Interview with the soprano Marcela Rahal, who was the winner of the First Grand Prix Tenor Viñas ex aequo 2024
INTRODUCTION
How are you? How are you feeling? What are you currently working on?
I’m doing very well, thank you for asking! Right now, I’m feeling incredibly excited as I prepare for my debut as Charlotte in Werther by Massenet this coming summer at the Teatro Municipal de Santiago. At the moment, I’m focused on perfecting my French pronunciation and memorizing the role. It’s a thrilling challenge, and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful character to life on stage!
How did your passion for music begin? When did you know you wanted to become an opera singer?
My love for music began when I was very young, through the cartoons I used to watch and the classical music featured in them. There was something magical about those melodies that truly captivated me. I was always singing along, and that spark only grew over the years. I initially started with popular music, but during my teenage years, I discovered opera — and from that moment on, I knew it was my calling. At 21, I made the switch to classical singing and never looked back. I feel incredibly lucky that my family supported my decision to pursue music professionally from the very beginning.
How has your musical career and journey been (or how is it going)? Would you say it’s been difficult, or just like any other profession?
I believe every professional journey is unique, with its own twists and turns. I started studying classical singing later than most—at 21—which meant I had to catch up quickly and also be patient with myself. As a Brazilian, pursuing a career as an opera singer has been a challenge, with very few theaters and limited opportunities. That pushed me to move to Europe, where, like many immigrants, I faced visa issues, financial difficulties, and the loneliness of being far from home. But these obstacles are all part of the path every opera singer must walk.
Between the ages of 26 and 28, I applied to every opera studio I could, receiving countless rejections and only two auditions, which got me as far as the semifinals. Since auditions were hard to come by, competitions became my way of getting noticed. At 29, I finally found vocal stability—singing with freedom and confidence—and at 30, I secured my first fixed position in an ensemble at Luzerner Theater, which allowed me to grow immensely.
Eventually, after the Tenor Viñas Competition, my career gained international momentum. Every journey is very different, and while it’s easy to compare yourself to others—especially prodigies who start very young—it’s important to remember that each of us has our own path and timing. Accepting that helps avoid unnecessary disappointment and pressure.
TENOR VIÑAS COMPETITION
How did you decide to participate in the Tenor Viñas Competition?
I had been wanting to participate for years, but professional commitments always got in the way. When I missed the chance in 2023, I felt really disappointed and sad because I knew I was about to exceed the competition’s age limit. But just when I thought the opportunity had passed, fate intervened—the competition raised the age limit to 33 for both men and women. It felt like the universe was giving me another chance, and I was definitely not going to let it slip away.
Where were you working or performing before entering the competition?
Before the competition, I had been performing for three years at the Luzerner Theater in Switzerland as a soloist in the ensemble. I had also had the opportunity to sing in Germany, Brazil, and Portugal.
What was your experience in the competition like?
It was an unforgettable experience! I’ve always enjoyed taking part in competitions. The atmosphere was welcoming, and I met so many wonderful fellow singers. Outside of the competition, I had the chance to explore Barcelona’s stunning architecture and spend peaceful moments at the beach. One key highlight of my performance I’d like to mention was my pianist at the competition, Rodrigo de Vera. If you’ve done enough auditions and competitions, you know how crucial it is to feel supported by your pianist, and that’s exactly what happened there. His skill and support allowed me to focus entirely on giving my best performance. That kind of teamwork makes all the difference.
What’s your most emotional memory from the competition?
The most emotional moment for me was hearing my name announced as the first prize winner. I was overwhelmed with emotions—knowing I was there as the winner of one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, while my family and friends from all over were watching live and sending their love, was just incredible. I’ve always felt very connected to God, and in that moment, I felt like it was finally harvest time—everything I had sown on my journey, all the struggles and sacrifices, had come to fruition. It was pure gratitude and joy.
What did the Tenor Viñas Competition mean for your career?
Winning the First Prize at the Tenor Viñas Competition was a total turning point for my career. During the competition, I met my amazing agent, and shortly after the semifinals, I received an offer for a lead role in an opera—a role I had always dreamed of performing. It was a reminder of how unpredictable and rewarding this journey can be. You never know who’s watching or what opportunities may come your way!
AFTER THE COMPETITION
How has your career evolved since the competition? Do you feel it opened new doors and brought you unique opportunities to work with major directors or take part in important operas, for example?
Since winning the competition, my career has taken such an exciting turn. In 2024 alone, I had the immense honor of debuting at Teatro alla Scala, one of the most iconic opera houses in the world. Not only did I debut there, but I also performed in three productions: first Il Cappello di paglia di Firenze, then L’Orontea directed by the great Robert Carsen, and finally my first Prima Donna role, La Forza del Destino, with an incredible cast and the amazing Maestro Riccardo Chailly. The whole experience was a dream come true.
In addition, I’m thrilled to be debuting roles like Charlotte and Carmen in some of the world’s top theaters—which haven’t been announced yet—and later this year, I’ll make my long-awaited debut at the Royal Ballet and the Santa Fe Opera. The Tenor Viñas Competition truly changed the game for me.
