Published: 01 May 2012
Category: Vocal & Opera

On 11 May, Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva will sing the role of Violetta in Verdi’s La traviata at l’Opéra de Reims, following a dazzling performance in the same production at l’Opéra de Limoges in April. Gimadieva’s performance in Limoges, which was her first staged performance of the role, received fabulous reviews from critics:

“Aix-en-Provence may have adored Natalie Dessay, but Limoges now venerates Venera Gimadieva. She was more than equal to the challenges of this role, which demands absolute vocal and theatrical mastery. The whole range of emotions, from love to hate and from joy to death, filtered through her tone. “Ah forsé lui”, for example, demands precision and great breath control; and “Sempre libera” requires perfect vocal technique. But nothing gave her cause for fear. She let herself be carried by the arpeggios and trills, and reached the high C effortlessly. Neither Callas nor Sutherland could have done a better job. There are many who bewail in specialist music publications that there are no more true Violettas, but Venera Gimadieva proves them all wrong” (Le Populaire du Centre, April 2012).

Gimadieva will reprise the role in Francesca Zambello’s new production of La traviata at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, this September, where she is currently a member of the ensemble.

Previous article Next article