Wagnerian Tenor's Accidental Rise to Operatic Stardom

Austrian tenor Andreas Schager is currently making his Royal Opera debut as Siegfried in the third installment of the Ring Cycle. His path to this demanding role was unconventional, marked by an unexpected breakthrough in 2013. Schager's journey from a farm in rural Austria to the operatic stage is a testament to his versatile training.

Schager spent a decade performing in operettas, an experience he credits for honing his skills in acting, dancing, and singing simultaneously. This background proved invaluable when he was called upon at the last minute to sing the challenging role of Siegfried at the Berlin State Opera. The intense demands of the part, which he had no prior specific preparation for, were met with remarkable assurance.

His operetta experience provided a unique foundation, teaching him to embody characters with the joy and physicality required for roles like Siegfried. He notes that Siegfried's character, often described as a "loutish adolescent," is also a natural, emotional young man, a portrayal facilitated by his experience with lighter, more active stage roles.

Schager's current engagement at the Royal Opera House is part of a busy schedule that includes multiple Wagnerian roles. He acknowledges the challenges of revisiting complex characters but emphasizes finding new interpretations. He is part of a production directed by Barrie Kosky, which he describes as being "old-fashioned in a very good way" by staying close to Wagner's text.