Ivan Rebrov
GermanyIvan Rebrov: A Biography
Ivan Rebrov, also known as Ripper Hans, was born in 1931 during a train journey between Warsaw and Paris. Although his birthplace is officially listed as Berlin, he spent his childhood in Germany. His mother, Natalya Nelina, had a close acquaintance with Fyodor Chaliapin, the renowned Russian opera singer.
Due to the rise of the Nazis to power, Rebrov's family emigrated from Germany and only returned in 1953 after obtaining German citizenship. At that time, Rebrov chose to change his name in his new passport to Ivan Rebrov. He received vocal training from Alexander Kitnes, a specialist in Slavic voices.
The Musical Journey
Rebrov began his professional singing career after graduating from a music school in Hamburg. He initially sang in the choir of the Don Cossacks under the direction of Zharaov. His talent and passion for music soon propelled him towards solo performances.
During a period of forced leave due to a leg injury while performing at the Munich Operetta Theater, Rebrov recorded a small disc featuring the songs "Polyushko-Pole" and "12 Robbers." This disc brought him recognition as a performer of Russian songs and marked the beginning of his international tours.
Rebrov has accumulated fifty "golden discs" throughout his career, with thirty-six dedicated to Russian folk songs. He gives up to 200 concerts each year, showcasing his mastery of four and a half octaves. His performances range from liturgies and arias from operas to romances and traditional folk songs.
Return to Russia
In the 1960s and 1970s, Rebrov made two private visits to Russia. He also embarked on numerous concert tours in Russia during the 1980s. Currently, he resides in his own home near Wiesbaden.
Ivan Rebrov's remarkable voice and dedication to preserving and sharing Russian music have cemented his status as a beloved and celebrated performer.
