Lise Davidsen: A Farewell and a New Beginning
A Final Curtain Call and a New Recording
Lise Davidsen, the acclaimed Norwegian soprano, is set to conclude her role as Leonore in Beethoven’s "Fidelio" at the Metropolitan Opera. Her final performance marks not only the end of this chapter but also the eve of a new personal journey, as she prepares for motherhood. Simultaneously, her fans are abuzz with the release of her recording of Wagner’s "Der Fliegende Holländer" (The Flying Dutchman), a role she debut on stage but may never reprise. This recording, a live capture from the Oslo Opera House, offers a poignant farewell gift to her audience as she embarks on maternity leave.
Embracing the Challenge of Senta
Davidsen’s decision to record the role of Senta, the sea captain’s daughter obsessed with salvaging the Dutchman from eternal damnation, was not taken lightly. For a decade, she declined offers to perform the role, daunted by its challenging tessitura. However, her triumph in Richard Strauss’s "Salome" at the Paris Opera emboldened her to tackle Senta. The opportunity to collaborate with conductor Edward Gardner and baritone Gerald Finley in Oslo sealed her commitment. Her duet with Finley, marked by its haunting beauty, showcases her vocal versatility, scaling from delicate purity to thunderous climaxes.
Future Roles and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Davidsen is set to conquer two pinnacles of Wagner’s repertory: Isolde in "Tristan und Isolde" and Brünnhilde in the "Ring" cycle, both slated for the Met under director Yuval Sharon. She also eagerly embraces the murderous Lady Macbeth in Verdi’s "Macbeth," a role she finds compellingly complex. Her exploration of Italian roles continues, building on successes in Verdi’s "Don Carlo" and "La Forza del Destino."
Maternity Leave and Career Rebalance
With twins due in June, Davidsen will extend her maternity leave into 2025, a duration she acknowledges differs in perception between her homeland and the U.S. Post-pregnancy, she plans to reduce grueling concert tours, opting for engagements allowing longer residencies. This shift aims to balance her career with family life, ensuring she can immerse herself in new productions without the exhausting travel.
A Grand Finale with "Fidelio"
Her final "Fidelio" performance, conducted by Susanna Mälkki, will be broadcast globally in HD, featuring a stellar cast. As she bids farewell to Leonore, Davidsen leaves an indelible mark, her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence ensuring a memorable conclusion.
The Curtain Rises on a Promising Future
Lise Davidsen’s journey is a tapestry of dedication and passion, with each role adding depth to her legacy. While her maternity leave signals a temporary hiatus, anticipation for her return reverberates through the opera world. Her commitment to pushing vocal boundaries and embracing diverse roles underscores her enduring impact. Thus, as the curtain falls on one chapter, it rises, promising a bright future ahead.
