“Since the sound came before the word it is always very curious where the bond of sound words shall take me.” - says Anton Vagero, a Master's student in the English Studies program. In the interview, Vagero shares insights about his journey as a trained opera singer and music teacher, and how these experiences intertwine with his English Studies.
Could you tell us more about your background in music? What inspired you to pursue English Studies after studying music?
It is not the most mind-blowing story: I did not have any kind of European education and decided to go with English literature since it could help me in my searches in art. Due to a lot of contemporary political issues I also had to postpone my PhD thesis in Russian music history. I guess the road of life led me to the doorstep of English Studies to gain more knowledge and find different paths within academic fields.
How do opera and English Studies blend together? Have you noticed any similarities or differences that affect your professional or everyday life?
I guess the main difference is that one tends to be more theoretical, while the other is more practical. English Studies sustain lots of fields that could be useful in search for the ideals of academic art. Also, I hope I can have a word that could add something to the English Studies themselves.
What are the most noticeable similarities between music and language as a field of studies?
The strange and mysterious union of sound and word. Since the sound came before the word it is always very curious where the bond of sound words shall take me.
What is the most memorable project you have worked on?
Probably, Mozarts Requiem. It was my first major experience singing as a soloist with a full orchestra and choir in a big church. I was about 22 years old. The first time always brings back the most memories. Still remember that we sung it in Latin in the Northern-German tradition.
What is the biggest challenge when trying to balance singing, playing instruments, working and studying?
Time. It is the one thing you cannot earn or cash-in.
What was the most difficult when transitioning from music to language studies?
Not much. Probably some compulsory linguistic courses that are a major leap for someone who is not a language scholar. But with the wonderful academic staff of VU it is very joyful to know these new things.
How do English Studies contribute to your creative processes when working as an opera singer or music teacher?
Well, for example, The Madness Course in literature helps me to re-think a lot of roles in opera. Othello, Hermann, Don Jose, Werther all came from classic literature and are possessed by some insanity near the culmination of the opera. So I guess this contributes and adds to my views as an artist.
Do you believe that there are any advantages when working with both language and music? If yes, could you perhaps share your experience?
For some years I have been teaching music to the children of diplomats. Music terminology in English has its own specifics and there are not a lot of people knowing these terms. So I guess that is an advantage. :)