Interview: Ernesto Petti, from water polo to Valentin in Faust at La Scala

Ernesto Petti, the Salerno-born baritone, has marked a significant milestone in his operatic career with his return to Milan’s La Scala, this time embodying Valentin in a fresh production of Charles Gounod’s Faust. This engagement represents a notable progression from his initial brief stage appearance in 2013, when he delivered a single line in La traviata.

Petti’s path to opera stardom is characterized by unconventional beginnings. Before fully embracing music, he was a competitive water polo athlete, reaching Italy’s Serie A2 and training with the national team during his teenage years. His early life also included a short stint in law school, coming from a family deeply rooted in legal and political professions. A serious motorcycle accident in 2019 posed a significant threat to his mobility, yet Petti overcame this challenge and continues to thrive artistically.

Now 40 and residing in southern France with his singer wife and their young son, Petti brings a wealth of lived experience to his portrayal of Valentin, a character whose narrative is steeped in transformation and internal conflict. Valentin’s journey from a devout soldier to a man grappling with disillusionment and anger resonates with Petti’s appreciation for complex character development. This role demands nuanced vocal control and dramatic subtlety, particularly in pieces like 'Avant de quitter ces lieux,' which Petti interprets as an intimate prayer that evolves into a soldier’s resolute farewell.

The current La Scala production, under the baton of Daniele Rustioni and directed by Johannes Erath, has been praised for its intelligent and modern theatrical approach. Erath’s direction emphasizes emotional visibility and character depth, with particular attention to Valentin’s post-war physical and psychological changes. Petti describes this staging as thoughtful, highlighting how the character’s weariness is communicated even before a note is sung.

Petti’s preparation process for new roles involves a comprehensive study of music and text, ensuring a deep understanding of both the vocal demands and the dramatic context. He emphasizes the importance of grasping the language and nuances of the libretto to authentically convey the character’s intentions. This meticulous approach is evident in his ability to adapt vocal technique across different composers and styles, notably balancing the precision of French diction with the more fluid Italian language.

Living in France has enriched Petti’s linguistic skills and cultural insights, aiding his interpretive authenticity, especially in French opera. While he acknowledges that some singers perform convincingly in languages they do not speak fluently, he personally prioritizes linguistic comprehension as essential to character portrayal.

Reflecting on his athletic background, Petti credits sports with instilling discipline, body awareness, and breath control, all crucial attributes for an opera singer. His experience in high-level competitive water polo and later CrossFit training contributed to his physical resilience and understanding of the body’s role in vocal performance. However, he also recognizes the need to balance physical training to avoid tension that might hinder vocal freedom.

Despite his family’s strong ties to law and politics—including a great-grandfather who was a senator—Petti’s decision to pursue music received unwavering support. His initial foray into politics was brief and motivated more by curiosity than career ambition. Music, however, remained his true calling, with early influences including his opera-enthusiast father and a transformative encounter with Franco Corelli’s voice.

Petti’s early operatic experiences, such as his debut as Eagro in Orfeo ed Euridice at the Festival della Valle d’Itria and as Dancaïre in Carmen at Teatro San Carlo, shaped his artistic foundation. These roles, accompanied by further training at the Festival Puccini Academy and Plácido Domingo’s centre in Valencia, contributed to his professional growth and artistic maturity.

As Petti continues to build his repertoire and refine his artistry, he remains open to future roles and challenges, always guided by a blend of technical rigor and profound dramatic insight. His journey from sportsman to accomplished baritone exemplifies the diverse paths that can lead to operatic excellence, underscoring the importance of resilience, adaptability, and passion in the performing arts.