Soprano Sara Blanch (1989, Darmós, Tarragona), with an established career and recognized international acclaim, was awarded multiple prizes at the 2016 Tenor Viñas Competition: fourth official prize, Best Catalan Singer Prize, Best Zarzuela Performer Prize, Audience Award, Best Mozart Performer Prize, and several other extraordinary awards.
As part of the contest’s 63rd edition, the soprano gave a recital of opera arias at the opening ceremony in the Saló de Cent at Barcelona City Hall.
The singer arrived in Barcelona after an intense production at the Tyrol Festival in Erl, where she performed the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor.
Just minutes before going on stage, our team had the opportunity to speak with her in an interview.
— How do you feel about returning to the Contest after ten years to perform the recital at the Opening of the 63rd edition at the Saló de Cent?
Very excited, with great enthusiasm and joy. I’ve even had to set my emotions aside a little because I’m genuinely so thrilled. The Viñas is always like being at home, and I hadn’t sung in Barcelona for a while, so it feels like a double homecoming.
It is a competition that gave me many prizes, in addition to the 4th prize, other awards that allowed me to debut in major opera houses and marked a turning point in my career.
— What has it been like to perform Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor at the Tyrol Festival?
It has been a very intense experience because it was a production that demanded a great deal from me physically. I was on stage 90% of the time, with immense vocal and physical stamina required.
But it has also given me great satisfaction, as it is a role I have already performed and one that is deeply fulfilling. Moreover, the challenge of performing at a festival like Erl, with such unique acoustics, was an invaluable learning experience.
— How did you prepare the programme for the Opening recital of the 63rd Competition?
The programme opens and closes with the two pieces I sang at the final concert of the Viñas. For me, it was important to create that connection with that moment ten years ago.
In between, I included a bit of everything I have been performing and the path I have followed over these ten years: Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini… showcasing the evolution of my repertoire.
Regarding the award for Best Zarzuela Singer, I included “La primorosa.” The Viñas also has many special prizes that offer concerts, such as Peralada or Santa Cristina d’Aro. It was a tremendous boost for me.
— What remains of the Sara who competed ten years ago?
It remains—there is always something that remains. The essence remains. When I look back, I do see that much more inexperienced Sara and I see everything I’ve learned, how far I’ve traveled, and how I’ve grown both vocally and professionally. But the drive, enthusiasm, and passion for singing are exactly the same as ten years ago.
— How did you experience the Competition? What do you remember about that experience?
I remember that at the time I was performing in a production in Sarrià. I registered for the competition, but I went through each stage without thinking too much about the final outcome.
I decided as I went along because the previous year I had competed and did not reach the final. So I told myself: «This year I’m going to enjoy it and do the best I can.»
When I reached the final, I called home to tell them; they could hardly believe it. It was very emotional. I also remember the final concert at the Liceu, with all that audience… it was an unforgettable experience.
The Viñas Competition is my competition. I’ve done other competitions, some smaller ones that I won, others similar where I was a finalist, but the Viñas has a special magic.
— What is the most important skill a singer must have?
The most important thing is to work on oneself. I always try to become better, not only in singing but in everything surrounding my profession: languages, acting, physical preparation, mental health…
Everything that can help the singing improve: constantly refining technique, becoming musically stronger, and being very disciplined. This career is a long-distance race and requires great consistency.
