Meet the real soprano
Published: 01 June, 2009, 18:47
Edited: 16 November, 2009, 03:15
One of the highest paid singers in classical music, American star Jessye Norman, has teamed up with one of Russia’s top conductors for a one-off concert at the Moscow Conservatory.
The four-time Grammy award winner will perform with the ‘Moscow Soloists’ orchestra under the direction of Yury Bashmet on June, 4.
Norman, a celebrated American soprano, has made a name for herself as one of the world’s most versatile singers, whose repertoire ranges from Bach to Gershwin.
‘Jessye Norman is a special star. I’ve long wanted to perform two parts of Brahms with her. This was what she performed the first time I heard her in France. Now, after so many years, my dream has come true,’ Yury Bashmet told the Ria Novosti news agency.
Norman said she also remembers that concert, including the thunder which broke out during the second part of the show.
“It’s very sweet that you cherish such memories,’ Norman told Bashmet. “My choice of repertoire depends on who I perform with. It should fit me and the musicians I work with. Besides, the repertoire should be interesting for the public so that it includes unknown and familiar music.’
Apart from Brahms, Norman will sing Bach, Mozart, Purcell and Bizet. Yury Bashmet will come on stage not only as a conductor but also as a leading musician.
He’ll play a Testore viola, made in 1758. Bashmet bought the rare instrument 40 years ago. It’s the same make as Mozart’s viola with only 3 years difference in age.
“I’m very excited and nervous because a solo instrument next to such a powerful voice sounds worse. The viola becomes small near Jessye’s vocals,’ Bashmet confessed.
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My husband and I were in Salzburg the year you did three summer concerts there, but we couldn't get tickets, and I have always regretted that. Afterwards you went on to Birmingham, England, and then to Tromso, in Norway, for the Kirsten Flagstad memorial concert. If I had enough money I would travel to your concerts wherever they are in the world. You have been my very favourite performer for years. I hope you are still well and strong, and delighting masses of very lucky people with your unbelievably beautiful singing.