From her native Lacombe to the gilded concert halls of Europe, opera singer Anna Maria Kaufmann has performed all over the world — and now she’s coming home again.
The Munich-based mega-star will be returning to Central Alberta to sing at a fundraising concert on Tuesday, Nov. 1, hosted by the Lacombe Rotary Club. Proceeds from the show will go towards programs for the eradication of polio in the Third World.
Kaufmann, who has headlined in everything from Evita to La Traviata, plans to entertain with some well-known melodies, as well as light classical tunes, pop songs and spirituals. She will sing at the Salute to Rotary concert at 7:30 p.m. at CrossRoads Church in Red Deer.
Germany’s most popular soprano is best known for playing the female lead in Phantom of the Opera more than 500 times. Kaufmann earned triple-platinum sales of more than 1.9 million of the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack.
While she’s performed as a soloist with orchestras around the globe, she also lent her talents to many sporting events, singing the national anthem for a global audience of one billion during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
In 2010, Kaufmann was asked to be one of Alberta’s flag bearers for the Vancouver Olympics.
She was recently questioned by the Advocate about her life and career in Europe and her feelings about growing up in Central Alberta.
How often do you get back to perform a hometown concert?
Kaufmann: I come back to sing once or twice a year, sometimes more often. I love singing in Canada. I am so proud to be Canadian. I want to Salute the Rotary (Club) with my music and thoughts through this evening. In our program, I will be accompanied by two musicians on piano and violin (and) a children’s Home School Choir… on a few songs.
Could you tell us what you’re currently doing in Germany?
I just acted, sang, danced in My Fair Lady. It was a great role — so much fun and hard work getting there, but I loved it! In November, I will be touring Germany in a Winter Dreams concert, with two tenors. One is an English tenor who won Britain’s Got Talent — Paul Potts.
How did you end up in Germany? Do you have plans to return to live in Canada?
I first went to Germany to learn the language, then I followed my dream and auditioned at a music conservatory and was accepted. From there, I took any lessons in dance or acting or singing that I could, and I still always want to do better. I would love to spend more time in Canada and sing there more often. I love, love, love being there! One never knows where life will take us…
How is Europe’s cultural scene different?
Opera is a big part of the culture here, as are musicals and operetta shows. Live performances seem to be big everywhere as people are getting tired of computer music.
What was it like to be an artistic child growing up in Lacombe? Tell us about your family.
I always wanted to sing… (in) church, schools, at weddings, parties… As children, we were very protected and loved — maybe a bit spoiled! But that’s OK. We all love each other very much and that is the greatest thing… I thank God for the family I have. In my personal life, I am together with a professor/doctor/genius man who understands and admires what I do. We have a baby dog named Oscar, a Jack Russell, who is wonderful.
What does growing up in Central Alberta mean to you?
In Central Alberta I learned what love is. I found my faith and I have many great friends and family. I grew up in a wonderful place.
What are your greatest achievements, so far?
My breakthrough hit was the lead in Phantom of the Opera (performing with) famous German tenor, Peter Hofmann. I have sung many roles in musical operetta and opera, starred in TV shows and TV films, and sung all over the world (most European countries, Canada, the U.S.A., Korea, China, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico). I have recorded with Barry Manilow, Peter Hofmann, Joey Tempest and Gord Bamford.
What does the future hold? Is 2017 booked up for you yet?
Very busy. Next year I will sing Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, record a new solo album, play musical roles in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Man of La Mancha, also Die Fledermaus, and tour again in the fall. Plus, I want to… sing in Canada again. I am also singing at the Special Olympic World Games in Austria next year.
Anything else you want to add?
I’m very much looking forward to performing (in Alberta)! God bless!
Tickets to the show are available from Lacombe Rotary members or Strand Printing in Lacombe (403-782-5519), Ponoka Eyecare (403-783-5575), or World Financial Group Securities in Red Deer (403-350-3020).
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com