Whistling Ave Maria

Elena Somarè, who is formerly a successful photographer, is now a star of melodic whistling (the only woman in the world), and holds concerts everywhere, from Abu Dhabi to Monte Carlo, New York, Korea, Rome. She has contributed to the soundtracks of films by Paolo Sorrentino, Pupi Avati, and Valeria Golino, and has recorded albums. Her latest, titled Sacred and Profane, includes both religiously inspired pieces like Johann Sebastian Bach’s Air on the G String, Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria, and a Hebrew Our Father, as well as more popular pieces. These pieces are all rearranged and performed by Somarè and done so through whistling, “our second voice” as she describes it, and done so with a suggestive effect.

When did you discover this ability?

I started whistling as a child to imitate my father. However, it was only about ten years ago, when the digital revolution caused a crisis in my photography career, that I decided to perfect the technique at the suggestion of Swedish composer Mats Hedberg, my long-time collaborator. I studied music, recorded my first album, started performing concerts, and whistling melodically became my life.

Have you encountered prejudice in breaking into an activity traditionally reserved for men?

A great deal and I continue to encounter it. Despite my concerts being in demand worldwide, I have yet to find an agent and must manage my career independently, and do so by relying on word of mouth. The act of whistling is seen as a vulgar expression that is permitted only to men. Alternatively, as a virtuosic activity, suitable for circuses. Nevertheless, everyone gets emotional at my concerts, some even cry.

How do you explain that?

Despite its bad reputation, whistling is a wonderful instrument that touches ancestral chords, evoking the deepest feelings. It is a universal language.

Do you ever meet girls who want to learn to whistle like you?

Increasingly so. At the end of concerts, they ask me where they should begin. In fact, I have written a manual to teach the technique.

How do you keep your “instrument” in practice?

I continue to study music, do breathing exercises, and train the muscles of my mouth. Like trumpet players. My enemies are air conditioning and gusts of wind.

What is the longest duration of one of your whistles?

A minute and a half, on a single breath.

Why did you include sacred pieces in your latest album?

It came naturally to me. Today, seeing the world torn apart by wars; and I feel a growing desire to perform in churches, which boast perfect acoustics.

What is your biggest dream?

To perform in front of Pope Francis.

By GLORIA SATTA