“The Rolls-Royce of Voices” – BBC
Susanne Schimmack is a rare species indeed: hers is a voice of dark timbre and enormous ambitus, powerful, feminine, brilliant yet voluptuous and soothing.
She is renown for her intense and authentic role portrayal and strong musical instinct.
Following the tradition of the German “Hochdramatische”, Susanne successfully incorporates the qualities of an alto-voice into the dramatic soprano repertoire, thereby making it the perfect instrument for the according Repertoire: Kundry, Marta, Turandot, Elektra, Marschallin.
The cycles of Gustav Mahler and Richard Wagner are favourites as well as the songs of Strauss, Korngold, Marx.
ALL TOGETHER A STAGE ARTIST OF ENORMOUS PERSONALITY AND CHARISMA!
Recently praised for her “penetratingly sensual voice” (Dr. Dieter-David Scholz, MDR Radio Figaro), Susanne Schimmack has received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences and critics likewise: “…first class”, “…a triumph for soprano SUSANNE SCHIMMACK…,”…with incredible intensity”(Elektra). (Die Deutsche Bühne).
With her rich legato, energy and emphase , Susanne has sung in numerous theatres. Recent appearances include the title roles in Richard Strauss’ Elektra, Puccini’s Turandot alongside the Calaf of José Cura, Kundry under the baton of Rüdiger Beermann. In 2010, Susanne made her role debut in the role of Marta in Tiefland, marking her transition into the dramatic Zwischenfach. In addition to her staged work, Miss Schimmack is equally as accomplished on the concert stage. Contributing to new works, Susanne Schimmack joined the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie for the European premiere of Luca Francesconi’s “Ballata”. She also created the role of “Irene” in the World premiere of Franz Hummel’s opera “An der schönen blauen Donau”
Susanne Schimmack studied Vocal Performance at the University of California Irvine, as a student of Nina Hinson and received additional training in Masterclasses with renown artists: Ks. Christa Ludwig, Marylin Horne, Ks. Ileana Cotrubas, Martin Katz, Alan Smith, Malcolm Martineau and Ks.Martha Dewal who continues to be her vocal advisor.
As a laureate of the prestigious Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, she is also recipient of the Jessye Norman Scholarship awarded by the Orange County Philharmonic Society USA and the “Bajazzo” Award for outstanding artistic achievement from the Theater- und Konzertfreunde Dortmund.