Fans flock to Paris to cheer as Lise Davidsen becomes classical music's Taylor Swift

PARIS (AP) — Taylor Swift isn’t the only singer fans are flocking to Paris to hear.

Lise Davidsen has become classical music’s biggest draw, attracting crowds to the Paris Opéra for her first performances in the title role of Strauss’ “Salome” during the same week Swift filled La Défense Arena across town for the start of her Eras Tour’s European leg.

“It’s a voice of the century,” said American director Lydia Steier, who staged the sex-and-alcohol-fueled “Salome” at the Bastille. “It’s an insane intensity acoustically. I think its electric.”

Andreas Homoki, director general of the Zurich Opera, gave Davidsen her first major role in 2016 as Agathe in Weber’s “Der Freischütz.”

“Somebody said she’s the new Nina Stemme. I disagree. She’s the new Nilsson,” he said in a comparison with Birgit Nilsson, regarded as one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of the 20th century.

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