19 February 2012, Sunday

On February 22nd, at the Grand Palace in Kremlin, in a formal ceremony of awarding titles of honour, Hibla Gerzmava will receive the title of People’s Artist of Russia, which was awarded to her in the beginning of 2012 by a special decree by the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev. This is the highest and most prestigious official title that artists receive in Russia, it is given in recognition of a great achievement and contribution to the world of arts.

10 February 2012, Friday

“To all who are in love...” On February 13th, the eve of Valentine’s Day, at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, Hibla Gerzmava will present her solo recital accompanied by the Orchestra of the Moscow, Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical Theatre conducted by Felix Korobov. The program will include arias from operas by Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi, as well as the “Four Last Songs” (“Vier letzte Lieder”) and “Morgen!” by Richard Strauss. Russian state TV channel “Kultura” will be making a video-recording of this concert and will later broadcast it for all those admirers of Hibla’s talent who won’t be able to attend it.

18 January 2012, Wednesday

On January 21st, Hibla will make a debut as Donna Anna in London, at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. In a revival of Francesca Zambello’s production of one of Mozart’s greatest operas Don Giovanni (revival director Duncan McFarlane), which critics referred to as “women-friendly” production, Donna Anna is a character that reflects the growth of her personality: as the story develops, from an ordinary woman she turns into a superhero due to the gradual understanding and acceptance of her feminine nature. From a 20th century Catwoman she is separated only by the historical context, but Francesca Zambello conceived Donna Anna this way. Don Giovanni was only a key that opened the door to her to an independent and, therefore, an uncertain future, which entirely depends on her own.

Hibla is delighted that once again her partner will be Gerald Finley (Don Giovanni), with whom she had made her debut at the Royal Opera House in 2008, in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. The part of Don Ottavio will be performed by Matthew Polenzani, Leporello — Lorenzo Regazzo, Donna Elvira — Katarina Karnéus, Zerlina — Irini Kyriakidou, Masetto — Adam Plachetka, and the part of Commendatore will be sung by Marco Spotti. The Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House will be conducted by Constantinos Carydis.