ZANDA ŠVĒDE

Biography

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Latvian mezzo-soprano Zanda Švēde has been praised for her “lush timber” (Münchener Merkur) and “full-bodied, sensuous voice and arresting presence” (Post Gazette). She has been part of Oper Frankfurt Ensemble since 2018. 2025/2026 season’s highlights include reprise of Cornelia in Giulio Cesare and the title role of Carmen in Barry Kosky’s production as well as role debuts of Vlasta in Die Passagierin and Leonardos Frau in Bluthochzeit. Zanda will also return to Latvian National Opera and Ballet with the title role of Carmen and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly. She will perform Alto solo in Mahler’s 8th Symphony with Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and Waldtaube in Schoenberg’s Gurre Lieder at Liepājas Dzintars Concert Hall. In the fall and winter Zanda will present two solo recitals with pianist Reinis Zariņš.

 

In 2024/2025 season Zanda returned to roles of Sonjetka in Lady Macbeth of Mcensk and Maddalena in Rigoletto at Oper Frankfurt. She she presented solo Recital in Holzfoyer with a title Soirée en mer and made role debuts as Eduige in Handel's Rodelinda and Pythia in Rheiman's Melusine with high praise from the critics. She also performed Beethowen's Missa Solemnis with Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, returned to Latvian National Opera and Ballet perofrming Herodias in a new production of Salome, directed by Alvis Hermanis and was part of Jūrmala Festival Gala and concert Born in Latvia.

 

Her 2023/2004 season included a role debut as Cornelia in Giulio Cesare at Oper Frankfurt, performing Mahler’s 2nd Symphony with Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and returning to Tiroler Festspiele Erl for a full Ring Cycle in the summer, directed by Brigitte Fassbaender.

 

Zanda’s 2022/2023 season included role debut as Clairon in Capriccio, Nenila in Tschaikovsky’s The Enchantress, the title role of Handel's Orlando in a new production and roles Forester's wife and Owl in The Cunning Little Vixen at her home company Oper Frankfurt. Further engagements included role debuts as Erda in Siegfried and Waltraute in Göterdammerung at Tiroler Festspiele Erl, and a return to Latvian National Opera in title role of Carmen.

 

Carmen has become one of Zanda's signature roles, which she debuted at Lyric Opera of Kansas City and has performed with Oper Frankfurt in two revivals of Barry Kosky’s production, Seattle Opera, Latvian National Opera and Pittsburgh Opera, earning stellar reviews.