Art
Laura Ansaldi: The Best Year of Her Opera Career
A Soprano’s Mission to Make Opera Accessible and Inspiring for All
“Opera is deeply moving and beautiful. My dream is to bring it closer to everyone, so more people can feel its magic.”
Laura Ansaldi, an acclaimed soprano from Piedmont, Italy, is transforming the world of opera with her dedication to making it accessible to all. Inspired by a lifelong love for music and a passion for inclusivity, Laura’s journey is one of remarkable talent and commitment—a story that bridges musical achievement, inclusivity, and philanthropy. With the support of Artinitiative, an artistic management company, she creates new spaces for audiences and performers to connect more deeply.
Early Beginnings and Passion for Opera
Laura’s path to the opera stage began in childhood. With the encouragement of her parents, she started singing in choirs and performing in theaters, and by six, she knew that opera was her calling. Her training took her from a conservatory in Genoa to London’s Actor’s Studio, where she refined her craft. In addition to her artistic education, Laura pursued an MBA, driven by an appreciation for mathematics and statistics that complements her belief in the interconnectedness of sciences and art. This mix of interests highlights her creative vision, where music acts as a bridge between different fields and connects artists with their audiences.
A New Approach to Opera: Intimacy and Inclusivity
Laura is known for her commitment to transforming the opera experience into something personal and accessible. “People sometimes perceive opera as distant or old-fashioned,” she says, “but opera is deeply moving and beautiful. My dream is to bring it closer to everyone, so more people can feel its magic.” Her recital on November 17 in Biel, set in the town’s historic center, reflects this mission. In an intimate venue,
she’ll perform with a pianist and dancer, offering program guides to help attendees connect with each piece. Laura’s goal is to make each audience member feel part of the performance, an approach she hopes other artists will adopt.
A Year of Honors and Lifetime Recognition
Laura’s career has been filled with artistic achievements, but this year, she was honored with the Arts, Sciences, and Letters medal from the Académie in Paris, a moment she describes as “the achievement of a lifetime.” Encouraged to apply by a friend who knew Madeleine ImKey, the Académie’s delegate to Switzerland and the GCC, Laura remembers her surprise and joy upon receiving the medal. “Just going through the process was worth it, but receiving this recognition—it’s something I’ll never forget,” she says. This honor, symbolizing unity between the arts and sciences, has added profound meaning to Laura’s work. She will also be honored with a career award at Carnegie Hall in April 2025, a milestone she approaches with deep gratitude and humility.
Performing with Purpose: Philanthropy and Cultural Bridges
Laura’s commitment to creating connection extends beyond the opera house. As a dedicated supporter of Bridging Nations, a cultural initiative promoting intercultural understanding and inclusivity, she recently performed at an event for the organization at the Oman Embassy in Paris. She selected pieces from La Traviata, Faust, and La Wally—each chosen to convey the emotional power of opera. “The energy was
incredible,” she recalls, adding, “I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.” It was a spiritual moment that reaffirmed Laura’s belief in music as a unifying force.
Laura Ansaldi performs at the Oman Embassy in Paris, copyright Corentin Bonnin
Working side by side with Bridging Nations aligns with Laura’s mission to use music as a bridge to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. She is passionate about expanding her charity work and partnering with initiatives like this to help even more people experience opera’s beauty. As she explains, many people express curiosity about opera but often feel that it “isn’t for them.” Laura envisions a more welcoming opera world, where ticket prices are accessible, charity events are frequent, and program guides help audiences connect personally with each performance.
Balancing Art, Family, and Personal Growth
For the past eight years, Laura has balanced her demanding career with family life in Zumikon, Switzerland, where she lives with her Italian husband and their two children. “Becoming a mother changed everything,” she reflects. “It’s beautiful but challenging, learning to juggle both roles.” Supported by agents in Germany and Switzerland, Laura has tailored her career to keep family close, focusing on local engagements and creating a fulfilling life onstage and at home.
A disciplined artist, Laura continues daily training to keep her voice and physical stamina at their peak. She describes the discipline required as similar to that of an athlete. “You need to know yourself deeply, to be ready for anything that may happen with your voice or breath, especially during a performance,” she says, highlighting her dedication to her art.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Opera Singers
For those wishing to follow her path, Laura’s advice is straightforward and sincere:
Never Stop Learning: “Always work hard and keep studying. Never stop striving to be better.”
Know Yourself as an Instrument: “Opera is physically demanding, like a sport. You need to know your strengths, limitations, and how to adapt to any situation.”
A Vision for the Future
Laura’s recent duet with renowned Ukrainian pianist Alexey Botvinov at the Académie’s Grand Awards Ceremony in Paris was a particularly meaningful performance. The two platinum medalists performed, creating a powerful moment of artistic collaboration. Their duet included Rachmaninoff’s and Verdi’s popular but challenging arias.
Laura Ansaldi performs with pianist Alexey Botvinov
Laura deeply admires Botvinov, whose work exemplifies strength and resilience, and who is also a warm and kind human being. “Working with Alexey was such a beautiful experience, both as an artist and a person”; Laura shares. Performing at the Grand Awards Ceremony was an unforgettable experience that filled her with great energy and gratitude.
Laura Ansaldi s journey is a reminder of opera’s universal appeal and its power to connect people across cultures. Her dedication to accessibility and her commitment to social causes make her an inspiring figure in the opera world. Her story is more than a career in opera; it’s a life dedicated to bridging gaps and making art meaningful for everyone. She is not only an extraordinary artist but a compassionate, warm-hearted individual whose work makes the world a more connected and beautiful place.
