Česky
Why did you choose the repertoire for this performance?
I chose it very emotionally, as I always do when I sing for the public. For me, it's always important that my performance reaches the hearts of the audience. I also wanted important musical styles to be represented. I started with Bach and my selection continued to pieces by Czech composers. Of course, Smetana and Dvořák, who are central to me, also had to be heard, and Giacomo Puccini could not be missing.
Which musical style do you personally prefer?
I can't say that unequivocally, it depends on my mood. I have my favourites from each style and I also choose according to my current mood and situation.
How did you get into opera?
I grew up in an opera environment and have been in it all my life. My dad (opera singer Luděk Vele, author's note) is a soloist at the National Theatre, he won the Thalia Award twice. All his colleagues were like my uncles and aunts. At first I went to high school, but because of physics I transferred to the conservatory. Then I studied at the Academy of Performing Arts, after which I took a break. This year I finished my studies in painting at the Academy of Arts and Crafts. In my opinion, it doesn't matter what form of art you accept. Once art, always art.
Do you sing while you paint?
Not much, but I often hum, not only while painting, but wherever possible and wherever I am in the mood, even in a crowded subway. In the studio I tend to play music, and as I said at the beginning, I choose my repertoire according to my mood. I don't do it purposefully so that when I'm painting a dark painting I play a Mahler symphony, but I reflect on my mood that day. Or I put on Spotify and let myself be led wherever the random playback takes me.
Where have you worked everywhere? Have you tried your hand at working in any other industry besides opera?
As part of my studies I sang in theatres in Liberec and Ústí nad Labem, then I went to Vancouver for two trimesters for an internship. When I came back to the Czech Republic I had to leave the engagement because I was going through a harder period in my life. But I had to work, so I took a job as a director of a three-star hotel in Holešovice, which I had to restart and get the whole thing going again. But then came the covid, and then I went to UMPRUM. I got a bit burnt out while working at the hotel, I got tired of constantly solving the same stupid problems, like people unscrewing light bulbs. It's a small thing, but it's a hundred times nothing to kill a donkey. Fortunately, I have a background that allowed me to leave that environment.
Are you engaged anywhere now?
Not at the moment. Now I'm mainly painting, which is more fulfilling. I am an introvert and the solitude of the studio suits me.
Is mental health addressed in an opera environment?
Not collectively. People are very individualistic in this environment, they usually don't address anything until something happens. It's a tough environment, where weakness is not a thing.
How do you look after your mental wellbeing?
Walking in the woods, taking nature walks and clearing my head helps. It has always helped me to "get away" somewhere. Going to Sumava by car, for example, renting a room in a guesthouse for the weekend, walking and exploring places I don't know. Plus, I have a great husband who is supportive and I can talk to him about anything when it happens. I really appreciate that.
