1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Bern Academy of the Arts
  3. Music
  4. Studies
  5. Opera
  6. Student Portraits
  7. Iris Keller
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Iris Keller

Seitliche Porträtaufnahme der jungen Frau. Ihr dunkles, langes Haar trägt sie in einem tiefen Pferdeschwanz. Sie blickt mit freundlichem Ausdruck in die Kamera. Ihre Lippen sind rot.

Profile

Voice type

Soprano

Nationality

France

Email

iris-keller@orange.fr

Current studies

Master Specialized Music Performance Opera, Swiss Opera Studio, Bern Academy of the Arts

Vocal coach

Jean-François Rouchon

Former musical studies

  • 2022–2024: Master of Arts, Singing, Interpretation, Concert Orientation, Prof. Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet, Jean-François Rouchon, Haute Ecole de Musique HEMU, Lausanne

  • 2023 February–June: SEMP exchange with the Amsterdam Conservatory, Prof. Selma Harkink, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • 2019–2022: Bachelor of Arts in Music, singing, Prof. Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet, Haute Ecole de Musique HEMU, Lausanne

CV

Most important projects/concerts:

  • 2023: Jemmy, Guillaume Tell, Rossini, Nouvel Opéra de Fribourg, Fribourg
  • 2023: Euridice, Orfeo ed Euridice, Gluck, Amsterdam Conservatory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • 2022: Frasquita, Carmen, Bizet, Compagnie In Templo

Masterclasses : 

  • Fondazione Cini, Venezia : Gemma Bertagnoli, Sara Mingardo
  • International Saxon Singers Academy : Elvira Dreßen, Dagmar Schellenberger

Interview: Three questions for Iris Keller

Why are you studying opera? 

Because it's the only art form that allows you to play and perform classical music on stage. It's a complete art. The sensation of vibration in the body in opera singing is also an incredible sensation.

What was your first encounter with opera?

I had classical music CDs as a child, and I listened to them over and over again. I dreamt of being able to sing like opera singers.

Which is your favourite opera and why? 

I have a passion for Poulenc. I think Dialogue des Carmélites is my favourite opera. There are few operas whose text is so metaphysical and profound. The libretto is not about love (we love love stories! but sometimes it's good that they're not at the centre of everything). Each sister represents a relationship with death, faith and loyalty. This is an opera centred on women and their destiny, in which the female performers are given magnificent texts to defend. It's a rare thing. And Poulenc's writing is so theatrical. It's fascinating to work with.