Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eivazov

Anna Netrebko was born in Krasnodar. In 1991 she graduated from the College of Music of the Rimsky-Korsakov Leningrad (since 1991 St Petersburg) State Conservatory and entered the сonservatory (class of Professor Tamara Novichenko). In 1994 she made her Mariinsky Theatre debut as Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), the next year appearing at San Francisco Opera as Lyudmila in Ruslan and Lyudmila. In the summer of 1996 she was a participant in the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. In 1998 she was awarded the Casta Diva Russian opera prize for the role of Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro at the Mariinsky Theatre. 

In 2002 she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in War and Peace (directed by Andrei Konchalovsky and conducted by Valery Gergiev) and at the Salzburg Festival in the opera Don Giovanni (directed by Martin Kušej and conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt). The stunning success in Salzburg has been just one of the highlights in Anna Netrebko’s artistic career. Soon afterwards she was given an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon and created her first solo album.

Anna Netrebko has attained international acclaim by appearing in lyrical roles in operas by Mozart and the bel canto repertoire. In recent years the singer has been engaged in a repertoire of spinto and dramatic soprano roles. Her debut in the title role of Verdi’s Giovanna D’Arco at the Salzburg Festival in 2013 and her release of the Verdi album have both heralded this coup. Today the singer’s repertoire includes the roles of Leonora in Il trovatore and La forza del destino, Elsa in Lohengrin, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, Maddalena in Andrea Chénier and the title roles in the operas Adriana Lecouvreur, Manon Lescaut, Aida and Tosca. 

One of the most celebrated opera singers of the present day, Anna Netrebko appears at the world’s great theatres. As an exclusive artist for Deutsche Grammophon (since 2003) she records frequently and has a large discography including solo albums, opera recordings and a concert repertoire. In November 2021 this label released her solo CD Amata dalle tenebre which features arias from operas by Cilea, Puccini, Purcell, Richard Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Wagner, recorded under the baton of Riccardo Chailly at the Teatro alla Scala. 

Anna Netrebko’s numerous prizes include an International Opera Awards for 2017 in the category “Best Singer”, the title of “Musician of the Year” from Musical America magazine (2008), the Opera News Award (2015), Germany’s BAMBI Award (2006), a Classical BRIT Award (2008) and eleven ECHO KLASSIK prizes. In 2017 she was honoured by the Vienna State Opera with the title of Kammersängerin. 

Prize-winner at the 15th Glinka International Vocalists’ Competition (Smolensk, 1993; 1st prize). Prize-winner at the 2nd Rimsky-Korsakov International Young Opera Singers’ Competition (St Petersburg, 1996; 3rd prize). Recipient of the State Prize of Russia (2004). People’s Artist of Russia (2008). Recipient of Russia’s Golden Mask National Theatre Award (2018; special award “For a unique artistic duet in the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia’s production of Manon Lescaut”), Golden Sofit, St Petersburg’s most prestigious theatre prize (1999, 2005 and 2009), the Onegin National Opera Award (2021).

Yusif Eyvazov was born in Algiers in 1977. He started studying vocals at the Hajibeyov Baku Academy of Music. In 1997 he moved to Italy to continue his studies, living in Milan; he further trained at masterclasses conducted by Franco Corelli, Ghena Dimitrova, Magda Olivero, Plácido Domingo, Gianandrea Gavazzeni. 

He launched his career as an opera singer at theatres and concert halls in Italy, performing the roles of Don José (Carmen; Sala Tripcovich, Trieste, 2005), Alfredo Germont (La traviata; Bisceglie, 2007) and the Duke of Mantua (Rigoletto; Teatro Verdi, Milan, 2008). Has toured to Germany, Austria, Spain, Japan and South Korea. In 2010 he made his debut as Mario Cavaradossi (Tosca) at the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia (Moscow).

Yusif Eyvazov performs at the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Opéra national de Paris, Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), the Bayerische Staatsoper, Los Angeles Opera, the National Theatre in Prague, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Alte Oper Frankfurt, the Kölner Philharmonie, the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Ravenna’s Teatro Alighieri, the Semperoper Dresden and the Royal Albert Hall in London among other venues as well as at the Salzburg Festival and the Arena di Verona. Collaborates with Valery Gergiev, Riccardo Muti, Antonio Pappano, Marco Armiliato, Riccardo Chailly and Tugan Sokhiev. 

The singer’s repertoire generally comprises roles from operas by Puccini, Verdi, Leoncavallo and Mascagni (Canio in Pagliacci, Calaf in Turandot, Manrico in Il trovatore, Dick Johnson in La fanciulla del West, Don Alvaro in La forza del destino, Rodolfo in La Bohème, Turiddu in Cavalleria rusticana, Riccardo in Un ballo in maschera, Ismaele in Nabucco, Radamès in Aida and Macduff in Macbeth). He also performs the roles of Herman in The Queen of Spades, Maurizio of Saxony in Adriana Lecouvreur, Edgardo (Sir Edgar Ravenswood) in Lucia di Lammermoor, Otello in the eponymous opera and the tenor role in Verdi’s Requiem. Wider critical acclaim came with Eyvazov’s interpretation of the role of the Chevalier des Grieux in Manon Lescaut. In 2014 the singer was invited by Riccardo Muti to perform that role at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, where he first sang together with Anna Netrebko. Eyvazov has subsequently been a regular stage partner of Netrebko and together with her has released the recordings Verismo and Romanza. 

In 2016 he made his Mariinsky Theatre debut, singing the role of Calaf in Turandot. In 2018 the singer made his debut at the Teatro alla Scala, performing the role of Andrea Chénier in Giordano’s eponymous opera; the critics hailed that interpretation as one of the finest in recent years. 

Prize-winner at the International Opera Singers’ Competition in Milan (2008; Grand Prix). Prize-winner at the VI Byulbyul International Vocalists’ Competition (Baku, 2012; 1st prize). People’s Artist of Azerbaijan (2018). Recipient of Russia’s Golden Mask National Theatre Award (2018, special award “For a unique artistic duet in the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia’s production of Manon Lescaut”) and the Grand Prix de la Culture (Vienna, 2020).

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia (NPR) was founded in January 2003 by the Ministry of Culture. The Orchestra united top orchestra musicians and gifted youth. During the years of its activities, the NPR has succeeded in becoming one of the best symphonic orchestras of Russia and in gaining admiration from the audience and recognition from the professionals. 

The Orchestra is headed by Vladimir Spivakov, a world-known violinist and conductor. 

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia has been collaborated prominent conductors such as Michel Plasson, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Krzysztof Penderecki, James Conlon, Okko Kamu, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Alexander Lazarev, John Nelson, Jan Latham-Koenig, Alexander Vedernikov, Tugan Sokhiev, Ken-David Masur, Simon Gaudenz, Stanislav Kochanovsky, Alexander Soloviev, Gabriel Bebeşelea, Pierre Bleuse and others.

The NPR has performed with many outstanding artists, such as Jessye Norman, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa, Dmitry Hvorostovsky, Renee Fleming, Juan Diego Florez, Matthias Goerne, Waltraud Meier, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Marcelo Alvarez, Ramon Vargas, Violeta Urmana, Anna Netrebko, Ildar Abdrazakov, Gidon Kremer, Gil Shaham, Natalia Gutman, Alexander Knyazev, Arkady Volodos, Evgeny Kissin, Vadim Repin, Martha Argerich, Boris Berezovsky, Kun Woo-Paik, Marc-Andre Hamelin, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Renaud Capuçon, Gautier Capuçon, Viktoria Mullova and others. 

Among many artists who have worked with the NPR on a regular basis are John Lill, Denis Matsuev, Nikoly Lugansky, Vadim Gluzman, Hibla Gerzmava, Albina Shagimuratova, Anna Aglatova, Vasily Ladyuk, Dmitry Korchak, Nikolay Tokarev, Alexander Romanovsky, Sergey Dogadin, David Garrett, Alexander Ramm. 

The NPR’s repertoire covers the period from early classical symphonies to the newest works of modern composers. In the course of eleven years the Orchestra has presented many exceptional projects, world premieres, unique transcription series and concert cycles. 

In accordance with its status and name, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia gives concerts not only in Moscow, but in various regions of Russia as well. The NPR ends up each season with a tour in Russia. Every year the NPR takes part in the International Music Festival in Colmar, France. The Orchestra has toured extensively over the CIS countries and the Baltic countries, in Europe, the USA, China and Japan. 

In May 2005 the Capriccio Recording Company released CD and DVD of Isaak Schwartz’s Concert for Orchestra, titled Yellow Stars, recorded by the NPR under the baton of Vladimir Spivakov to whom the composer dedicated the work. In 2010–2016 Sony Classical released several NPR’s CDs with music of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Rimsky-Korsakov, Grieg etc. In 2014–2021, a number of recordings of Russian music were released under the Spivakov Sound label, including Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky, a triple album with works by Tchaikovsky (Symphonies No. 4-6, Italian Capriccio, Romeo and Juliet); The Bells and The Spring by Rachmaninoff, as well as his complete piano concertos (with Alexander Romanovsky); the albums Holy Russia (sacred works by Rachmaninoff and Taneyev), Magic in Music and Masterpieces of Russian Music (Lyadov, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Scriabin). It is planned to release three Rachmaninoff's symphonies for the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth.

Vladimir Spivakov, an outstanding violinist and conductor, has brightly realized his multi-faceted talent in the music art and in various fields of social life. As violinist, Vladimir Spivakov had passed the brilliant school of Yuri Yankelevich, a famous professor of the Moscow Conservatory. Not less was the impact of his second teacher and idol—David Oistrakh, one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.

While still very young, Vladimir Spivakov was awarded high prizes at several important international contests, such as the Marguerite Long—Jacques Thibaud Competition in Paris (1965), the Paganini Competition in Genoa (1967), the Montreal International Competition (1969) and the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (1970).

In 1975 following his triumphal recitals in the USA, Vladimir Spivakov started his brilliant international career. He performed as soloist with the most important symphonic orchestras in the world, including philharmonic orchestras of Moscow, Leningrad, Berlin, Vienna, London and New-York, symphonic orchestras of Paris, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Cleveland under the baton of the most eminent conductors of the 20th century, such as E.Mravinsky, E.Svetlanov, K.Kondrashin, Y.Temirkanov, M.Rostropovich, L.Bernstein, S.Ozawa, L.Maazel, C.M.Giulini, R.Muti and C.Abbado. Critics of the leading musical countries unanimously appreciate Spivakov’s deep insight into composers’ intentions, the richness, beauty and volume of his tone, his fine phrasing and love for nuance, the emotional impact onto the audience, his refined artistry and intelligence.

Until 1997 Vladimir Spivakov had played a violin of Francesco Gobetti, a present from Professor Yankelevich. Since 1997 he plays a Stradivari which was given to him for life ownership by his admirers.

In 1979 Vladimir Spivakov together with some of his colleagues who shared his flavour for chamber music formed a new chamber orchestra named “Moscow Virtuosi” and has been its artistic director, conductor and soloist ever since. He studied conducting with Professor Izrail Gusman in Russia as well as with great Leonard Bernstein and Lorin Maazel in the USA Leonard Bernstein presented him with his own conducting stick as the sign of his sympathy and belief into his conducting future. Vladimir Spivakov never parts with the precious gift.

As chamber and symphony orchestra conductor, Vladimir Spivakov has appeared in the world's most important concert venues and conducted European and American orchestras, such as symphony orchestras of London, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Budapest, La Scala Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Academia “Santa Cecilia”, the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra, the French Radio Orchestra and best Russian orchestras.

V.Spivakov has recorded extensively both as soloist and conductor, and his over 40 compact discs reflect different music styles and periods from European baroque music to the works of the 20th century’s composers: Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Penderecki, Schnittke, Pyart, Kancheli, Shchedrin and Gubaydulina, mostly recorded with the BMG Classics.

V.Spivakov was the founder of the International Colmar Music Festival (France) in 1989, and has been its Artistic Director ever since. Many prominent musical groups and collectives have appeared at the Festival during the 16 years of its existence, a considerable part of them being the best Russian orchestras and choruses as well as great world-known artists such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Evgeny Svetlanov, Krzysztof Penderecki, Jose van Dam, Jessye Norman, Robert Hall, Thomas Quasthoff, Kristian Zimmermann, Michel Plasson, Evgeny Kissin, Vadim Repin, Nikolay Lugansky, Vladimir Kraynev, Sergey Leiferkus.

V.Spivakov has taken part as a jury member in many well-known international competitions since 1989 (e.g., in Paris, Genoa, London, Montreal); he is President of the Sarasate Violin Contest in Spain. In 2002 he presided over the Jury of the Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition in Moscow. V.Spivakov followed Nathan Milstein in leading the very prestigious annual violin master classes in Zurich in 1994.

For many years V.Spivakov has been involved in humanitarian and charity activities. Together with the "Moscow Virtuosi" Chamber Orchestra he performed in Armenia soon after the horrible earthquake of 1988 and in Ukraine 3 days after the Chernobyl disaster, gave hundreds of charity concerts throughout the territory of the former Soviet Union.

In 1994 V.Spivakov founded the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation aimed at humanitarian, artistic and educational targets, such as improving life standards for orphans and disabled children, as well as creating conditions for creative development of young talents, i.e. providing musical instruments, allocating scholarships and grants, attracting the most talented musicians, children and teenagers, to “Moscow Virtuosi” performances and at the Colmar Music Festival, organizing international art exhibitions for young artists, etc. Through the years of its existence the Foundation has furnished tangible assistance to hundreds of children and young talents.

In 1999-2002 Spivakov had been Principal Conductor of the Russian National Orchestra, whereas since 2003 V.Spivakov is Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Philharmonic of Russia and President of the Moscow Performing Arts Centre.

V.Spivakov was awarded the honorary title of the People’s Artist of the USSR (1989), the State Prize of the USSR (1989) and the Order of Peoples’ Friendship (1993). The Russian Space Center gave the name of Spivakov to one of small planets on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

In 1996 V.Spivakov was awarded the Order for Merits of Grade III (Ukraine). In 1999 V.Spivakov was decorated with high state awards in several countries such as l’Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et Letters (France), the St. Mesrop Mashtots Order (Armenia), the Order for Services To Fatherland, Grade III (Russia). In 2000 V.Spivakov received l’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur from the President of France. In 2002 he was elected an Honorary Doctor of the Moscow Lomonosov University, while in May 2005, together Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Leonid Roshal, he was chosen the Russian of the Year in the “Russia Without Borders” nomination.