Petr Nekoranec in Australia

Interview - February 18, 2025

CONTEXT

Czech tenor, Petr Nekoranec, is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding talents of his generation. At his young age, he has already made significant debuts with companies such as Staatsoper Stuttgart, the National Theatre Opera in Prague, Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse, and Staatsoper Berlin. This season, he will make his first appearances at Teatro Real Madrid, Lille and Lyon, performing the role of David in Charpentier’s David et Jonathas; as well as, his Disney Hall debut as Tempo in Handel’s The Triumph of Time and Disillusion with Le Concert d’Astrée.

A laureate of numerous prestigious European competitions, Petr is also a former participant of the renowned Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera.

Petr makes his Australian debut in Opera Queensland's concert production of Rossini's La Cenerentola. Don’t miss this wonderful debut on March 4 and 8 at QPAC's Concert Hall.

PERFORMING IN AUSTRALIA FOR THE FIRST TIME

It feels absolutely surreal. As a young singer, being invited so far from home to represent something I decided years ago to pursue as a career, driven by passion and dedication, means the world to me. To put it simply, it's a dream come true.

PERFORMING CENERENTOLA ONCE MORE

I first performed this role at Stuttgart’s State Opera, Germany. I believe that every performer always discovers something new when returning to a role they've previously done. You simply strive to make it better each time you revisit a role. You’re a better singer, a better artist - at least, that’s what I aim for. It’s always a very exciting experience.

ON 2025

Personally, this engagement in Australia is one of my highlights. In March, right after I return to Europe, I’ll be flying to Los Angeles for my debut at Disney Hall with a Handel opera. Recently, I also took on the role of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, by Charles Gounod, at Berlin’s State Opera. That, without a doubt, was the highlight of this season.

What excites me most about this season is the personal and technical growth I’m experiencing by working with incredible musicians, coaches, and singers. Personal development and improvement are the most important things to me.

ON CHANGE

First, I would say that I’d like to strip away that idea that opera is only for a select audience that needs to dress up. I believe that anyone who wants to experience opera should feel welcome, regardless of what they’re wearing. Don’t get me wrong, if you want to dress up and look stunning, go ahead, but people in jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to enjoy it.

Also, I’d like to remind the public that opera is simply the story of a person’s life, just like anyone else’s, but with beautiful music playing in the background. Honestly, who doesn’t imagine a soundtrack playing while they go through life, with themselves as the main character?

OPERA AS A CAREER

The fact that we travel so much across the globe—especially with me being in Australia—perfectly illustrates how challenging it can be to navigate daily life in different places. Where do you find a grocery store? How do you get around the city? Where do you go for a haircut? Where’s the gym? How do you cook in kitchens that often have limited appliances? What do you even cook?

These aspects of constant travel can be quite challenging, but they also make the experience quite fun.

Images provided by artist