Interview with Tamara Radjenović
– soprano –
The famous German composer Ludwig van Beethoven wrote: “A great poet is the most precious jewel of a nation”. This thought beautifully encapsulates our interviewee, Tamara Radjenović, a young soprano who has already attained remarkable success on the global classical music stage. Embarking on an extraordinary musical odyssey, Tamara has firmly established herself as one of the most gifted sopranos of her era. Her unwavering passion and devotion to music shine through in her remarkable accomplishments, landing her a coveted spot on the esteemed Forbes “30 under 30” list in the Arts and Culture category. With a mesmerizing voice and an inherent grace, this young Montenegrin artist captivates audiences worldwide, leaving them spellbound. With every enthralling performance and ambitious project, Tamara brings not only boundless joy but also immense pride to her nation, genuinely embodying the profound words of the legendary Beethoven.
Today, Tamara, you are hailed as the most talented young soprano in Europe and the world. In a remarkably short time, you have attained awe-inspiring success – graduating from the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, collaborating with the legendary Montserrat Caballé, and gracing the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York on two occasions, among other remarkable achievements. When you reflect on your time as a student at the high school of music “Vasa Pavić” in Podgorica, could you have ever envisioned the extraordinary accomplishments that awaited you? What memories tie you to that time in your life?
Thank you for your generous words and compliments! While there are numerous exceptional voices in the world, many of which are technically superior to mine, the emotions I convey through my performances may resonate with listeners. My dedication and discipline remain unwavering, and the results of my hard work are evident. This brings me a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
In my childhood, I predicted events as if gazing into the future. I believe that children’s dreams and aspirations significantly influence the realities they shape in their adult lives. In my youthful reveries, I envisioned a life abroad and a radiant presence on the stage, both of which have gracefully materialized. My fond memories are deeply intertwined with the “Vasa Pavić” junior and senior music school. I am bound by the most beautiful memories and the evolution of my passion for this extraordinary, albeit incredibly challenging and exhausting, vocation.
In 2023, being the sole young individual in the realm of classical music, you achieved an esteemed position on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list in the Arts and Culture category. How do you perceive this recognition, and in what ways has this achievement reshaped your outlook and future aspirations?
The recognition I received has invigorated me, propelling me to tread the path I envisioned confidently. I am steadfast in my determination to present my ideas and articulate the vision I hold for my career and journey. We currently dwell in an era that presents formidable challenges in navigating the realms of art and culture. It is imperative to heed the ever-evolving trends of the modern age. In my assessment, for classical music to endure, it must adapt to contemporary trends while upholding the refinement, excellence, and grace it has embodied for centuries. Thus, it is a formidable task to strike a balance in engaging younger audiences without veering into tastelessness or straying from the essence of this splendid art form. I am deeply grateful to the discerning individuals at Forbes who have seen and appreciated the essence of my ambitions. Their recognition and support mean a great deal to me as I navigate this journey.
In addition to captivating live performances in prestigious theaters and concert halls, you had the privilege of creating exquisite music videos for timeless melodies such as “Parla più piano”, “Por una cabeza”, “Mercè dilette amiche” and “La rosa y el sauce”. These videos garnered millions of views on the renowned online platform YouTube. Notably, you also had the honor of recording a music video for the anthem of the European Union. However, it was the enchanting music video for the Montenegrin anthem, “Oj, svijetla majska zoro” (Oh Bright Dawn of May), that resonated deeply with the local audience. How rewarding was embracing these projects?
I must add that my content isn’t just on YouTube; in fact, many of my videos have recently garnered millions of views on Twitter and TikTok. It’s amusing to acknowledge it as I am writing this because if someone had mentioned to me a few years ago that social media reception would hold such sway over my career, I would have dismissed the notion outright. Yet, on reflection, it’s clear why this is the case – our industry relies heavily on audience engagement. Thanks to online platforms, I’ve cultivated a global listener base, and it’s remarkable to see how artists are now securing contracts with major record labels based on their social media content.
In creating my videos, each project presented a unique set of challenges. I collaborated with a dedicated team, carefully considering every detail to produce captivating short films. My vision was to intertwine these films with performances by a symphony orchestra and choir, creating an immersive experience for the audience. An aspect that I particularly cherish is the location of the shoots – all my videos are filmed in Montenegro, where I am fortunate to work closely with my long-standing team members, including Dejo, Zeko, Igor, and Danilo. Radio Television of Montenegro produced the anthem projects, and I must say that Bojan Popovic and his team had an unforgettable and wonderful experience.
I have an exciting new music video planned for the end of autumn. Hopefully, I will have the time after my upcoming concert in Bar, as I’m currently engrossed in a significant project that will demand several months of work. Following that, I’ll be gearing up for a concert at the new Bechstein Hall in London, followed by two traditional New Year’s concerts in Belgrade. Then, I have a much-anticipated debut concert at the prestigious Cadogan Hall in London early next year and a performance at the Lisinski Hall in Zagreb. As I write this, I can’t help but feel a slight sense of panic at the sheer amount of work ahead of me, hahaha.
This year’s “Bar Chronicle” commenced on July 15 with your splendid gala concert. Given the immense cultural and artistic significance of this event in Montenegro, I am sincerely interested in learning about the meticulous preparations that led to this outstanding performance. Could you shed light on the essential elements that contributed to achieving such a remarkable level of artistry? This may include insights into selecting the repertoire and the collaborative process with fellow artists.
It requires an immense amount of dedication, diligence, discipline, passion, and, above all, love for one’s craft. We poured our hearts and souls into curating a magnificent open-air concert of classical music. A total of 200 individuals partook in this endeavor, each bringing their A-game and unwavering focus to the table. From the composer and arranger to the symphony orchestra, choir, concert director, and scenography team, over 80 individuals graced the stage, accompanied by dancers, ballet performers, and fire artists. This spectacle was a culmination of tireless effort and sheer devotion.
Could you recall your emotions during the performance besides the preparations? Did the audience at the bar have a significant impact on your performance, and how did you perceive their reception and reactions?
Prior to stepping onto the stage, I was overflowing with excitement as I eagerly anticipated the moment. As soon as I felt the energy, unwavering support, and heartfelt warmth emanating from the Bar audience, I began to live out my dream – to hold a concert of this magnitude in my cherished Montenegro. It was indeed an unforgettable experience. Some of my very dear colleagues, who are the part of my team, are living in Bar. Therefore, it has a special place in my heart. My first video was filmed in Bar – in the area of “Old town of Bar”, alongside Dejan Senić.