From Olympic Glory to LA Debut: Benjamin Bernheim on Song, Sports, and the Pursuit of Artistic Excellence
Benjamin Bernheim, the French lyric tenor who wowed millions at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is set to enchant Los Angeles audiences with a captivating recital at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on November 9th. This performance, co-presented by Los Angeles Opera, marks a significant milestone in Bernheim’s rapidly escalating career, one that has seen him grace some of the world’s most prestigious operatic stages.
Currently working on his eagerly anticipated solo album “Douce France: Mélodies & Chansons," Bernheim’s operatic journey began with the soaring melodies of childhood choirs and blossomed into a world-renowned career. Hailed by Le Monde as "simply stunning," his globally celebrated voice found its perfect outlet in the dramatic world of opera.
Bernheim’s recent Olympic performance, a poignant rendition of Gabriel Fauré’s "Hymn to Apollo" within a giant Olympic ring, showcased his extraordinary vocal range and captivated a global audience. "The point was to be heard as an opera singer, not a pop singer," he revealed. The performance resonated deeply, especially for Bernheim, as a native Parisian performing at the Games held in his home country.
This LA recital marks a departure from his operatic triumphs, showcasing a different facet of his artistry. “It took time for me to approach the world of recitals after focusing on opera for so long," he explains. He sees it as an opportunity to weave together narratives through strategically chosen melodies, creating a unique "journey" for his audience.
His upcoming performances promise iconic figures like Henri Duparc and Giacomo Puccini alongside popular pieces, with "Autumn Leaves" adding a thread of familiar warmth to the evening.
Bernheim has graced the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, receiving acclaim for his performance in Verdi’s "Rigoletto." Addressing critical comparisons between live performance and recordings, he emphasizes the magic of a live voice “There’s nothing like a live voice ringing in a hall." This sentiment reflects his dedication to the immediacy and raw power of singing in the present moment.
The tenor’s constant pursuit of excellence is evident in his eternally dissatisfied artist’s spirit. "Being satisfied is the death of artistry. Wanting to make it special is what makes you want more," he confesses. This relentless drive manifests in his meticulously crafted performances, where he pushes his voice to its limits, striving for elegant and impactful storytelling.
For Bernheim, preparation for demanding roles like Hoffmann or Romeo involves a multifaceted approach. He immerses himself in a tapestry of interpretations, honing his craft through practice and collaboration with skilled pianists. The physical and vocal stamina required for these roles is likened to athletic training, demanding strategic pacing and intense focus.
Drawing inspiration from athletes like Roger Federer, Bernheim sees parallels between his craft and the athletic world.
"These enormous athletes are artists for me [and had] almost as much influence as the biggest singers when I was learning roles," he shares, emphasizing the importance of seeking inspiration beyond the confines of opera.
His advice to aspiring singers is to embrace life’s experiences with an open mind and a thirst for adventure: "Live a life. Try new things. Be risky. Push yourself to try things.” This philosophy underscores his belief that experiences, both joyous and challenging, fuel artistic expression. As Bernheim’s star continues to ascend, he promises audiences an unforgettable voyage through the world of song, fueled by his relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and unwavering passion.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Benjamin Bernheim
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Benjamin! It’s a pleasure to have you here today, especially with your upcoming recital in Los Angeles. Many of our readers are thrilled to hear about your journey from the grand stages of opera to this intimate setting. Can you share what this transition has been like for you?
Benjamin Bernheim: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. The transition from opera to recitals has been quite an enriching experience. After focusing on opera for so long, I found it took time for me to approach the world of recitals with the same intensity. In opera, the stories and characters are often larger than life, while in a recital, I get to create a more personal narrative that resonates with the audience through selected melodies. It feels like weaving together a journey—one that flows uniquely with each performance.
Time.news Editor: That sounds wonderful! Your recent performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics truly took the world by storm. How did it feel to perform such a significant piece as Gabriel Fauré’s “Hymn to Apollo” in front of an audience of millions, especially in your home country?
Benjamin Bernheim: It was an indescribable experience! Performing in front of a global audience, especially in Paris, where I grew up, was incredibly poignant. I aimed to convey the essence of an opera singer—emphasizing the depth and power of my voice, contrasting with more popular forms of music. Standing within that giant Olympic ring, I felt a profound connection to my roots and a responsibility to represent the art form authentically.
Time.news Editor: Your voice has indeed been described as “simply stunning” by Le Monde. With such high praise, what do you believe sets your voice apart in the world of opera and now in recitals?
Benjamin Bernheim: Thank you for the kind words! While I believe every singer has a unique sound, I think what sets my voice apart is its emotional depth and the ability to convey a wide range of narratives. In opera, the role often dictates the vocal style, but in recitals, I have more freedom to explore different genres and express a variety of emotions through carefully chosen pieces. I want to create a direct connection with the audience, drawing them into the experience.
Time.news Editor: That connection is so important. As you prepare for the LA recital, can you tell us about the repertoire you have selected? What do you hope to communicate through these songs?
Benjamin Bernheim: I’m thrilled about the repertoire! I will perform iconic works by composers like Henri Duparc and Giacomo Puccini, alongside popular pieces such as “Autumn Leaves.” Each song is chosen to evoke specific emotions and to take the audience on a journey. Through these melodies, I hope to communicate themes of love, nostalgia, and the beauty of life.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like an incredible experience for those attending. You’ve performed at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera. Comparing live performances to recordings, what’s your take on the unique magic of singing live?
Benjamin Bernheim: There’s absolutely nothing like a live voice ringing in a hall! The energy exchanged between the performer and the audience is electric and irreplaceable. In live performance, every note is an opportunity to connect in real time, which transforms each show into something unique. It’s this immediacy—the unpredictability—that makes opera and recitals so thrilling.
Time.news Editor: In pursuing artistic excellence, you have mentioned feeling a constant sense of dissatisfaction. How does this drive influence your artistic journey?
Benjamin Bernheim: That feeling of dissatisfaction is, in fact, a crucial part of my journey. It fuels my desire to grow and evolve. I believe that perfection is a myth, and striving for it pushes me to discover new nuances in my voice and performances. It keeps me striving for a higher standard, ensuring that I continually challenge myself and, in turn, offer my audience the best of what I can do.
Time.news Editor: Benjamin, it’s inspiring to hear your insights on both your craft and your artistic philosophy. We’re looking forward to your LA debut and can’t wait to hear you weave those beautiful stories through song.
Benjamin Bernheim: Thank you! I’m eager to share this experience with the audience in Los Angeles. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with them—both musically and emotionally. I hope they leave feeling uplifted and inspired!