Mezzo Soprano Naama Liany is one of today’s most promising young singers. She has toured Europe, Japan and the United States since her teen years as a soloist with the prestigious Moran Choir of Israel. Naama has also performed on the prestigious stages of Carnegie Hall and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The Melody Book caught up with her recently and conducted the interview below.
Q: You recently participated in the Menuhin Festival Vocal Academy in Gstaad, taught by famous mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and her mother – Mrs. Silvana Bazzoni Bartoli. What was the experience like?
A: The experience I had this summer was one of the strongest, intensive and meaningful ones I have had in my life. It was every day for 8 hours, listening to other professional singers and listening to great advice from Mrs. Bazzoni and Ms Bartoli. Cecilia Bartoli has been one of my idols since I was 14 years old; it was a dream of mine for many years to meet her and learn from her. The atmosphere and isolation in the mountains of the Gstaad area intensified this learning experience.
Q: Do you see training as a continual process for singers? Who do you study with on a regular basis?
A: I think that musical learning never ends; even the best singers still confess that they don’t know everything, so of course ongoing training is a big part of my life. Practicing daily, attending master-classes, listening to other performers at all levels and auditioning for roles are all essential to the process. Another big part of studying is learning the operatic repertoire and learning the necessary foreign languages.
Q: What recitals and performances do you have lined up for 2011-2012?
A: I’m going to perform this December 27th at the Felicja Blumenthal Music Center in Tel-Aviv. I’ll be performing a program of 18th and 19th Century French music and operatic arias by Mozart, Offenbach & Rossini.
Q: What are your top 3 favorite arias to sing? Do you specialize in singing works by any specific composers?
A: My 3 favorite pieces to sing are:
1. Una voce poco fa (from The Barber of Seville / Rossini)
2. Tarentelle (Bizet)
3. Giusto Ciel, In tal periglio (Maometto II / Rossini)
Q: What advice do you have for other young singers starting out today?
A: I’d advise any beginning singer to listen to as many singers possible, always keep practicing and to focus on their own career rather than what other people are doing.
Lastly, I would like to thank the Ronen Foundation which has consistently supported me throughout my studies.
You can listen to Naama sing on this video compilation of sound clips from June 24th 2011 recital at the Felicja Blumental Music Center, Tel Aviv.
Giuliana is a writer and social media strategist who lives in Jersey City with her husband and adorable Maltese puppy, Bianca. Connect with Giuliana on Google+
