Anna Netrebko Russian singer (soprano) Date of Birth: 18.09.1971 Country: Russia

1. Anna Netrebko: The Journey of an Opera Diva
2. Childhood and Early Influences
3. Pursuing Her Passion
4. A Life Full of Challenges
5. A New Chapter: Love and Family

Anna Netrebko: The Journey of an Opera Diva

Anna Netrebko, a renowned opera singer (soprano), has risen to worldwide fame, with the most prestigious opera houses in the world dreaming of signing contracts with her and offering her enormous fees. In 2011, Forbes magazine published a list of the most famous cultural figures in the world, with Netrebko taking the top spot. The Times included her in the list of the most influential people in the world. Her voice and performance have the power to captivate even the calmest and most composed individuals, as her energy resonates with the audience. Some publications have even likened her to electricity, stating that now, electricity is called Anna Netrebko.

Childhood and Early Influences

Anna Netrebko was born into a family of a geologist, Yuri, and a telecommunications engineer, Larisa. When they were expecting their second child, Yuri secretly hoped for a boy, but instead, a girl was born. As often happens in such cases, little Anna turned out to have a strong-willed character. She always did what she wanted, how she wanted. When her parents were not at home, their rooms would transform into magical caves or ships sailing to distant shores. Eventually, her parents gave Anna and her friends their basement for their "secret" games, which Anna labeled as the "Cave of Fear". If Anna and her friend decided to stage a home performance, everyone was obliged to watch and applaud. The most beautiful girl, Anna, particularly loved playing the role of Baba Yaga, as it allowed her to twist, jump, and perform various "tricks". Anna grew up as an incredibly energetic child, with her energy overflowing. She would constantly shout and sing, barely having a calm conversation.

Pursuing Her Passion

After finishing school, Anna decided to participate in a beauty contest out of curiosity and secured the second place. However, this did not disappoint her much. She led an active and interesting life, singing in the school choir and practicing sports gymnastics. It was time for her to think about where to study after finishing school. At the age of eleven, Anna declared to her father, "Dad, I will be a singer!" She applied to the conservatory in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). During the entrance exams, the young applicant became so carried away that she started dancing and throwing chairs in different directions. Despite this, Anna managed to pass the first round, though with a warning that if she started dancing during the second round, she would be expelled. During her first year of studies, Anna and her friend found work as cleaners at the Mariinsky Theatre, where fate brought her together with her "future". It was the conductor Valery Gergiev who was captivated by the beautiful girl in her work overalls, struck by the discrepancy between the impression she made and her appearance. After finishing her cleaning duties, Anna tried to attend rehearsals as often as possible and, within two years of working at the theater, she learned almost all the leading roles. When Valery Gergiev unexpectedly saw and heard the cleaning lady during auditions for graduates seeking employment at the Mariinsky Theatre, he offered her the opportunity to learn the role of Susanna in "The Marriage of Figaro". This happened in 1994. After Susanna, Anna achieved victories at various international competitions in Riga, San Francisco, and many other cities. Her determination to do things her way and her ability to achieve what she desired paid off. Today, Anna Netrebko is arguably the most famous opera singer in the world. Her soprano voice resonates in multiple languages, and wherever she performs, people strive to attend her shows and concerts to experience her vibrant and passionate energy firsthand.

A Life Full of Challenges

Netrebko's hectic life leaves little time for relaxation. Even in her hometown of Krasnodar, she rarely visits, only to see her father, Yuri Nikolaevich, who still lives in the same house where the future opera diva grew up. Unfortunately, her mother, Larisa Ivanovna, passed away in 2002, but her memory lives on in the hearts of her daughters and husband. Anna couldn't attend her mother's funeral as she was making her debut as Natasha Rostova at the Metropolitan Opera. After the performance, critics praised Netrebko's acting, even calling it a "dramatic revelation." Anna knew her mother was on the verge of death, and she died on stage alongside her. In interviews, Netrebko calmly admits that there are specific roles that are not suited to her voice, and therefore, she doesn't even attempt to sing them. Nevertheless, as a prima donna, she is confident enough to decline a role if she doesn't like the interpretation, as was the case with the role of Manon in Munich. For many years, the singer didn't contemplate marriage or having children. However, a man appeared in her life who became the father of her son. Anna lived with opera singer Erwin Schrott for several years. He proposed officializing their relationship, but she declined. A civil partnership suited Netrebko just fine. The passionate Uruguayan and the boisterous Kuban Cossack couldn't make their relationship work, leading to their separation but leaving behind their son, Tiago. When Tiago was just over three years old, he was diagnosed with a mild form of autism, making it challenging for him to interact with peers. This is why Anna bought an apartment in New York, where Tiago has access to specialized schools and doctors for his treatment. There is hope that he will be able to attend a regular school next year.

A New Chapter: Love and Family

For many years, Anna Netrebko consistently denied any plans of getting married. Therefore, when she began dating Yusif Eyvazov a couple of years ago, the media treated it as just another fling. They met while performing the lead roles in "Manon Lescaut" in Rome. The initial sympathy that developed during rehearsals and performances gradually turned into something more significant. In December of last year, Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov had a grand wedding. Yusif, originally from Azerbaijan, is younger than Anna but the two understand each other remarkably well. According to the singer, their shared childhood memories of watching the same cartoons have played a role in their connection. Eyvazov has been living in Milan for many years, singing at La Scala. He is a highly sought-after tenor and frequently tours around the world. Both beautiful and talented, Anna and Yusif complement each other harmoniously. They have created a wonderful family in which love and respect prevail.