Interviewed by Natalia Remmer Soprano Victoria Yastrebova called the prima donna of the new generation. A native of Rostov-on-Don and a graduate of the Rostov State Conservatory named after Sergei Rachmaninov, she has served in the opera company of the famous Mariinsky Theater since 2008. Her repertoire includes the parts of Aida and Iolanta in performances of the same name, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Rosina in The Wedding of Figaro and many others.
Bright appearance, artistry and charisma, sophisticated taste and rich vocal abilities - all this was appreciated by the audience who came to the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi on March 26th. Here, on the stage of the Auditorium concert hall, Victoria performed her favorite opera arias and popular classical works to the accompaniment of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra led by Jiri Beloglavek. We met on the eve of the concert to find out what the brilliant Mariinsky Theater lives today and to get to know better its “rising star” and its preferences.
Victoria, is this your first time in the Emirates?
Yes, I came here for the first time and am very impressed. And the clothes of local residents, their way of life, even hotels - all this is new to me, and it is very interesting for me to watch everything that happens. It often happens that you get so much new information and impressions in such a short time. I don’t know yet which audience will come to the concert, but I heard from my colleagues from the ballet that they love classical music here. I hope our concert will enjoy it.
I was lucky to visit the performance "Dedication to Fokin" last week. And I can say that the performance of the Mariinsky Theater ballet, especially Ulyana Lopatkina, simply shocked the audience ...
I believe that our ballet is the best, albeit immodestly so to speak. The most remarkable artists, for example, the Bolshoi and Mikhailovsky theaters, are those who came from the Mariinsky Theater.
As a native of St. Petersburg, I fully support you ... Nevertheless, Victoria, lovers of classical opera who live in the Emirates and are planning to come to St. Petersburg in the summer, what would you recommend to watch first of all?
I work at the Mariinsky Theater and, unfortunately, I rarely go to performances in other places, so I could recommend visiting our theater. We have many successful premieres, recently there was a production of Don Carlos and Faust. We often invite famous singers and directors, including from Europe and America. We have unusually interesting performances, especially if Valery Gergiev is at the console. In addition, I would recommend attending the White Nights festival, where there is always a very diverse repertoire and a very good lineup. This is a very big gift to the public.
May 2, how do you plan to celebrate this year? Indeed, on this day there are two important events - the second stage of the Mariinsky Theater opens, and the 60th anniversary of Valery Gergiev?
A big concert is being prepared. I heard that there will be Anna Netrebko, Olga Borodina, Ildar Abdrazakov. Now we have three scenes, which means more concerts. The second scene is intended for both opera and ballet. I sang there last summer when the choir class was ready. This is a great scene with very good acoustics.
The Mariinsky Theater has been and remains the leading opera house in the world, in my opinion. What is the secret: in the reputation that forces artists to raise the bar all the time, or in the etching of artists?
I think both answers are correct. The world-famous name of the theater obliges to maintain a high level. Our search for new singers does not stop, auditions are constantly conducted.
In addition, there are a lot of invited artists - both for new and current productions. The theater is working to constantly improve the professional level of performers, and we ourselves are very interested in this. Our singers are touring the world a lot, gaining new experience, while in our biographies our theater is indicated by their native stage. It is very honorable for us that the leading artists of Europe and the world are our colleagues.
Victoria, from my point of view, not only talent is inherent in the image of an opera singer, but also a sense of impeccable taste, which can be appreciated by both professionals and spectators. What do you personally invest in this concept, and how do you manage to emphasize your femininity?
To remain feminine and develop your taste, you need to constantly engage in your professional form, work with vocal and language trainers, it is useful to sing on different stages of the world, including abroad.
Femininity is a personal feeling. It is either given or not. In my case, this is a gift of fate, because artists do not always have enough time to even go to a beauty salon. At the same time, opera has long become more popular art: on the stage they want to see young, slim, beautiful. And the singers are actively working on this. After all, maintaining physical fitness is necessary for work, especially when it comes to dynamic performances.
I would not say that the elite art of opera has become widespread, but it is now more closely associated with the luxury industry. For example, many jewelry companies support classical art and would like to see their jewelry on well-known international artists.
I collaborated with Montblanc, was a goodwill ambassador for this company. They invited me along with Maria Mironova to the presentation of the jewelry collection. Last year I received the Montblanc Voice Award and title. I haven’t planned to cooperate with other companies, but I think this is a very good idea. After all, the opera was originally born as art for an elite audience - kings and their entourage. And it always implied beautiful, rich costumes, chic and shine. I am sure that cooperation with opera and ballet for jewelry companies is one of the best ways to present your collections and promote them.
And how do you personally feel about jewelry?
There is such a song: “The best friends of girls are diamonds” (laughs). It is beautiful. It's a pleasure. The stage requires luxurious outfits and bright decorations. This is the dress code for us. I can’t say that I have a lot of jewelry, but there are loved ones that I often wear.
And what are your preferences when it comes to brands?
I like Bvlgari, Cartier - they are the art of the designer. I like to admire them even in magazines, they fascinate me. I am very interested in jewelry.
And jewelry designers themselves get inspiration from female beauty and art, especially dance. Think of the Van Cleef & Arpels Ball Legends collection ...
Of course, all designers are inspired by living people. I know that Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce and Gabbana have favorite models and actresses who act as their muses.
Victoria, the last question. What do you wish Valery Abisalovich (Gergiev, artistic director of the Mariinsky Theater - approx. Ed.) In connection with his Jubilee?
I wish Valery Abisalovich good health, which will be enough for the embodiment of all his ideas; a sea of energy that he would share with us; the success that always accompanies. I express my deep gratitude to him for the opportunity to communicate and work with him.
Victoria, thank you so much. And a successful performance on the stage of Emirates Palace.
