"I'm falling in love with Russian culture more and more"
The famous Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo considers opera to be an immortal genre and dreams of someday performing the role in Eugene Onegin. The singer, who has performed on the most prestigious stages of the world, confesses his special love to Russian culture. On February 25, he performed a solo program in Moscow at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. And the day before, in an exclusive interview with Izvestia, the tenor spoke about what unites Russians and Italians, about working with Luciano Pavarotti, whose successor he is considered in his homeland, and about a cherished dream that would not come true.
"I love all Russian music because it is somewhat reminiscent of Italian"
— For Russians, Italy means opera, the Venetian Carnival, Neapolitan songs, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Milan Cathedral. And what does Russia mean to you?
Russian Russian culture — I'm falling more and more in love with Russian culture and am amazed at how similar Russians and Italians are in many ways. That's why the mutual sympathy between us is so strong: both peoples are passionate, ardent and sometimes straightforward. I love your cuisine. I'm in love with the Russian language, which I'm trying to master. I also like the moral values of your country.
— Are there any Russian operas in your repertoire?
— I would like to sing in Tchaikovsky's opera "Eugene Onegin" someday, because I really like Lensky's aria "Where, where, where did you go?". I love all Russian music because it is somewhat reminiscent of Italian.
— Not many people know that you were a member of the pop group Il Divo, which producer Simon Cowell invited you to join. This team has gained worldwide recognition by working in the genre of classic crossover. How do you rate your cooperation?
— It was a very important stage in my life when I had to decide whether I wanted to become a great tenor or be part of a band. I decided to focus on my solo career and dedicated myself to classical music. Although I have always enjoyed being a part of the team, and in fact the idea of creating Il Divo belongs to me. I came up with this name while having lunch at the London restaurant La Familia. Simon Cowell always treated me warmly. But in the end, I preferred my first love, opera.
Produced by Simon Cowell
— Have you ever regretted this decision?
— I never regret anything. We choose our own way of life. Every step opens up new horizons and opportunities.
"I immediately realized that the great Luciano Pavarotti was in front of me"
— At the age of 23, you became the youngest Italian tenor to ever perform at La Scala. Do you remember that day?
— It was an incredible evening that opened the season. He will always remain in my heart! Very soon I will make my debut at La Scala as Don Jose in Georges Bizet's opera Carmen. I've never performed it in this theater, so I'm very excited and excited about this opportunity!
La Scala Theater in Milan
— Is it important to you who conducts the orchestra? Which maestro do you feel the most musical harmony with?
— It is very important to work with a maestro who feels the voice and literally holds it on his fingertips, as the musicians say. This is when the conductor can really follow the singer. It's hard to find a maestro today who can breathe with you and hear your voice. But I was lucky enough to work with many amazing conductors who were incredible — Zubin Mehta, Daniel Oren, Riccardo Muti, Lorin Maazel.
— As a child, you sang in the Sistine Chapel choir. What emotions did you experience when you realized that you were surrounded by Michelangelo's masterpieces?
— Being a part of the Sistine Chapel Choir is more than just an opportunity to contemplate famous masterpieces while singing. First of all, it's a deep inner work, serious preparation, and also a special connection with music that you gain. It is incredibly valuable for a child to master the discipline in such a renowned choir and to touch the Gregorian tradition — to learn to read music differently than according to the modern five-line system. It was a special pleasure to sing under the direction of Monsignor Domenico Bartolucci, one of the greatest leaders of this choir. All those emotions and his love for music still live in my heart.
Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti
— In your homeland, your name is Pavarottino and you are considered the successor of the great Luciano Pavarotti, with whom you first appeared on the stage of the Rome Opera at the age of 13. How did it happen? Did you realize then who was standing in front of you?
— Of course, I immediately realized that this was the great Luciano Pavarotti, whom I adored as a child. I listened to his recordings over and over again. The Rome Opera invited me to audition for one of the roles in Puccini's Tosca, and the famous maestro Daniel Oren was to lead the rehearsals. Both Oren and Pavarotti were captivated by my voice, vocal technique and musicality. I couldn't wait to appear in the play as a Shepherd. This is one of the most vivid experiences in my life, which continues to inspire me.
"I don't think opera is dying"
— There is an opinion that opera is a dying art form. Do you see ways to revive it? What could contribute to the popularization?
— I don't think opera is dying. On the contrary, it is an art form that is always modern, because it comes directly from the depths of your soul and is closely related to your inner vibrations. People will always have a special feeling for opera. Therefore, it will always be an actual art.
I did my best to popularize opera. I've sung in the most incredible places — at the train station and at the airport. This was done in order to attract the attention of a wide variety of audiences.
— You sang on the same stage with Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Brian May. Are collaborations with rockers also part of the promotion of the genre?
— I am convinced that big concerts and duets with famous pop performers are one of the key ways to open opera to the younger generation.
— You are a Grammy winner, but not for performing classics, but for creating an image in the musical "West Side Story". What attracts you to this genre?
— I am sincerely happy to admit that I have a deep admiration for the genius of Leonard Bernstein (the author of the musical "West Side Story". — Ed.). He was one of the greatest conductors and composers that mankind has ever known. If there is a person who could take opera one step further for me personally, it is he. Bernstein was so sensitive to opera and music that he managed to convey his inspiration to new generations through "West Side Story." This is one of the greatest creations of our era. I really wanted to have the opportunity to work with him, and this is one of my most cherished dreams, which, unfortunately, I will never be able to fulfill.
— What other awards would you like to receive?
— There are many other heights that I would like to reach. Maybe one day I'll even be able to win an Oscar. Why not?! You need to dream big, because it doesn't cost anything, but remember that nothing in life is given for nothing. Going to the goal is the most interesting thing. And it's even more wonderful if you can achieve it.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
