Iva Schell was born in Ulm, and attended the University of Dresden and the University of Augsburg. At the age of 22, Ms. Schell was hired for six seasons at Theater Ulm for many roles spanning the genres of opera, operetta, and musical theatre. Beginning in 2009, she has made appearances as a member of the Musical Comedy Theatre (Leipzig Opera).
What do you get out of doing a concert series like Salute to Vienna?
I love the music, the wonderful audiences, the warm atmosphere, and the Salute to Vienna team. I always come back home with new impressions, experiences, and friends!
How do you spend your time when you aren’t working?
Together with my little daughter, Viktoria, in Vienna or at our farm in the Austrian mountains!
What’s your favorite city to work in? What about that city is so special?
It is actually every city in which I perform. It is so good to have a job that takes you around the world to see new cities and to have always new audiences!
What’s next in your career?
I sing Countess Anastasia in Emmerich Kálmán's Die Csárdásfürstin (Gypsy Princess) at the Leipzig Opera and have two beautiful summer concerts with Mozart arias in Carinthia!
Who is your favorite person to travel with?
In my private life it is my daughter, because we love to be always together!
One of the most wonderful travel times I had was with the famous violinist André Rieu and his orchestra, because it was so special to be part of that wonderful team, and the trips and the concerts with him were unbelievably wonderful and touching!
How many years have you performed in Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert?
In the upcoming season it will be the third time!
What is your favorite musical composition?
There are so many I don't really have a favorite composition! But I like all the music of Strauss, Lehár and Kálmán very much!
What languages do you speak?
German, English, Croatian, and a little bit of French.
What is your favorite journey?
A trip to the sea!
What are you reading right now?
Magazines for parents!
What is your favorite thing to eat?
Pasta!
Dogs or cats?
Both. I have a dog (an Australian shepherd named Lija) and a cat (Caramel).
Photo courtesy of Ms. Schell