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It's been over six years since Winona Vettraino Berry left Saint-Barthélemy. So, like all the island's children, the 23-year-old takes advantage of each of her returns to recharge her batteries, under the sun and in contact with her loved ones. At the same time, however, the artist she has become does not hesitate to share her talents. The winner of the sixth edition of the “Voix des outre-mer” competition in 2024 (JSB 1556), who has since joined the 2025-2026 class of “Génération opéra” (JSB 1594), will be performing twice at the Théâtre du Paradis. These two exceptional performances, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., will punctuate a week of singing workshops led at the theater by Myriam de Aranjo, a lyric singer (soprano) who is none other than the teacher with whom Winona discovered her voice during a summer workshop. The workshops will also be led by Michel de Aranjo, lyric singer (baritone) and pianist.
“Feeling less alone!”
These “masterclass” sessions began on Monday and end this Thursday evening. They were aimed at people whose habit, and passion, is singing, but not exclusively. “The project of the workshop is to create a choir with several different voices, harmonies,” explains Winona, who took part in each of the sessions. “It's always enriching to observe others,” assures the artist. And then it brings me back to the basis of my learning and my work.” During the recitals on Friday and Saturday, this ephemeral choir will perform on the Théâtre du Paradis stage. “It'll make me feel less alone,” Winona jokes, ”and above all, share the moment.”
This will be Winona Vettraino Berry's third recital on Saint-Barthélemy. It's a special moment for the mezzo-soprano, who performs on many stages in France. But nothing beats performing “at home”. In fact, Winona assures us: “Each time, I try to show different things. On the program for these two evenings: music and arias by Mozart, Bizet, Rossini, Offenbach, Hahn, Saint-Saëns... Some of the lesser-known young composers that the Voix des outre-mer 2024 will strive to magnify. A studious but refreshing interlude for Winona, who knows that, as soon as she returns to France, a very full agenda already awaits her.
A diploma and auditions to win
“I've never traveled so much by train,” she laughs. From stage to stage, town to town, Winona gradually established herself in the opera world. “I've met and discovered so many people,” she enthuses.
Three goals are driving her energy in the year 2025. The first is to obtain her Diplôme d'Etudes Musicales (DEM), to validate the six years she has spent studying at the Conservatoire. “It's time for me to stand on my own two feet,” she says.
The second will be to shine in an audition to join the Opéra-Comique academy. The aim won't be to go straight on stage,” explains Winona, ”but to benefit from a two-year training course and build up a network. The audition, however, is by no means a straightforward one, as it takes place in three stages, with - if it's worth noting - some of the most talented competition around.
Finally, the artist's third objective: to win the role of Dido in Henry Purcell's baroque opera “Dido and Aeneas” at the Clermont-Ferrand competition. Dido is the lead role and she's a mezzo-soprano,” says Winona. I was selected for the first part. But Dido is an older woman than I am, so I'll have to do my utmost to convince them that I'm their Dido!” Even if that's not the case, the singer is already looking ahead: “I could also be cast in another role.
Recitals on Friday February 28 and Saturday March 1, at 8pm at the Théâtre du Paradis, Gustavia.
Price: €25.
