Benjamin Bernheim on Rodolfo in 'La Bohème': 'Be curious!' he tells tomorrow's singers

French-Swiss tenor Benjamin Bernheim, preparing to perform as Rodolfo in "La Bohème" on August 21, reflects on the complexities of his dual nationality. He notes a common experience where individuals are perceived differently based on their career's success, drawing a parallel with flutist Emmanuel Pahud.

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I live the same thing… more complicated!

Born in Paris and raised between France and Geneva, Bernheim proudly holds both passports. He recounts how his identity was perceived differently depending on his location: as a Frenchman in Switzerland, a Swiss in Paris, or even a "Welsch" (a term for French-speaking Swiss) in Zurich. This shifting perception, coupled with his Alsatian surname, sometimes led to him being misidentified as a "German tenor," despite his goal to champion French repertoire.

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I am very proud of my two passports.

Bernheim, son of singers, explains that singing was not initially his obvious path. However, he possessed a highly developed ear for music from a young age. To build a solid career, he felt it crucial to create distance from his family and forge his own identity, finding his voice and path through his own choices and experiences. He credits the Haute Ecole de musique de Lausanne and his vocal coach Gary Magby for enabling him to achieve this before joining the Zurich Opera.

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Singing was not at all an obvious choice at first.

His first performance as Rodolfo in "La Bohème" occurred in Zurich after he had left the company. Recognizing the role's significance, he negotiated with the opera house management, leveraging his previous performances in supporting roles. Bernheim advises young musicians to cultivate this ability to create their own opportunities, likening the music world to any other industry where proactivity is key.

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It was important that I forge my own path from as blank a slate as possible, that I find both my voice and my way through my choices and my experience.