Music is her life

A German singer based in London, Friederike Krum’s versatile voice and unique charisma have inspired
collaborations with some of the biggest names on the international concert scene. She has sung with
everyone from Russell Watson and Sir Rod Stewart to Montserrat Cabellé, José Carreras and Plàcido
Domingo – who has praised her “warm tone and charismatic stage presence”.

In private and public concerts across Europe, Friederike captivates audiences with an exceptional
repertoire, from classical to contemporary, and a rare ability to move from classical mezzo to a smooth,
mellow modern tone for jazz, musicals and crossover songs.

LM: Has anyone in particular helped shape your career?
FK: I got to train with the great soprano, Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She taught me to reach for the impossible
and make it possible. From her, I learned to push myself and find the inner strength to make it in this highly
competitive world.
LM: You’ve won awards and sung with some extraordinary artists. What’s your secret for a great performance?
FK: Teamwork makes the dream work – it’s true! I have no time for divas, male or female. For me, a stage
performance is always about the music, not myself. There are so many wonderful people backstage, working to
make me and my colleagues shine on stage – from sound and lighting to make-up and wardrobe.

A special highlight of my career was working with Plàcido Domingo. He was incredibly kind – a true gentleman, and
very humble despite his extraordinary talent. Years later I got to sing with his son Plácido Jr at the José Carreras
TV gala, and we became good friends.
LM: Can you tell us about your charity work for the Forces? You’ve even performed at the NATO camp in
Afghanistan, and on a German warship!
FK: Yes, I’ve been asked to perform for both the British and German forces – which is how I found myself flying out
to the NATO camp in Afghanistan one Christmas. I was there for a week, performing for the troops – such a
humbling experience. The German Navy also flew me out to Italy to stay a weekend on one of their war ships in the
Bay of Naples.

[…]

Read more on March Issue of Leaders Magazine.