Mojca Erdmann appears delicate, almost fragile as she enters the cafeteria of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt, she takes a look around the room before sitting down at the table. It's not the way one would normally envision an opera singer. No grand appearance, no dramatic gesticulating. She is a pretty woman who quite clearly feels at home in one of the world's most famous opera venues. Then again, it's no wonder - she's been acquainted with acting, singing and classical music since childhood.

"I think I take a very natural approach when it comes to the stage," said the soprano, who as an elementary school pupil sang in the children's choir of the Hamburg State Opera. "It makes a big difference being familiar with the opera business from a very young age."

Even then, the singer was particularly enchanted by Mozart's music. "As a child, his music enthralled me," she said. "I just love his music and I'm very happy that I have a voice capable of singing Mozart."

From maid to country lass

Erdmann has often sung in productions of Mozart's operas: in Baden-Baden, in Cologne, and in Salzburg, for instance. And she's proved that she not only can sing, but that she's incredibly versatile as an actress: the delicate woman can transform herself into a temperamental fury or even a cagey handmaid.

Now, she's morphed into a common country lass as she takes up the role of Zerlina in Mozart's "Don Giovanni."

"Zerlina is completely in touch with her feelings," Erdmann observed. "She's going together with her boyfriend, Masetto - but then Don Giovanni suddenly appears on the scene, and he tries to seduce her."

The biggest challenge for Mojca Erdmann? "Not thinking so much," she said, laughing.

The singer delved into the role by tapping into her love for Mozart - just this past spring, she released her first solo album, entitled "Mostly Mozart."

Sometimes saying "no"

While studying, the young singer was already taking up roles - minor roles, she stressed - at the Komische Oper in Berlin. After all, for professional singers, taking on the right role at the right time is key.

"That also means sometimes saying 'no,'" she explained. "Even if you have the feeling that it would be the right role for you, but it's a little too early."

Erdmann debuted at the Salzburg Festival in 2006 in the title role of Mozart's "Zaide." She sang again there the following year and was hailed as "the" surprise of the festival by journalists and visitors alike. Critics were stunned by her voice and abilities. New York's Metropolitan Opera also caught wind of her talent, and invited her to audition. She has now been regularly appearing in New York since September.

Little time for leisure

Whether it's contemporary music or popular classics, Erdmann can't complain about not getting enough gigs. On the contrary, she already knows where she will be appearing in 2014 and 2015, although she's not allowed to divulge that information. But one thing's for sure: the Berlin State Opera has offered her the title role in Alban Berg's opera "Lulu," to be directed by Daniel Barenboim in the coming year.

"I travel a lot, and I'm glad to be able to meet so many interesting people and see so much," the singer said enthusiastically. "Still, it's difficult to keep friendships going, or see my family. That's really the biggest sacrifice."

Taking one's time, letting things gel in one's mind before making decisions - those things are important to Erdmann.

"I've never had one particular goal that I wanted to achieve no matter what," she said, in response to the question of whether singing at the Met has been a dream come true.

"Of course it's been a huge honor to be taken on by the Met; I'm thrilled about it," she added.

But what is most essential to her is giving her best for whatever she's doing at the moment - whether it's a major concert performance or jamming with friends at home.

Author: Anne Allmeling / als
Editor: Greg Wiser