Shopping, Singing, Laughing: Anna Netrebko Talks About Herself
(The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Bloomberg.)
By Robert Hilferty
April 25 (Bloomberg) -- When we first see Anna Netrebko in ``Don Pasquale,'' currently at the Metropolitan Opera, she's lounging around her terrace perusing a trashy romance novel. As Norina, she preens, prances and brags about her ability to manipulate men. We have every reason to believe her.
The 34-year-old Russian soprano is lithe of voice and body. She's a looker who can manage the high notes while doing a somersault. It's no surprise she graces the pages of Vogue as well as the covers of opera magazines.
I met Netrebko at her manager's office in Manhattan. Dressed in a creamy-colored dress that highlights her figure, she complained a little that the interview was not taking place outside in the gorgeous weather.
Hilferty: How does it feel to be the new ``It Girl'' of the international opera scene?
Netrebko: Mmmmmmm?great!
Hilferty: Has looking good ever worked against you?
Netrebko: When I just started to sing on the stage, I always tried to dress very pretty, and people would come after the concert and say, ``Ah, your dress is beautiful,'' and nothing else. That was very disappointing.
Hilferty: But your dress is very beautiful.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Netrebko: I do lots of shopping. I especially like Saks Fifth Avenue. It's spring, and I really want to put on something nice.
Hilferty: You also just moved to New York.
Netrebko: I bought an apartment, but I still live in St. Petersburg. This is my second home, and I'm very happy about this.
Hilferty: How will you decorate your apartment?
Netrebko: Crazy -- just like me. I found this very funny store where the furniture looks like something out of ``Alice in Wonderland.''
Hilferty: Have you ever considered Hollywood?
Netrebko: I did a little episode in ``The Princess Diaries 2'' playing myself, an opera singer. After that, there were a couple of offers but they weren't interesting. I don't think I want to change my career for something else.
Hilferty: Do you like pop music?
Netrebko: That's what I usually listen to at home. Green Day and Black Eyed Peas are my favorites.
Hilferty: Do you still boogie all night?
Netrebko: I do like to party, but I cannot do that right now because I have lots of responsibilities and important performances. But sometimes I go dancing with my friends and do salsa. I even go bowling.
Femme Fatale
Hilferty: On the Met stage, you've played the earnest and fatally innocent Gilda in ``Rigoletto'' as well as the manipulative, femme fatale wannabe, Norina, in ``Don Pasquale.'' Which do you think is closer to your own personality?
Netrebko: On one hand, none of them, on the other, there's a little of both in me.
Hilferty: You do a somersault in ``Pasquale,'' but it looks as if you can handle a triple back flip.
Netrebko: I used to be an acrobat for five years when I was a kid, that's why.
Hilferty: What's the stupidest production you've ever been in?
Netrebko: I will not even say if it was stupid or not, but I was in a production of ``Rigoletto'' in which everyone was a monkey, except Rigoletto and Gilda, who were astronauts. The Duke was a black gorilla. What can I say?
Hilferty: How did the audience respond?
Netrebko: Bad. It was my worst performance. I almost lost my voice because of the stress. I canceled the second performance.
No Big Deal
Hilferty: You recently canceled your Carnegie Hall recital debut. People kill for that. Are you nuts?
Netrebko: Other singers cancel much more often than me. So how did this become such a big deal? I'm not really ready for a recital program because I sing mostly opera. These contracts are done three years ahead, and who knew my life would be so crazy now? I prefer to wait and do a good job.
Hilferty: What do you want to achieve in your performances?
Netrebko: I want to be different. I want people to remember me. I want them to love me. Is that too much?
The last two performances of ``Don Pasquale'' at the Metropolitan Opera are on April 25 and 28. For more information, call (1)(212) 362-6000 or see
http://www.metopera.org . Netrebko's CDs include ``Violetta,'' ``La Traviata'' and ``Sempre Libera'' (Deutsche Grammophon).
Bueno, pues yo no digo más.... que ella ya dice suficiente
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