How did you prepare for the role of Leonore in Fidelio?I'd been singing the role [at the Florentine Opera] in Milwaukee last fall, so when rehearsals began at the Metropolitan in early March, we mainly had to work on the stage direction. I rehearsed with the other understudies and alternating singers, but not on stage and not with the orchestra. All of that was new to me at the debut. To me, the most important thing is to feel comfortable in the role and with my colleagues. Considering everyone I got to work with, I was very fortunate in that respect.How does it feel to have the media describe your life and your breakthrough as a fairytale?I suppose a fairytale might be defined as a story with a happy ending... and as such, the waitress part of my story could certainly be called a fairytale. My career as a singer has just begun, albeit in wonderful and grand fashion, but it will take many years to convince me that it constitutes a true fairytale. In general, I'm quite fine with people reacting to my story in that way. Many are moved by it and can relate to it in a way that inspires them and gives them hope... which in turn is incredibly inspiring to me!How do you feel about comparisons to Birgit Nilsson?Comparisons to Birgit Nilsson may be inevitable for any new Swedish soprano with a similar repertoire. It's fun to the extent that similarities do exist, but I'm also eager to establish myself as a unique performer, without constant comparisons to others. It is difficult to measure up to such a legendary and absolutely brilliant performer. The great thing about music is the personal contribution of each artist... how different a piece can be when you change the players. That's why you can see the same opera many times and have it be a completely new and magical experience each time.Who are your role models?In terms of singing, definitively Caballe, Callas, Leontyne Price, Ghena Dimitrova, my mother... In terms of musicians who have contributed on a really large scale in the world, both through music and through who they were or are as people, I would say Isaac Stern, Leonard Bernstein and Itzak Perlman. As far as life in general, I would have to say my close friends first of all. Then there are a couple of authors and philosophers, and the obvious historic giants: Gandhi, Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Jefferson. It's hard to name just a few.What is your dream role?I love Salome, Turandot and Elektra. They are absolutely crazy and totally extreme. But Leonore in Fidelio is also great – she's an ordinary person in very extraordinary circumstances, who discovers the strength and nature of her convictions. And she embodies this enormous "YES" to everything that life puts in front of her. It's her spirit that makes all things possible.For more information about Erika Sunnegårdh: www.erikasunnegardh.comPhoto: © Leif R. Jansson