Soprano Elza van den Heever takes on the provocative title role in Richard Strauss’s Salome at the Metropolitan Opera, promising a sympathetic portrayal of the iconic character.
Elza van den Heever is set to star in the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Richard Strauss’s provocative one-act opera Salome. The South African-born Elza van den Heever has been making waves in the operatic world with her commanding voice, bold theatricality, and versatility. In a conversation with the Observer, van den Heever shared reflections on her career and why Strauss’s music has proven so special to her.
Elza van den Heever is a South African operatic soprano.
Born in Johannesburg, she began singing at an early age and studied music at the University of Pretoria.
Van den Heever made her professional debut in 2005 and has since performed with numerous opera companies worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
She has also won several awards for her performances, including the prestigious Richard Tucker Award.
Van den Heever’s journey to becoming one of the Met’s leading sopranos began at a young age. Trained in the U.S., she arrived at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music at 18 as a mezzo-soprano, but was soon discovered by her future manager, Matthew Epstein, who recognized her true potential as a soprano. ‘making haste slowly’ has proven to be instrumental in her success.
Van den Heever credits Richard Strauss with making her a smarter individual and embracing her in a world that is supernatural and special. His music, she says, makes her feel loved and part of something extraordinary. With a diverse repertoire spanning Handel, Mozart, Wagner, and Berg, van den Heever has solidified her technique through performances in Frankfurt’s opera house.
Richard Strauss was a German composer known for his iconic operas, symphonies, and tone poems.
Born in Munich in 1864, he began composing at a young age and went on to study with renowned composers.
His most famous works include 'Der Rosenkavalier' and 'Also sprach Zarathustra'.
Strauss's music often featured complex harmonies and innovative orchestration, influencing generations of composers.
He died in 1949, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in classical music.
As a performer with dyslexia, van den Heever has faced unique challenges that have driven her to be patient and determined. She believes that these qualities are essential for building stamina in the practice room and pacing herself during long monologues. Her approach to singing is akin to training as an athlete, where hard work and dedication are crucial.
Van den Heever’s preparation for her role in Strauss’s Salome was significantly different from usual. Due to the pandemic lockdown, she had to work on the opera alone in a small French village. This experience also led to her becoming an unexpected social media breakout star, with fans admiring her extraordinary cakes.
The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Salome, directed by Claus Guth, promises to be a sympathetic portrayal of the titular character. The production features six ‘mini-Salomes’ from age eight and up in the Dance of the Seven Veils, which van den Heever will share with a double for Herod. Yannick Nézet-Séguin praises her voice as truly one-of-a-kind – vibrant, crystal clear, and powerfully expressive.
For van den Heever, this production marks an exciting milestone in her career. She is grateful for the opportunity to perform at the Met again and looks forward to repeating roles in the future. With a keen eye on Strauss’s other operas, including Ariadne auf Naxos, she remains committed to exploring the full range of his works.
Van den Heever’s return to the stage is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. As she prepares to take on the role of Salome at the Met, she is poised to captivate audiences with her commanding voice and bold theatricality. Her star quality is undeniable, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating her performance.
