MOSCOW, June 19 (Itar-Tass) - Anna Netrebko and Dmitry Khvorostovsky, the Russian operatic stars of global renown are expected to give the first ever joint concert in Moscow Wednesday.
Performing arts and show biz analysts expect a capacity crowd of spectators at the concert.
Tuesday, the two singers faced a capacity crowd of reporters at a news conference that brought together representatives of dozens of media outlets. The media community’s interest is easy to explain as, unlike Khvorostovsky, Netrebko performs in Russia but very seldom.
The prima donna said she loves journalists. She eagerly answered questions and said a lot of jokes.
Dmitry Khvorostovsky assisted her in joking. Bursts of laughter and applause could be heard in the conference hall virtually every five minutes.
“Russia is my homeland and every performance here is like a big feast for me,” Netrebko said. Khvorostovsky who already has a concert on Red Square in his personal record appeared to share her feelings.
“I got a most favorable impression from that night,” he said. “It was like a miracle he said recalling the performance. “The weather was bad enough but then the sun came out and there was a breathtaking sunset.”
“I was signing Prince Igor’s aria /from ‘Prince Igor’ by the Russian composer Alexander Borodin - Itar-Tass/ right at that moment and the sensations I had were really unforgettable,” Khvorostovsky said.
Both singers said they take pride in representing Russia abroad.
“We’re Russia’s diplomats and ambassadors all around the world and that’s an honor and responsibility likewise,” Khvorostovsky said. “Everything changes but art remains the same.”
“Anya /the diminutive version of Anna - Itar-Tass/ represents a totally different aspect of Russia - beauty, energies, charm, and magnetism that pulls in people,” he said. “She helped many of them to open up the world of classical music for themselves.”
The idea of Wednesday’s joint concert belongs to the conductor Konstantin Orbelian who will be directing the Yevgeny Svetlatov State Symphony Orchestra.
“The planning of this concert took a year and a half and if you ask me how I managed to bring them together here in Moscow, well, both of them are very tractable,” he said. “They simply made all the arrangements and now they’ll sing here.”
Part One of the concert will be devoted to Giuseppe Verdi, as the 200th anniversary since his birth is marked broadly in all corners of the globe this year. Part Two will consist of the works of veritist composers and Tchaikovsky.
At the culminating point of the concert, Netrebko and Khvorostovsky will perform Onegin and Tatiana’s duo from ‘Eugene Onegin’ by Tchaikovsky.
“Quite recently I saw Anya’s triumphant debut as Tatiana in the Vienna Opera,” Dmitry said. “I was her first Onegin and I speak about the fact with happiness and pride. I am glad Anya chose the duo and I am looking forward to that moment.”
Organizers of the concert said tickets for it had been handed out free of charge through Moscow City’s cultural institutions. Nationwide audiences will be able to watch it live on Rossiya One channel.