Anita Hartig

Who is she?
The latest in a long line of fine Romanian lyric sopranos (Zeani, Cotrubas, Vaduva, Gheorghiu) to enjoy special success as Mimi in Puccini’s La Bohème. After singing the role in Annabel Arden’s new production for Welsh National Opera, Hartig goes on to repeat her interpretation at Covent Garden, the Met and the Vienna State Opera.
 
What does she think of the character?
 
“She wants to forget about her tuberculosis. Mimi is only an ordinary girl from a poor background, but she is really in love with the poet Rodolfo and through him she is excited to discover a more artistic and intellectual life. The challenge is to bring all her emotions to life sincerely, without being overpowered by them.”
 
How are rehearsals shaping up?
 
“It’s wonderful working with a woman director for the first time in my career. I think Annabel Arden’s staging is going to take a very fresh approach to the story.”
 
Why are there so many great Romanian operatic sopranos?
 
“We like to enjoy life, so we sing the whole time and it just comes naturally to us.”
 
How did she break into the top rank?
 
“I was studying at a conservatoire in the small city of Cluj, and I was one of a group of students invited to Bucharest to sing in a special concert. A critic heard me there, and wrote about me to the director of the Vienna State Opera, Ioan Holender, who is Romanian, too. Holender gave me an audition and put me on contract. It seemed like magic, I simply couldn’t believe it. I’ve been based in Vienna for two years now, singing roles in Mozart operas as well as Bohème.”