We caught up with Justina Gringytė ahead of her concert this weekend with WNO Orchestra at Royal Welsh College of Music and Arts to ask her about what inspires her and how much she’ll looking forward to performing in Cardiff again.
Q: Justina, where did your passion for opera and classical music come from?
A: I think the answer is genetics. Singing comes from my father and acting is imprinted in me from and by my mother. Since I was very small, I so badly wanted to be on stage- to play the piano, to sing and I especially loved reciting poetry. Although I had only seen my first live opera performance when I was 16, I intuitively knew that classical singing and theatrical acting can work together very well, since I was just around 3 years old.
Q: What do you love about being a performer?
A: Being a performer requires a deep understanding that your work is never done, you can’t ever achieve perfection, and you have to be ok with it. Knowing that you must work on yourself all the time, hoping that every day gives you an opportunity to become better. Then with all that in mind when you step on stage you must forget your ‘imperfections’ and let them go, let your intuition speak and guide you throughout the performance. And even though you are at the centre of attention it is such non egoistic state that it is hard to describe how it feels.
Justina as seen in our 2018 production of La Forza del destino.
Q: What’s your pinch me moment?
A: My pinch me moment comes often. I truly appreciate my life and all that comes with it. So, after some long illness or other life challenges I go on stage - I pinch myself. Sharing the stage with great musicians, artists, wonderful people is a pinch me moment, always.
Q: Are you looking forward to being back in Wales and performing with WNO?
A: I’m very much looking forward to coming back to Wales and performing with the wonderful WNO orchestra. Wales has a very special place in my heart and my memories.
Q: If you weren’t an opera singer, what would you be?
A: If I wasn’t an opera singer, I am sure that I would be a doctor.
Justina Gringytė performs with Conductor Christopher Ward and WNO Orchestra at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, 14 – 15 February.
