What gave rise to your vocation as a singer?
It’s a long story… I was born with a gift, a particular talent. I have always loved singing. When I was a child, I sang at the church where my father was the pastor. I also sang a lot at school. But later, I decided to study mathematics and science at university. I had the opportunity of taking part in a singing course. I attended my first competition which I won. People around me pushed me to carry on. So then I did a nine-week course covering classical music, chamber music and recitals.
What did it feel like?
It was a foreign, unknown world and yet I was not entirely a stranger to it despite the fact that I knew nothing about music. I was only 20 years old and I was completely ignorant, naïve even. At the same time, I loved what it felt like to sing, to share music without the slightest pressure or ambition. I went to study at the Juilliard School in New York and it was at that moment that my fate was sealed.
What role models have inspired you in your artistic approach?
One person, Jennie Tourel, who was my singing teacher for four years at the Juilliard School. As the daughter of a pastor, I was very disturbed at the idea of learning a profession that brought me so much pleasure. I felt that following in my teacher’s footsteps, being at the service of music, was something very noble. Without this example, I could never possibly have dreamed of the career I have enjoyed.
What qualities are required to achieve a level and career such as yours?
Every artist is different. What I see as being common to all is the passion, the desire to transmit something greater than oneself. It is not my own message, I am but the instrument which plays…
Do you have a preferred repertoire? A favourite composer?
Yes, there is one composer who has always been with me – namely Mozart. For a very long time, not a year passed without me singing Mozart. His music is divine because it is even greater than Mozart himself.
What is left to dream about after a lifetime of such achievements?
Since 1994, I have added jazz and blues* to my repertoire. When I was a child, my father considered blues to be the devil’s music. So my education in this field is happening now! I am very curious and I love learning new things, even though these days I spend a lot of time in my garden with my grandson…
Why do you live on the Riviera?
I have lived here for 30 years. My children grew up here. It is impossible to explain to anyone the beauty of the Riviera, the majesty of the mountains that drop directly into the water. We are so lucky! And then there is all the kindness of my neighbours. Here, people allow me to be myself. I have never needed a bodyguard. I have always felt good here, at home and much loved.
Are you a fan of watchmaking?
I am fascinated by the work of watchmakers. Everything is so tiny… We need watchmaking but I also like not knowing what the time is, being able to forget it in order to do things in however much time they take. In my life, I have had the luxury of being able to take the time required to become who I am.
*CD launch “Blues everywhere I go”, Barbara Hendricks & her blues band, Arte Verum, October 2015