Periscope

The critics raved about your Lucia. Is this a turning point in your career?

Yes, something's changed. And I'm very happy about that because for me it's a sort of revenge, even though I don't like this word. Four years ago I was thinking about quitting because I had problems with my voice; I had surgery on the cords and I thought I couldn't sing anymore.

Opera singers are famous for being divas. Are you one?

No, because I have no ego. I'm not that kind of person, but I have artistic demands. For example, I want my colleagues to be able to act. It's not always possible, but I ask that I want good directors, good conductors, good orchestras.

Did you really remove the "h" from your name because of Natalie Wood?

I was 12 or 13 and very fond of her. I thought it was simpler.