by MK
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Stefania Seculin’s turn, a singer, songwriter and vocal coach dreaming of writing her very own musical and staging it in her hometown, Trieste.
Are you a Triestina?
Yes, I was born and raised here. When I was 18 I moved to Bologna to study music at one of the most important Musical Academies in the country. After three years, I started traveling the world and working as a singer. I would always come back to Bologna where I have a house, too. I split my time between Trieste and Bologna.
When did you move back to Trieste?
In November.
What made you come back?
I’d been teaching at the academy in Bologna for 15 year but I started feeling I needed a change of scenery.
I saw you at San Giusto last summer. You were amazing!
Thank you. I was the artistic director for the Gala in San Giusto last summer. And we are organizing another musical festival in Trieste in summer.
When did you know you wanted to become a singer?
I have always been singing since I can remember myself. I took part in some shows on the national TV when I was a kid. I studied the piano, I sang in choirs. Music has always been a huge part of my life.
What did your parents tell you when said you wanted to be a singer?
They were pretty supportive. I think I got lucky as I am an only child.
It seems like such a glamorous job to have
Oh, it’s a very difficult job. There’s not a lot of security. You need to audition all the time, there’s a lot of competition with many younger and well prepared singers. You need to constantly get better to be able to sing in various places. To be able to keep up.
Why musicals?
I love musicals because they tell a story. You have to build up the character, think about her every move. Unfortunately, in Italy musicals are not greatly appreciated.
Even in Trieste?
Trieste is a different story. In 2010 we created a show called “musical starts” with a band at the Rossetti theater. 15 local artists took part and it was a grand event. The public loved it, some people still remember the show.
Why is Trieste perfect for musicals?
It’s in the middle of Europe. And in the past Trieste was a very important city. It’s location is crucial. It’s a small city but it doesn’t feel small. It’s totally Mitteleuropean. In an hour you’re in Ljubljana, in two hours you’re in Austria, in half an hour you’re in Slovenia.
What are your future plans?
Now that I moved here, I started getting a lot of requests to open a musical academy. But as an artist I need continuous inspiration, so I will see. Also, this summer, together with Associazione Internazionale dell’Operetta we are organizing a musical gala with an orchestra on August 3rd. And a director will be from Vienna! It’s going to be a big deal. I think it’s a dream for our city. I am excited because I love singing in German.
Fantastic
One of my biggest dreams is to create a one woman show where I play the piano and sing. We will see. This is why I also moved here as jazz scene wasn’t great back in Bologna, and here it’s much better. I love musicals, jazz and sometimes pop. I feel I am at home in the theater, not at a bar with a band, you know? I belong on a big stage.
Is it easier to sing in German or Italian?
I think, German. I think German language is “fuller”, the lyrics seem more intense. In Italian you need more words to say the same thing you can convey with one word in German or English languages. When I sing in German, I get the feeling of singing a full mouth of words.
What’s your favorite role?
Elizabeth. Because it’s Sissi the empress. It’s a complicated character. She was depressed but she had to save her face. Plus, the songs are amazing.
Is it because you’re a Triestina?
Yes, probably (laughs-ed.).
How does it feel to be back in Trieste?
Well, I never really left it. I would always come back. The mentality here is complicated. It’s a small town. I decided to come here because I teach online with students from abroad and I can do it from anywhere. I love teaching students outside of Italy. When I’m in other countries, I feel freer. When I’m in Italy and in Trieste I feel like everyone’s judging you.
What should someone moving here expect from Triestini?
Triestini are good people. But at first they might seem reserved. They like to scan you but it seems like they’re judging you to understand who you are. And once it’s done, you’re in. And you’ll see they’re super generous and open. You can see it with the theater audience. At the beginning they’re suspicious and by the end, if they like the show, they’re super generous with applause.
Is speaking Triestino important here do you think?
Yes. If you speak with people in dialect, they’re more relaxed.
To learn about Stefania, please visit her website at www.stefaniaseculin.com
