What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The best thing I love about my work is sharing with the audience, constant research, self-improvement, and meeting and working with very different people.

What is my idea of happiness?

My conception of happiness is to love and be loved, to pursue the career of my choice, and to surpass myself.

What is my greatest fear?

As for my greatest fear, unfortunately or fortunately, I don’t have a fear with a capital F. I was raised without being taught to recognize real dangers – I was very naive for a long time.

What is the character trait that I most regret about myself? 

To be honest, I often find myself not being the quickest when it comes to checking details. You know, the person who always comes out last in class… well, that’s me! Haha!

Who are the living people in my profession that I admire the most? 

In my vocal range, Natalie Dessay, Diana Damrau, Sabine Devieilhe.

What is my greatest extravagance? 

Hmm… my personal story! 

My appearance as a well-behaved, innocent girl doesn’t quite match my past! Most of the time, people get the wrong impression of me, which is quite amusing.

On what occasion would I lie? 

While I believe not all truths are pleasant to hear, I really struggle with lying.

What is the thing I dislike the most about my job? 

There has been a rise in businesses taking advantage of the difficult economic situation for aspiring opera singers in recent years, and that’s something that really bothers me.”

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

A strong memory is from a public concert-masterclass in Saint-Emilion with Irène Kudela a few years ago. I had the “good idea” to challenge myself by learning the Rossignol Aria from Stravinsky a few days beforehand (in Russian and horribly difficult for intonation!) And I must say I was in an almost trance-like state when performing it because this piece seemed so difficult to me… The advice of this immense musician literally carried me, and thanks to the acoustics of the venue which suited the piece, I really felt intense communication with the audience. Many people in the audience came to thank me, and it warmed my heart immensely.

“If I could, what would I change about myself? 

My early life…

What is my greatest achievement at work? 

My greatest achievement would be 😉 to sing the role of Lakmé or the Queen of the Night on a big stage!

Where would I like to live? 

I’ve moved around a lot and don’t have a strong reference point in terms of a place to live, so I would say anywhere I am fulfilled and surrounded by those I love. But I must admit, Paris is still my favorite city!

What is my most precious possession? 

My vocal cords, haha!

What is my most marked characteristic? 

Currently, I have hair down to my waist 😉

What is the place that inspires me the most in my city? 

The incredible view of the Opéra Garnier from the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette… With the transparent balcony, you could feel like a bird!

What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? 

A restaurant that recently gave me intense emotions in Paris… Sphère! Or for an excellent truffle pizza, La casa di Peppe 🙂

Which books have influenced my life and how? 

Hmm… when I think about this question, I remember those years of studying drama at the Conservatoire – I had to borrow almost all the theater sections of the Parisian libraries! When I read theater, my imagination is in full swing… I love imagining stage productions. Koltès, Dea Loher, Chekhov, Copi, Lerch, Wajdi Mouawad…

You only die once. What music would I listen to on my last day of life? 

Schubert’s Nacht und Träumen or the overture of Wagner’s Tannhäuser by Karajan.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? 

Ophelia (Hamlet), Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), and Lakmé!

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? 

I don’t really believe in heroes/heroines in real life! But I have a lot of admiration for all the people who have managed to get out of complex personal situations.

What movie would I recommend seeing once in a lifetime? 

So many! Such a cruel question, I can only mention one… Mommy, Match Point, Amour, La fille sur le pont, Merci pour le chocolat, Holy Motors, La jeune fille à la perle (Girl with a Pearl Earring), La Môme…

What are the roles in my life and work? 

Although numerous, I don’t want to play roles in my personal life, on stage is quite enough for me! Haha

What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me? 

My motto for a long time was “when there’s a will, there’s a way.” It has pushed me a lot, but today I consider it with nuances. Although it allows us to challenge ourselves, I am much more aware that multiple conscious and unconscious factors influence our lives, our paths.

Who is my biggest fan, my sponsor, my partner in crime? 

Secret 😉

With which people or companies would I like to work in 2024?

Génération Opéra, Royaumont, Opera Fuoco, Maison Roula, Tony Ward.

What project am I eager to work on in 2024? 

I am intensively working on the role of the Queen of the Night and a new recital program with Soraya Verdier.

Where can you see me or see my work in 2024? 

The dates and places are on my website 🙂

What do the words “Passion never retires” mean to me? 

Let’s not forget that the word “passion” is strong and has various meanings. These show us how close pure happiness is to suffering. It is the path of a lifetime, and when it is a necessity in our existence, it is impossible to lose sight of it!

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

Zoé Gosset, Léa Bellili, Irina Stopina, Marion GL, Lou Benzoni, Fanny Jacquet, Clara Rueff, Stuart Mc Arthur.

How can you contact me?

elisemaitre.com,

elisemaitre.soprano@gmail.com, Facebook, 

Instagram !