Russians Win Competizione dell'Opera at Bolshoi Theatre

Champion: Baritone Roman Burenko

"Up-and-coming Russian opera singers have scooped a roster of awards, including the coveted first prize of 10,000 euros, at one of the world's leading vocal contests - the Competizione dell’Opera. First prize went to baritone Roman Burdenko with fellow baritone Igor Golovatenko and bass Mikhail Korobeinikov picking up the other two top awards. They ousted finalists flying the flag for South Korea, Mongolia, South Africa and Lithuania. An international competition for singers specializing in Italian opera, the Competizione dell'Opera took place in the Russian capital for the first time in its history. Although traditionally based in the German city of Dresden, this time around the semi- finals and the last round of the competition were held at Moscow's landmark Bolshoi Theatre. Over the last 14 years, the Competizione dell´Opera has been recognized as one of the largest singing competitions worldwide. It is the only competition that uses the great repertoire of Italian opera, from the delicate tones of old music to such giants as Mozart, Verdi and Puccini, and even going further, reaching into the stylistic diversity of the 20th century. The competition originated in Hamburg as 'I Cestelli' Competizione dell´Opera.

Baritone Igor Golovatenko and bass Mikhail Korobeinikov.

However, since 2001, it has established itself in Dresden, though its cultural importance has spread far beyond the boundaries of the city on the River Elbe. With 2011 being widely celebrated as the Italian Year of Culture across Russia, it was suggested that the competition bring its semi-finals and finals to Russia, where operatic traditions have enjoyed a long history. Performing on one of the most beautiful stages of opera – the historic Bolshoi Theatre – the aspiring singers were judged by famous opera and festival directors and singers, as well as important representatives of media and agencies." [Source] Click here to find out more about the competition.

Dmitry Tcherniakov Will Open Renovated Bolshoi Theater

Director Dmitry at Bolshoi

"After six years of renovations that have been beset with allegations of corruption, infighting, delays and political point-scoring, the Bolshoi Theater’s main stage will open again to the public this autumn. Following a gala concert at the end of September that will likely be attended by both the cultural and political elite of the country, the more serious business of opera and ballet will begin on October 2, as one of the world’s most famous theaters finally gets its home back. The first performance on the newly renovated stage will be of Mikhail Glinka’s Ruslan and Lyudmila, regarded as the first major Russian opera—so far, so predictable. Somewhat more surprising, perhaps, is the choice of director for the opera. Dmitry Tcherniakov offended traditionalists with his Bolshoi production of Eugene Onegin in 2006 so much that legendary soprano Galina Vishnevskaya vowed never to set foot inside the theater again."

Galina: Disgruntled Diva

"Then came the fateful Onegin in 2006, which replaced Boris Pokrovsky’s legendary 1944 staging. Vishnevskaya said she had 'cried in humiliation' in a letter to the Bolshoi’s management, and vowed never to set foot in the theatre again, cancelling an 80th birthday party due to be held at the theatre, and railing at the 'completely deformed' main characters. The soprano, who was probably the theatre’s most famous Tatyana of all time, wrote of Tcherniakov’s 'public desecration of our national treasure.'" [Source]