“Today, when everyday life moves at such a fast pace and there’s so much information out there, theatre is a place where you can pause, be with yourself, and experience a range of beautiful emotions. Opera, operetta, and musicals address relevant issues, allowing every audience member to see something of themselves in them,” says Iveta Kalkauskaitė, a graduate of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Music Academy, a teacher in its Singing Department, a soloist, and one of the younger generation of mezzo-sopranos currently captivating audiences on the stage of the Kaunas State Musical Theatre.
From a chair to the professional stage
Iveta Kalkauskaitė’s journey to the opera stage began in childhood. From the very beginning, her family supported her ambitions: “My family could see how much I wanted to sing and how hard I worked, so they always supported me and encouraged me to pursue my dream. I’ve loved singing since I was very young, so I’m thrilled that what began with a chair as my childhood stage has led me to the stage of a musical theatre.”
When it came to choosing a university, she opted for the VMU Music Academy. “I chose the VMU Music Academy because of its exceptionally strong teachers, its academic environment, and its broad approach to educating artists. VMU allowed me to grow not only as a vocalist, but also as a person. What impressed me most was the teachers’ dedication to their work and their ability to pass on values and a love for this profession through their teaching,” says the singer.
The lectures by Assoc. Prof. Birutė Sodaitytė had a particularly strong influence on Iveta’s career as a soloist. She also gained valuable experience from her acting classes: “I carry with me many meaningful memories from the acting classes taught by Kęstutis Jakštas and Viktorija Streiča. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from the very best, and that is priceless.”
After completing her studies and gaining professional experience, Iveta was invited to join the Music Academy, this time as a teacher. “I’m very happy to be part of the VMU community and to share my knowledge and experience with students. I also teach at the Kaunas Mikas Petrauskas School of Performing Arts, which gives me a unique opportunity to observe the development of performers from the youngest learners to university students and established professionals, and I find this process endlessly fascinating. It also greatly enriches my own experience as a teacher,” she says.
Every role and concert matters
Iveta Kalkauskaitė is currently preparing for a new role at the Kaunas State Musical Theatre, one of the most popular theatres in Lithuania. She has been cast as Cherubino in W. A. Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro and is therefore devoting most of her time to preparing for this role. She also performs in other repertory productions and is preparing for performances at the Klaipėda State Music Theatre.
Although the soloist has already created many striking roles, she tries not to classify them. “Every production is different and requires a different vocal technique, so rehearsals demand a great deal of time. I don’t like classifying performances as big or small – every role and every concert is very important to me. I’m always happy to be on stage, and I always try to give the very best I can,” says Iveta.
Preparing for a production is an important ritual for the performer: “I always arrive at the theatre a couple of hours early, because I like to prepare without rushing. I make sure to leave enough time for vocal warm-up exercises and make-up. Once I’m ready, I go over certain parts of the performance again.”
Iveta Kalkauskaitė, who not only performs at the Kaunas State Musical Theatre and the Klaipėda State Music Theatre, but also takes part in various events and projects, does not like making plans for the future. “I enjoy embracing the challenges life presents and overcoming them. That brings me great joy,” she says.
Progress in opera does not happen overnight
VMU Music Academy teacher Iveta Kalkauskaitė advises pupils dreaming of a career as opera soloists to arm themselves with patience and faith in themselves and in their teacher, because in opera nothing happens overnight.
“In this profession, only consistent and focused work leads to good results. In opera, progress is made up of many small steps which, over time, build a strong foundation. It’s also important to be psychologically strong – to accept competition and the inevitable ‘no’s’ as part of the process, and to maintain a constant interest in this music and in theatre. All of this shapes a mature and compelling artist,” says the soloist.
Iveta also encourages students to take advantage of the preparatory courses offered by the VMU Music Academy, which provide more time to develop vocal technique, support steady growth, and help them prepare more thoroughly for further studies.
Iveta says she feels incredibly happy working in Lithuania. “A small stage doesn’t mean limited opportunities. I’d say quite the opposite – it allows you to be more visible and well-known. The Kaunas State Musical Theatre is exceptional, distinguished by its variety of genres and its particularly rich repertoire. This gives performers the opportunity to build extensive stage experience, while frequent appearances on stage become a natural part of professional growth,” she says, adding that she encourages her pupils and students first and foremost to make the most of what Lithuania has to offer – strong schools, talented teachers, and theatres that continue to grow.
“International experience is very important, but a solid foundation at home often becomes the strongest basis for the path ahead on any stage in the world,” says Iveta Kalkauskaitė.
