A new challenge

Mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp makes her Garsington debut as Clairon in Strauss's Capriccio. 

What are you looking forward to about your role debut as Clairon?

Strauss is one of my favourite composers. Having worked on Elektra and Salome with smaller parts and tackling the role of the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos twice already I think I am familiar with his style and musical language. Capriccio however is another step forward; it is his final operatic achievement and the combination of the work's conversational tone and the emphasis on text is something I see as a new challenge that I am looking forward to exploring in this production. 

Have you worked with any of the cast or creative team before?

I have had the pleasure of seeing some of my future cast colleagues perform on stage, but have never worked with any of them. I have however worked very recently with a number of American singers who have been part of this production back in Santa Fe Opera, so I feel there is a connection. 

What are you looking forward to about your Garsington Opera debut?

I am excited to be doing what I love most - music-making and storytelling in beautiful surroundings and working for a new opera company.

What other roles are you currently preparing for?

I am slowly revising and revisiting Hänsel. I am also planning my future work on Varvara in Kát'a Kabanová. Czech and Polish are Slavic languages and being Polish I strongly believe I have an advantage; nevertheless I have never sung in Czech before and there is a lot of work to be done...