Childhood Dreams
" I always wanted to be on stage, loved to be busy with things musical. According to my mother, even at the age of two I was singing along with the radio. I became a member of musical society but to my regret, I was only given boys' roles. Perhaps that was because I had a rather low voice or because I was so independant. A tree-climber, that's me, though I dreamt of playing the role of the princess".

Atmosphere
Our interview takes place in an Italian-style lunchroom in the center of Hilversum (broadcasting city in the Netherlands). " I often come here with friends for a little visit, van den Akker adds. " I love the Italian atmosphere, I'm devoted to that country! A passionate people, a relaxed view of life, a very good kitchen, that appeals to me. And ofcourse on top of all the music, the Italians composed splendid music!

Fascination
Singing is my destiny, my lot; it is my great passion, an obsession, you might say. If I haven't sung for a week, my personality loses it's sparkle. To sing is a necessity, it is my life. I was born with it. It is a self-centered profession, even egotistical. Though I have followed various courses and master classes, ' the essential thing' is to find one's own sense of truth. One must find in one's voice ' that' which is characteristic of oneself. One must be able to imagine the sound that one wishes to hear. The influences of others are integrated into one's own truth. Besides my concerts with orchestras and my operatic roles ( I still dream of singing Charlotte, from Werther), I am devoted to chamber music. When singing "liederen", accompanied either by piano or an ensemble, I feel most true to myself and the composer. Here the beauty of the music is often determined by the art of "Leaving out" or omission. I often feel this very strongly when I am singing Mahler: when I achieve the precise emotion, then I need add nothing beyond this - it is a 'given', it just happens.

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Text copyright Ria Rosinga, Photograpy copyright Hermien Lam.