#INTERVIEW: Jelena Štefanić on Motherhood, Music, and a Changed Worldview

In the world of opera, few voices have captivated international audiences with the clarity, passion, and elegance of Croatian soprano Jelena Štefanić. From the hallowed halls of Carnegie Hall to Vienna’s Musikverein, her soaring performances have enchanted even the most discerning listeners.

But beyond the stage lights and standing ovations, Jelena recently stepped into her most life-changing and personal role yet—that of a mother.

In this intimate conversation, Jelena opens up about the transformative power of motherhood, the emotional evolution of her artistry, and the delicate dance of balancing global performances with the everyday joys and trials of raising a child. With candour, grace, and a fierce sense of purpose, she shares her journey as an artist, a woman, and a mother—proving that strength doesn’t mean perfection, and passion only grows deeper when shared.

Tanja Beljanski: Balancing Art and Motherhood
As a world-class opera singer and a new mother, how have you managed to balance the demanding schedule of performances and rehearsals with the joys and challenges of raising a child?

Jelena Štefanić: I have to admit, my life has changed 180 degrees. I never imagined that such unconditional love could exist. Before, my mornings revolved around my voice, technique, and career. Now, my voice is the last thing on the list—and I don’t regret it at all. The most important thing now is my child and his well-being.

Of course, as a freelance opera singer, I still need to work—after all, I have to put bread on the table. But at the moment, I’m choosing only those engagements that are nearby or don’t require long preparation time (no more than two months). So currently, I’m focusing on concerts. Opera roles are on standby.

I won’t pretend everything is perfect or a bed of roses. Motherhood is hard. There are days when it feels impossible to even get out of bed. But you have to—someone is waiting for you, watching you.

Tanja Beljanski: Embracing Change
You’ve performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Has motherhood changed your perspective on your career and artistic expression in any way?

Jelena Štefanić: Oh yes, absolutely. It’s changed my perspective on the entire world. When it comes to singing, my interpretation of certain pieces has evolved. I feel the text more deeply now, because I’ve had an experience that changes you completely—your brain, your body, your hormones...

It’s given me emotional depth. I understand myself better, and I can express that through my performances. I’m definitely more mature now, and I’ve gained other qualities—strength, willpower, and a certain stubbornness I didn’t know I had until I became a mother. I honestly feel like the Hulk from the cartoons!

I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall, Musikverein in Vienna, and many others—and I know I’ll be standing on those stages again. This time, for my son.

Tanja Beljanski: The Nomadic Life of an Opera Singer
Opera singers are constantly on the move, performing in different countries and time zones. How do you navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of being away from home while ensuring your son remains your top priority?

Jelena Štefanić: That’s a great question. I’m a young mother—my son is only a year and a few months old—so for now, I’ve postponed any performances that require long-distance travel. At the moment, I’m performing only in Europe.

When I’m away from home, my husband and my mother take wonderful care of Raffaello. We are a team, and I’m lucky to have their support.

Tanja Beljanski: Returning to the Spotlight
After taking time off for maternity, how did it feel to return to the stage? Did you notice any changes in your voice, stamina, or emotional connection to the music?

Jelena Štefanić: I sang up until 20 days before giving birth, and I started singing again very early after. To be completely honest—I was scared. My body had changed, although my voice stayed mostly the same. But my approach to singing is now different.

To perform well, you need to be physically fit. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in over a year, and of course that affects your mood, your mind, and your stamina. So, every time I go on stage, there’s a little bit of stress—I don’t always know what’s going to come out.

But as an artist, I give everything I have in that moment. And sometimes, it doesn’t come out exactly how I imagined it. But music is the art of the present moment. You can never sing a phrase or an entire role exactly the same way twice. We are human—and that’s what makes this art form so magical and eternal.

Tanja Beljanski: Future Plans
Are you planning to return to Dubai for a performance soon?

Jelena Štefanić: As for Dubai—yes, it’s one of my biggest wishes to perform there. I truly hope that dream comes true one day. I’m open to invitations and collaborations!

Tanja Beljanski: Lessons and Legacy
What lessons do you hope to pass on to your son about passion, resilience, and following one’s dreams? And what advice would you give to other women striving to balance a demanding career with motherhood?

Jelena Štefanić: I honestly don’t know how I balance it all—but somehow, I do. Soon, I have a solo recital with a large Italian repertoire at Lago di Como in Italy. And in September—this is something I haven’t mentioned yet—I’m also the casting director of the music festival Noctes Aquae Iasae in my hometown of Varaždinske Toplice in Croatia. This year, we’re honoured to host one of the greatest singers in the world—Ramón Vargas. I’m beyond grateful that he accepted our invitation and will share his artistry with us.

I just want to say this—to every woman, not only mothers: we are so much stronger than we think. Hard work and strong belief in yourself can move mountains.

For me, the most important thing is health. I pray that my son grows up healthy, that he learns to understand and support others, that he becomes a man who’s willing to help, who shows empathy for every living being, and who’s not afraid to be imperfect in today’s “perfect” world. Our flaws are what make us unique—and it’s our uniqueness that gives the human race its greatness.

If I can raise him to be that kind of person, that will be my greatest achievement in life.

There’s a quote I read years ago that still stays with me:  

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars."

— N.V. Peale

@1105js