Vassiliki Karayanni – Soprano
Born in Patra, the soprano Vasiliki Karayanni started her education at the city’s Conservatory, where she studied accordion, piano, and music theory. After graduating from the National Conservatory with honors in solo singing, she pursued her studies in Munich under Joseph Metternich. She has starred in shows at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall and Thessaloniki, and major opera houses across the globe, including the Berlin Comic Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Royal Opera of Denmark, the London Royal Opera House, the Bunkamura and Biwako Halls in Tokyo, and La Scala in Milan.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
I am appreciative of every role, every performance, and every theater I have appeared in! Undoubtedly, my performance at La Scala in Milan and the tremendous reception from its discerning audience was a standout moment for me! However, all my performances at Covent Garden, the Royal Opera of Denmark, Tokyo, Italy, also hold special places in my heart. Additionally, my performances at the Lyric Opera are powerful moments, such as my recent debut as Mimi in “La Bohème,” and the four roles in “Tales of Hoffmann”… I love them all, and each one is a moment of reward!
Can you share some key milestones or turning points in your journey?
A milestone in my life is the birth of my child! It was also the moment when I decided to temporarily reduce my international appearances. It was not a turning point in my journey; it was a conscious choice. It was a decision I would make again without hesitation!
Have you experienced any gender-specific challenges with people who tried to set obstacles in your way and discourage you?
I can’t say that I experienced gender inequality. Of course, I had challenges, just like everybody else in any career. However, they were not enough to discourage me. Instead, I would argue that they strengthened me since I pushed even harder and with more resolve when I encountered them.
Is there something you wish you had known when you started your career?
I wish I had realized earlier that every choice, and every opportunity, whether small or large, plays a role in our journey. So, it’s smart not to underestimate any opportunity and to make the most of it, as each one is a steppingstone that can play a crucial role in our journey.
