Magdalena Kožená in conversation with Jonathan Kelly (18 min.)

A concert in October 2010 featured the three fragments from Bohuslav Martinů’s almost unknown opera Juliette. The composer initially conceived the piece in his homeland, wrote it in exile in Paris but then a new version in French. The main role in the performance with the Berliner Philharmoniker was sung by Magdalena Kožená, one of the most successful mezzo-sopranos of our time, who impressed Berlin audiences in works such as Bizet’s Carmen and Bach’s Passions. Here she speaks with Jonathan Kelly, principal oboist with the Philharmoniker, about the opera of her compatriot Martinů, French and Czech repertoire, and her decision to become a singer.