Petibon, Natalie Dessay, Patrizia Ciofi, Emmanuelle Haim, Sabine Devieilhe, Pumeza Matshikiza, Royal Opera HouseLondon.
What project am I looking forward to working on? If funding allows me; produce my own “operette” and in turn give opportunities to talented young artists who are struggling to find a place in the opera world.
Where can you see me or my work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RldqKXRIyKE
What do the words “Passion never retires” mean to me? It’s when you’re so passionate about what you do that you can’t imagine stopping at an age determined by society if you want. I would still like to reiterate my support for the fight for the right to a decent retirement and at an adequate age. It is more than important to take into account the arduousness of the work when paying pensions.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their stories? Elena Sommer(mezzosoprano),
How can you contact me? https://www.facebook.com/angeliquemegane.p