Interview with soprano Yewon Han, who won the First Grand Prix in 2023.
INTRODUCTION
How are you? How are you feeling? What are you working on?
I'm doing great. I'm still having fun singing, and I'm currently working at Zurich Opernstudio, doing concerts, and having a happy end of the year.
How did your passion for music begin? When did you know you wanted to become an opera singer?
I have loved singing since I was very young. That's why I did a school choir when I was in elementary school. When I first became a high school student, I wanted to become an opera singer professionally. The rich expression of emotions and the beautiful melody of the music stole my heart.
How has it been (is it being) your musical career and trajectory? Do you consider it has been difficult, or like any other profession?
I'm sure everyone knows that the process of making a song is really difficult, and the more you study, the harder it becomes. However, I have never thought about a career other than music, and when I manage such hard work in the end, the sense of achievement can't be greater. I think I keep doing music because of this charm.
TENOR VIÑAS CONTEST
How did you decide to participate in the Tenor Viñas Contest?
I've known for a few years that this competition is a really big and prestigious competition, so I really wanted to participate and be on the big stage.
Where did you work or where did you perform before entering the competition?
I was doing Opernstudio in Zurich, Switzerland.
How was your time at the Contest?
In fact, this year was my second time participating in this competition. Last year, a very sad event happened. I was so honored to go to the final round in my first ever international competition. But on the day of the final round, I got COVID-19. No one knows how much I cried in a hotel without being able to participate in the competition that day. Because of this, this year's competition was all the more meaningful and happy for me. My mindset this year was just, "Don't get COVID-19 and let's be thankful if we only get to the final round!"
Maybe because I was able to enjoy the stage with such ease, but thankfully, I was able to receive such a valuable award.
What is the most emotional memory that you remember from your time at the contest
I think it was after singing A vos jeux, mes amis in the final round. This aria is a really long with 12 minutes. The situation was really not easy at that time. I still can't forget the applause that the audience gave me after that aria was over, and I still feel overwhelmed thinking about that time. Oh, and I could feel like the lights are smiling at me on the stage of Liceu theater. So when I first appeared and saw the audience, I was very happy at that moment.
What did the Tenor Viñas Contest mean for your career?
After doing well in this competition that many people know and acknowledge, I gained a lot of confidence through this competition. And I got some main role suggestions from some theaters, and I was able to meet my current agent. I'm living a grateful daily life
AFTER THE CONTEST
How has your career developed since the contest? Do you think it has opened new doors for you and have you been presented with unique opportunities to work with important conductors or to participate in important operas, for example?
Until I participated in this competition, I didn't have many opportunities to make my name known, so I played the small, or extra roles. I think the biggest change for me is that the main role proposal comes in. I hope many people get more good opportunities through this competition.
What advice would you give to the participants of the next edition and what would you have liked to know in your day while participating in the Competition?
This contest gave me precious memories. I want to tell them to enjoy themselves without getting stressed out. Of course, there are so many great participants and you can compare yourself to listening to them sing. But Barcelona is a beautiful city, with an ocean nearby and lots of delicious food. And I know that the competition team cared a lot so that contestants wouldn't have any uncomfortable situations. That's why I want to tell you to just do your best every moment on stage.
FINAL
How do you think the world of music has changed since you started in this world?
There seems to be a lot of innovation in music as well. It seems that the stage direction is changed a lot in the modern way and shows a sensational stage performance. Of course, I think it's a good change, but when I see such a stage, I think there are times when I miss the traditional stage direction.
