Paris Olympics star records her cancer struggle

The mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti was seen by millions singing in the rain a few weeks ago at the opening of the Paris Olympics.

Now she is getting personal about her prolonged struggle with cancer.

I know this photo will be a shock for a lot of you. This photo was taken 5 years ago by my dear friend Aurelie Raidron while I was fighting cancer.
First of all : it’s a battle I won, I’m 100% recovered now, cancer free since several years, and so grateful about it.
Most of you don’t know that part of my story because I kept it secret, mostly out of fear : fear of loosing my jobs as an opera singer, fear of being judged, fear of becoming “unreliable” or “weak” in the eyes of many (mostly professionally).
I can see those who have cancer around me being sometimes isolated and scared (even ashamed!) to talk about it aswell, and I have decided that I had to be brave and go public about it, hoping it can give strenght and support to many of you who are fighting it or have people you love fighting it.
Why is it the cover of Melankhôlia “In darkness through the light” ? Because this album has been the “track list” of my journey through cancer, it has been the only music I could sing, and in which I found a form of peace and acceptance, facing darkness through the light. This is why this album is so personal and dear to me.
I share some of my experience in a diary that is part of the album booklet, and I’ll share some more in the next few weeks before the album release.