Veronika Dzhioeva: “I feel bad without a stage. Veronika Dzhioeva: biography of the Russian star of the world opera - Is there a desire to go on stage

She sang the part of Fiordiligi in the opera This is how everyone does it at the Moscow International House of Music (2006), the soprano part in Verdi's Requiem and Mahler's Second Symphony (Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, 2007).
In 2006 she sang the soprano part in Mozart's Grand Mass (conductor Yuri Bashmet, BZK). In the same year, she sang the part of Princess Urusova at the premiere of Rodion Shchedrin's opera Boyarynya Morozova (BZK). The following year she participated in the performance of this opera in Italy.
In 2007 she performed the part of Zemfira in the BZK (Russian National Orchestra, conductor Mikhail Pletnev) and in San Sebastian (Spain).
In 2007 and 2009 took part in the performance of Boris Tishchenko's "Run of Time" at the St. Petersburg Philharmonic.
In 2008 she performed the part of Mimi in the BZK and took part in the performance of Verdi's Requiem in St. Petersburg.
In 2009 she sang the title role in the opera Tais in Estonia and the role of Mikaela in G. Bizet's Carmen in Seoul.
In 2010 she performed R. Strauss' Four Last Songs at the Novosibirsk Philharmonic (conductor Alim Shakhmametyev).

At the Mariinsky Theater she performed the parts of Mikaela, Violetta, Elizaveta and Zemfira.

She is a guest soloist with the Grand Théâtre of Geneva, the Theater La Monnaie in Brussels, the Prague Opera, and the Finnish National Opera. Performs at the Opera House in Bari, the Teatro Comunale in Bologna, the Teatro Massimo in Palermo (Italy), the Teatro Real (Madrid), the Hamburg State Opera.

Collaborates with outstanding musicians, among them: Maris Jansons, Valery Gergiev, Trevor Pinnock, Vladimir Fedoseev, Yuri Bashmet, Hartmut Henchen, Simona Young, Vladimir Spivakov and many others.

In 2010 she sang the title role in Donizetti's Mary Stuart at the Teatro Massimo (Palermo).
In 2011 she sang the part of Tatiana in concert performances of the opera Eugene Onegin in Munich and Lucerne (Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Mariss Jansons).
In 2012 she performed the part of Yaroslavna (Prince Igor by A. Borodin) at the Hamburg State Opera. In the same year she sang the title roles in the operas Iolanthe by P. Tchaikovsky and Sister Angelica by G. Puccini at the Teatro Real (Madrid).
In 2013, the singer sang the part of Violetta (La Traviata by G. Verdi) at the Hamburg State Opera and made her debut at the Houston Opera as Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni by W. A. ​​Mozart).
In the same year, she took part in a performance of Verdi's Requiem at the Pleyel Concert Hall in Paris (Orchester National de Lille, conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus).

She repeatedly took part in the festival of contemporary art "Territory" in Moscow.
She has given concerts in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Japan, China, South Korea and the USA.

She recorded the album "Opera arias" (conductor - Alim Shakhmametiev).

The voice of Veronika Dzhioeva sounds in the television films "Monte Cristo", "Vasilyevsky Island", etc.
The television film "Winter Wave Solo" (directed by Pavel Golovkin, 2010) is dedicated to the singer's work.

In 2011, Veronika Dzhioeva won the TV competition "Big Opera" on the TV channel "Culture".

Diploma winner of the Golden Mask contest, winner of the Bolshoi Opera contest, Honored Artist of South Ossetia ... but this singer prefers to be announced simply - Veronika Dzhioeva, because her name is famous enough to tell the public more than any honorary titles. The future opera star was born in Tskhinvali. Her father had an excellent tenor, but during his youth, a musical career was not considered prestigious for a man, and he became a professional athlete. Having seen his daughter's talent in time, he wanted her to become a singer, instilled in her a love of music. Veronica had a beautiful voice already in childhood, together with her sister Inga she performed at competitions. True, at her first solo concert she performed at the age of thirteen not as a singer, but as a performer of folk dances.

Veronika Dzhioeva received her musical education at the Tskhinvali School of Music, then at the Vladikavkaz School of Arts under Nelly Hestanova. After graduating from this educational institution, she went to St. Petersburg to enter the conservatory. Before the entrance exam, an unexpected difficulty arose - her voice disappeared, but the mentor accompanying her told her: “Come out, tear your ligaments, but sing!” And Veronica sang - as it seemed to her, she sang well, as never before. She became a student at the conservatory, where she studied with Tamara Novichenko. The singer calls her mentor a "teacher with a capital letter" - not only because her graduates sing all over the world, but also for her reverent attitude towards students.

Even before graduating from the conservatory - in 2004 - Veronika Dzhioeva made her debut, performing the part of Mimi at the opera studio of the conservatory. After two years, the young performer makes herself known in the capital: on the stage of the Moscow International House of Music, she plays the role of Fiordiligi in "". Conducted this performance. In the same year, the premiere of the work, the opera Boyarynya Morozova, took place in the Russian capital, and Dzhioeva played the role of Princess Urusova. A year later, the work was presented in Italy - and again with her participation.

Since that time, the singer has been going from success to success: performing as Zemfira in "" under the direction of, performing the same part at the Mariinsky Theater, in Baden-Baden, Mikaela in "" in Seoul. Subsequently, the artist performed this part more than once. Mikaela may not seem the most interesting way - especially in comparison with the main character - but Veronika Dzhioeva has a special attitude towards her. In her interpretation, Michaela does not look like a "naive blonde", but a strong girl, despite her rustic simplicity, able to fight for her own happiness. There was a case in the singer's career when the audience applauded her Mikaela so much that the performer of Escamillo's part refused to bow.

Whatever parties Dzhioeva performed, wherever she sang: Yaroslavna in Hamburg, the title role in Sister Angelica in Madrid, Mary Stuart in Palermo, Elvira in "" at the Houston Opera. At the Bolshoi Theater, her first party was the same role with which her path in the opera began - Mimi, then there were Elizabeth in "", Gorislava in "". The singer's voice is surprisingly deep and rich, her range even includes low, "chest" notes, which are more associated with a mezzo-soprano than a soprano. There is both passion and tenderness in her voice. He has such power that in the West it is sometimes difficult to find a composition for such a "big" voice. The singer embodies both lyrical images (Martha in "", Tatyana), and dramatic ones (Lady Macbeth). The Italian opera, Giacomo Puccini, is especially close to the artist, and she calls "" her favorite opera. She does not see herself as a cruel princess, but she enjoys playing the role of Liu.

The concert repertoire of the singer is no less rich than the opera. She participated in the performance of Requiems and, The Bells, Ludwig van Beethoven and. Dzhioeva attaches special importance to the performance of romances, considering this genre as a kind of “test” for belonging to the Russian world. She began with romances, Bulakhov and Varlamov, then works appeared in her chamber repertoire, and she considers the latter the most difficult. According to Veronika Dzhioeva, work on romances helps in work on opera parts.

Veronika Dzhioeva does not like the diktat of directors at the opera house - and not only because it is insulting when the name of the director is written on the poster in large letters, and the names of the singers are barely noticeable. The artist is worried about thoughtless "innovation" that has nothing to do with art. For example, the singer experienced great irritation when girls in the image of ... Pussy Riot appeared on the stage in the play "" in Hamburg, and then the same thing happened in "" in Madrid. Dzhioeva herself prefers classical performances that make it possible to feel like a person of a different era.

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"Singer from God" - this is how the Russian star of the world opera Veronika Dzhioeva is called. Among the images that this amazing woman embodied on stage are Tatiana ("Eugene Onegin"), the Countess ("The Wedding of Figaro"), Yaroslavna ("Prince Igor"), Lady Macbeth ("Macbeth") and many others! It is about the owner of the divine soprano that will be discussed today.

Biography of Veronika Dzhioeva

Veronika Romanovna was born at the end of January 1979. The birthplace of the opera singer is the city of Tskhinvali in South Ossetia. In an interview, Veronica said that initially her father wanted her to become a gynecologist. True, he changed his mind in time and decided that his daughter should become an opera singer.

By the way, the father of Veronika Dzhioeva has a good tenor. He repeatedly heard that he should study vocals. However, during his youth, singing in Ossetia among men was considered completely unmanly. That is why Roman chose sports for himself. The father of the opera singer became a weightlifter.

Carier start

In 2000, Veronika Dzhioeva graduated from the art school in Vladikavkaz. The girl studied vocals in the class of N. I. Hestanova. After 5 years, she completed her studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where she studied in the class of T. D. Novichenko. It is worth noting that the competition for admission to the conservatory was more than 500 people for one place.

For the first time, the girl appeared on stage in 1998. Then she performed at the Philharmonic. The debut as an opera singer with Veronika Dzhioeva took place in early 2004 - she performed the part of Mimi in Puccini's La bohème.

World recognition

Today, Dzhioeva is one of the most sought-after opera singers, not only in the Russian Federation, but also outside our country. Veronica has performed on the stages of Lithuania and Estonia, Italy and Japan, the United States of America and Spain, Great Britain and Germany. Among the images that Veronika Dzhioeva brought to life are the following:

• Thais ("Thais", Massenet).
• Countess (The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart).
• Elizabeth ("Don Carlos", Verdi).
• Martha ("The Passenger", Weinberg).
• Tatiana ("Eugene Onegin", Tchaikovsky).
• Michaela ("Carmen", Bizet).
• Lady Macbeth (Macbeth, Verdi).

It is worth noting that Veronika is the leading soloist of three opera theaters in Russia at once: she performs on the stages of the Novosibirsk, Mariinsky and Bolshoi Theaters.

World recognition came to this opera singer after she performed the part of Fiordiligi in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. On the capital's stage, Veronika Dzhioeva performed the part of Princess Urusova in Shchedrin's opera Boyarynya Morozova. Conquered the hearts of the audience and Zemfira from "Aleko" Rachmaninov. Veronica performed it at the end of the summer of 2007.

Residents of St. Petersburg remembered Dzhioeva and fell in love with her numerous premieres at the Mariinsky Theater. Pleased with Veronica and opera lovers in Seoul. In 2009, the premiere of "Carmen" by Bizet took place here. And, of course, the performance of Veronika Dzhioeva in La Boheme was a real triumph. Now Italian theaters in Bologna and Bari are happy to see the singer on their stage. The audience of Munich also applauded the opera diva. Here Veronika performed the part of Tatyana in the opera Eugene Onegin.

Dzhioeva's personal life

The family occupies a special place in the biography of Veronika Dzhioeva. The singer is happily married to Alim Shakhmametyev, who holds the position of chief conductor of the Chamber Orchestra at the Novosibirsk Philharmonic and leads the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

The couple has two children - daughter Adriana and son Roman. By the way, for the second time, the audience did not even notice the absence of Veronica on stage: the opera singer performed until the eighth month of pregnancy, and just a month after the birth of the baby, she returned to her favorite pastime. Veronika Dzhioeva calls herself a wrong Ossetian woman. She considers her dislike for cooking to be the main reason. But Veronica is a great wife and mother: order and mutual understanding always reign in her house.

Participation in the TV project "Big Opera"

In 2011, the southern beauty Veronika Dzhioeva became the winner of the Big Opera project. The opera diva entered the television competition at her own request, but against the wishes of her husband, colleagues and relatives.

A few years after the TV project, in an interview, Veronika said that it all started with a rehearsal of a number for the New Year's program on the Kultura channel. It was the employees of this channel who told Dzhioeva about the competition.

The recording of the Bolshoi Opera program took place on Mondays, when the theater had a day off. Veronica confessed - then she thought that this would never happen in her life, and agreed to participate in the project. The singer's husband was categorically against it and argued that Veronica should not waste herself on trifles. Dissuaded diva and almost all friends. The character of Veronica played a big role in the choice - in spite of everyone, she said “Yes!”.

By the way, the voice of Dzhioeva often sounds in films, including the film "Vasilyevsky Island" and "Monte Cristo". Veronica also recorded an album called Opera arias. And in 2010, Pavel Golovkin's film "Winter Wave Solo" was released. This picture is dedicated to the work of Dzhioeva.

Despite the fact that the birthplace of the singer is Ossetia, Veronika positions herself as an opera singer from Russia. This is what is always indicated on the posters. However, there were also unpleasant situations abroad. For example, when several theatrical magazines and posters called Dzhioeva a "Georgian soprano". The singer was seriously angry, and the organizers had to not only apologize, but also seize all printed copies and publish posters and magazines again.

Veronica explains this very simply - she studied in St. Petersburg with Russian teachers. Georgia has nothing to do with this. The position of the opera diva was influenced by the armed conflicts of Georgia and her homeland.

Awards

Veronika Dzhioeva is not only the winner of the Big Opera TV contest. She is a laureate of various competitions and festivals of opera performers. For example, in 2003 she became a laureate of the International Glinka Competition, in 2005 she became the winner of the Maria Gallas Grand Prix. Among the awards of Dzhioeva are the theater awards "Paradise", "Golden Soffit" and "Golden Mask". It is worth noting that Veronika is an honored artist of two republics - South and North Ossetia.

She is called a "singer from God", "opera diva", "divine soprano"... Her talent conquers, the culture of singing delights, and her ability to work never ceases to amaze.

Conversation with world opera star Veronika Dzhioeva turned out different. She recalled her childhood with a smile. She spoke with pain about the terrible days that little South Ossetia, where she was born, had to endure. And with sadness she talked about modern opera, without which she cannot imagine life. Every word she uttered was filled with emotions that came from the heart. It is not surprising that the world opera scene loves Veronika Dzhioeva so much.

"Dad guessed exactly what I needed..."

― Veronica, were you brought up in strictness as a child?

- Yes. Dad was quite strict.

― Which of his prohibitions are you still afraid to disobey?

― (laughs). Good question. My sister and I were often sick, so dad forbade us to eat ice cream. And Inga and I were biting icicles. One day dad saw us and succumbed well. And since then I have been afraid of ice cream for a long time, and in general, cold, although, on the contrary, it was necessary to harden the throat - we only work with the throat, and any cold instantly affects the voice. I was afraid of the cold for a long time, and then I realized that I was only making it worse for myself. I began to harden and now I am not afraid of cold water, ice cream or ice. True, I immediately get sick after cold fruits, so they are excluded from my menu.

― Is it true that dad saw you as a gynecologist?

― (laughs). Yes, but he doesn't remember. And when I tell him about it, he is very surprised.

―Luckily, he changed his mind in time. As a result, the decision to make music belonged to whom - you or him?

- Dad. He really wanted me to become a serious opera singer. And he guessed exactly what I needed.

Little Veronica in the arms of her father - Roman Dzhioev, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR

― Why didn't your dad, having a wonderful voice himself, become a professional singer?

- Dad really had a very good voice. Tenor. And many said that he needed to go to the opera stage. He still plays the piano well today, even better on the guitar. In general, we have a musical family: dad has an amazing voice, sister Inga also has excellent vocal abilities.

Dad says that during his youth in Ossetia and in the Caucasus in general, singing seriously was not considered a male occupation. Business for a real man is a sport or business. Therefore, dad devoted himself to sports - he became a weightlifter, won prestigious competitions. Then he became a coach.

―And now?

“Now everything is different. Today it is prestigious. After all, look, the most important theaters in the country are directed by Ossetian conductors: in the Bolshoi - Tugan Sokhiev, and in the Mariinsky - Valery Gergiev. This is something to be proud of. Ossetians are insanely talented, they have beautiful voices and they are distinguished by their strong timbre.

―Recently, Ossetians generally occupy more and more places on the classical stage. What do you think caused this burst of musical activity?

- Probably, the Ossetians themselves just felt freer, believed in their strength thanks to Valery Gergiev. I think this is the influence of his image, it is not without reason that he is called the most famous Ossetian in the world. And in the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where I studied, everyone dreamed of getting into the Mariinsky Theater and singing with Valery Abisalovich.

"Pain in Tskhinvali is still felt everywhere..."

―You were born in Tskhinvali. Are you more accustomed to calling it that or Tskhinvali?

- Tskhinvali. "Tskhinvali" sounds like something in Georgian.

―The city of your childhood - how do you remember it?

- With a fountain in the square. Colorful. Bright. But Tskhinvali is no longer the city of my childhood, unfortunately. Men in Black. Everyone is sitting. 30 year olds look like 40 year olds. The war left a strong imprint.

―Are there, perhaps, places associated with your childhood that you visit first of all when you are in your homeland?

- Probably, this is the famous school No. 5, whose sports ground in 1991 during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict became the last refuge for teachers and students. All our heroes are buried there. I studied in it. The school is right behind our house, and the cemetery is visible from my bedroom window.

―What feelings do you experience when looking at it?

- Great sadness. And, of course, there is always pain. It is still felt everywhere in Tskhinval.

―I was amazed that your family experienced the horrors of war twice.

- Yes, both in the early 90s and in 2008. I remember how we hid in the basement during the shelling. Shells flew into our house, bullets ricocheted, so we had to live in the basement. Then, in August 2008, my son, sister Inga, and her children experienced this horror. Alim and I then just left for a week to rest in Africa. And suddenly on the 8th of August this! I almost lost my mind at that moment. On TV, I saw the destroyed house of my sister. And I was shocked by the words of the presenter: "At night, Georgian troops attacked South Ossetia ...". I started calling my relatives - both at home and on mobile. The answer is silence. I cut off my phone for three days. You can’t get through to your relatives, you can’t fly home quickly - it’s impossible to convey this nightmare ... Only on the fourth day I managed to find out that everything was in order with my relatives, I talked with my son. He said: "Mom, we are all alive!" And then he cried:

Mom, I saw how my dead classmates were carried out of their houses.

It's very scary. I don't wish this on anyone.

―Why didn't you leave your troubled homeland after the first armed conflict?

- Nobody expected that there would be a second war. Yes, and Ossetians are such a people - they do not like to leave their native land. To be honest, I never had the opportunity to help before. But as soon as they appeared, we immediately offered Inge to move to Germany. But she refused. Now she often visits North Ossetia - it is quiet and peaceful there. I have real estate in Vladikavkaz. It remains to be hoped that such a horror will not happen again.

―Years later, you figured out for yourself who was right and wrong in the horror of 2008?

- I don’t really like to talk about politics, because I am a person of art. I can only say that in 2008 Russian troops saved us. If it weren't for Russia, we wouldn't exist.

"I want to have a choice in everything - with whom to sing, where to perform, how many times to go on stage. I love fame, I love attention, I love being recognized and loved."

―Say you don't like talking about politics. But, as far as I know, you refuse to perform in Georgia. That's what politics is.

- You know, in North Ossetia there are many Georgian singers who have become well-deserved and even popular. And Georgian singers, along with Russian ones, are now one of the strongest in the world opera. Many of them are my friends. And in art there are no Georgians, Ossetians. If not for Makvala Kasrashvili, I might not have been on the world stage. She helps me a lot. But I never sang in Georgia.

- But would you sing?

- I respect Georgian culture and traditions. But how can I come with a concert to a country whose people killed my people? You can say as much as you like that art is out of politics, but Ossetians - those who have lost children, friends, relatives - will not understand this. Therefore, when I was invited and invited, I refuse. I always say:

How do you imagine that? I am an Ossetian, a well-known person, they know me in Ossetia… It is impossible.

I can participate in an international project with the participation of Russian, Abkhazian, Georgian and other performers. But on condition that it will be held in Russia. I will not go to Georgia to sing. If someday the relations between our peoples change for the better, I will be happy to perform in Georgia as well. In the meantime, to all offers, I say: "No."

"I can't say that I am a proper Ossetian woman..."

― Speaking abroad, how do you position yourself: a singer from Russia or Ossetia?

- My homeland is Ossetia, but I always position myself as a Russian singer . First of all, I am a Russian singer. This is indicated on all posters. More than once I had serious conflicts abroad, when, for example, in Lucerne and Hamburg, posters and theater magazines indicated: "Veronika Dzhioeva, Georgian soprano." For what reason?! The organizers of the tour had to apologize, withdraw circulation and reprint. I say:

If you do not recognize South Ossetia, then why write "Georgian soprano"? I am a Russian singer, I received my education at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, I was taught by Russian teachers. What does Georgia have to do with it?

―But are you talking about Ossetia?

- Yes, sure. Both before performances and after them, people who want to meet and chat with me often come into the dressing room. When there is a reason, I always say that I was born in Ossetia. The West knows about the republic mainly in the context of negative events - military conflicts with Georgia in South Ossetia, the terrible September 2004 in Beslan ... As for August 2008, they had different information. And when, after the events of this war, I said that the Russians had saved us, they did not believe me. I don’t know how it is now, but then they thought that I was an Ossetian who simply supported Russia. I felt it even when I performed in the Baltics.

"Sister Inga also has excellent vocal abilities. We won all kinds of competitions with her, we can say that in childhood my sister and I had an established duet." Veronika Dzhioeva with her sister and niece

―When relatives come to you in Moscow or abroad, ask them to bring you something national, native?

- Sometimes, I ask you to bring pickles, wine. True, they forget all the time (laughs). My mom is a great cook, so I always ask her to make something delicious. I myself hate to stand at the stove, but I love home cooking. I miss her. In whatever city I perform, I always look for Caucasian cuisine. I really love Korean dishes, but when I stay in Korea for a long time, I start to miss borscht and dumplings terribly. I'm just going crazy (laughs).

―Do you like to cook yourself?

― (laughs) I cannot say that I am a correct Ossetian woman. I don't like and don't know how to cook. But in all other respects I am a real Ossetian. I love bright things and my temperament is explosive not only on stage, but also outside of it. In addition to cooking, otherwise I am an exemplary wife: I like to clean the house and, like a true Ossetian woman, serve my husband, bring slippers ... I am pleased.

―Armen Dzhigarkhanyan said that when he is abroad, he looks for corners that remind him of Yerevan and Armenia.

― Ossetian corners are hard to find anywhere in the world (laughs).

―But are you drawn to your small homeland?

- I love my motherland. Unfortunately, the opportunity to visit there does not come often. Recently, it seems to me, Tskhinval has changed significantly. But I really want people to be kinder to each other, according to my feelings, people lack love, kindness, understanding. I would like to see more attention paid to art in both North and South Ossetia. For example, I feel uncomfortable in such conditions. I can't live without a stage. I feel bad without her. Therefore, the maximum time I can spend there is half a month. And when I manage to come home, I meet only with the closest people. It's good when musicians are treated with understanding. After all, musicians bring good and creation to the world.

―How important is the opinion of fellow countrymen to you?

“Naturally, I care what my people say. Although, I confess, I do not always agree with fellow countrymen.

―Who are the people whose opinion you care about?

- My teacher, relatives, friends.

"It's good when musicians are treated with understanding. After all, musicians bring good and creation to the world." Veronika Dzhioeva with Prime Minister of North Ossetia Sergey Takoev and Senator from North Ossetia Alexander Totoonov

―How do you feel connected to your native land?

- Ossetia is always in my heart, because my son is there. His name, like his father, is Roman. He is already a big boy and made his own choice. He said his masculine word: "I am Ossetian - and I will live in my homeland, in Ossetia." There is my sister Inga, my nieces, my aunt... I am constantly in touch with them, I know everything about Ossetia. My soul hurts for her, I want more to be done for the people. I know there are many of my fans, they are waiting for me there. I promised them that when there was time, I would come and sing for them.

―Last summer, you gave a charity concert in Tskhinvali called “For the Motherland I Love”. Do you have plans related to Ossetia?

- This concert was in favor of the children of the boarding school. I wanted to show that it is possible to help these children. We have a lot of talented children and it is necessary to create conditions for them so that they can develop their talents and improve in art. My dream is to attract sponsors so that children have the opportunity to study in good universities. Subsequently, they would come back and teach our children. Of course, conditions will need to be created for them.

There are plans to organize a festival in South Ossetia - a creative competition for young performers, where children from all the republics of the Caucasus could take part. Attract good musicians, for my part, I promise.

―I was recently in Krasnodar, where Anna Netrebko is from. They idolize her there: they award orders, medals, honorary titles. Would you like to be treated like this in your small homeland?

- Of course, this is a pleasure for any artist. Five years ago I became an Honored Artist of North Ossetia. Later - and South Ossetia. Although in Europe all these titles mean nothing. That's why I always ask to be declared simply: Veronika Dzhioeva .

“If they say “no” to me, I will definitely say “yes” to spite everyone ...”

―There are many awards and titles in your track record ... Is there a special one for you?

― I have many prestigious awards, including European ones, but it's too early to rejoice. We - vocalists - while we sing, we are constantly improving, we do not stop at the achieved result. Therefore, every successful performance is a kind of victory for me, albeit a small one. And a lot of small victories - it means that the big one will soon be! (laughs).

"If it wasn't for my character, I wouldn't be able to achieve anything." Veronika Dzhioeva in the TV project "Big Opera"

―Like in the TV show "Grand opera"?

― I got into the TV project of my own free will, but contrary to the opinion of my husband, teachers and colleagues. I rehearsed a number for the New Year's program on the Kultura TV channel. The channel staff told me about this contest. And I was just rehearsing "Ruslan and Lyudmila" with Mitya Chernyakov at the Bolshoi Theater. The recording of each stage of the "Big Opera" took place on Mondays. The theater had a day off. I thought: “When else will I have such an opportunity?!” And agreed. The husband was categorically against it. Said it was not my level. And in general, do not waste yourself on such trifles. A lot of my friends told me too. And I have such a character, if everyone says “no” to me, I will definitely say “yes” to spite everyone. And she said.

"It's a paradox, in Russia they like visiting singers more. And in the West - their own! And in this regard, I'm very sorry for ours: it's no secret that Russians have the most luxurious "overtone" voices with the deepest timbres. And in addition to this - breadth and passion ". Veronika Dzhioeva in the dressing room before the performance

― Are you a character singer? Do you love freedom?

- I want to be a branded singer and have a choice in everything - with whom to sing, where to perform, how many times to go on stage. Frankly, I love fame, I love attention, I love being recognized and loved. Television helps to realize dreams faster. That is why I went to the Grand Opera. Although my foreign colleagues assure that Russia recognizes its singers only after they receive a wide calling in the West.

I can say that I did not hold on to this project. She always spoke the truth and knew how to present herself. Often argued. Refused to sign a standard contract. Made my own. If they refused to sign it, I would simply leave the project.

Many considered me the most capricious and most indiscreet participant in the project. Everyone was annoyed by my self-confidence. But if not for this confidence, I would not have been able to achieve anything in life. Even in this competition.

"It's great in Europe, but it always pulls you to Russia..."

―In your opinion, what is the difference between the natives of the mountains and people living on the plains?

- You mean, do Ossetians look like Germans?

―Including.

- I think each region has its own flavor. And people are very different everywhere.

―But personally, with whom is it easier for you to communicate - with Russians, Europeans, townspeople, villagers?

- With the Russians. I love Russia and Russians. In Europe, of course, it’s great, but it always pulls to Russia.

―Do you celebrate any national holidays while living abroad?

- Frankly, there is no time, and as a rule, I perform on holidays. And usually far from home. My parents are not up to it either, they are with my little daughter (June 8, 2013, Veronika Dzhioeva had a daughter, Adrian - ed.). Unless dad can make an Ossetian toast in honor of the holiday. Basically, the celebration is limited to this. I don't celebrate my birthday either. Why rejoice? Because he's a year older? (laughs).

―What about the kids' birthdays?

- It's true. But I don’t go with them on their birthdays either, unfortunately. In general, I only visited Roma once - I work all the time. Concerts, recordings, lots and lots of everything. My schedule until 2017 is so tight that some offers have to be turned down.

―Are you able to talk to your son about this?

- Now he is already an adult and understands everything, although before it was much more difficult. Like any child, he wanted a mother.

―Veronica, on the website of our magazine, the national elections "Highlander of the Year" are held annually. Readers can vote for those who, in their opinion, are worthy of victory. At the end of 2013, you won in the nomination "Classical Music" , ahead of, among other things, Anna Netrebko.

―Is popular recognition important to you? Or do you listen exclusively to the opinion of professional colleagues?

- All this, of course, is pleasant, like any small victory. And it is doubly pleasant to be on a par with such talented people as Anya Netrebko, Tugan Sokhiev, Khibla Gerzmava.

"My character helped and helps me..."

―In 2000, you entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory with a competition of 501 people for a place. And now you perform at famous opera venues. Which of your qualities do you think helped you achieve this?

- Self-confidence. Character. I don't really believe in fortune. As my personal experience has shown, only faith in yourself, striving and work can give a decent result. I can say that I have achieved everything myself. I know when I studied at the conservatory that some artists were helped: they rented apartments and paid for competitions. I didn't even know it was actually possible. I lived in a communal apartment where rats ran. Horror! But not in a hostel, and that's good. And, probably, stage courage helped me. I am often asked before going on stage: how can you not be worried? But of course I'm worried. But no one ever sees this, simply because I love the stage and my voice so much. The viewer needs to be pleased, and not to shift his problems and experiences onto his shoulders.

―Did you easily beat 500 competitors when you entered the conservatory?

― (laughs) Easily? I remember, before the entrance exams, I lost my voice, he just hoarse. Imagine: the time has come to sing tours, but there is no voice. And then my teacher from Vladikavkaz, Nelli Khestanova, who had been working all this time to regain her voice, exclaimed in her hearts, striking the piano: “Come out, tear your chords, but sing! I left my sick mother and came with you not to so you don't do it!" I don't think I've ever sung so well! (laughs). And we did! The competition was really incredibly big - about 500 applicants for the place. It was unrealistically difficult, but I coped with it. My character helped and helps me. Of course, character! (laughs)

―During your studies, have you ever heard the expression “a person of Caucasian nationality” addressed to you?

“Fortunately, no. In St. Petersburg, I lived on Theater Square, next to the conservatory, so I didn’t take the metro. Often participated in competitions in Europe. In general, I saw only kind talented people. And when I heard about such cases, I always thought: is this really possible?

"My homeland is Ossetia, but I always position myself as a Russian singer."

― Does it matter to you which stage to sing on: in Novosibirsk, Moscow or Zurich?

“A stage is a stage everywhere. But when there is a choice, I always choose the one where it is more prestigious. For me, every concert and every performance is a victory. I'm from a small town in South Ossetia.

―In Europe, people actually understand more about opera art than in Russia?

- The Europeans themselves say that only five percent of those who go to the Opera are connoisseurs. In Russia - less than one percent. Both with them and with us, the audience comes, first of all, to the name. Opera generally went the wrong way. Previously, the conductors chose the singers, now the directors. And for them, the most important thing is the picture, so they often make the wrong choice. For example, I often hear singers with soubrette voices perform the main parts.

"I had the experience of performing Time to say good bye in a duet with the Italian tenor Alessandro Safina. Well done, I should continue." Veronika Dzhioeva with Alessandro Safina

It should not be like this - before such singers would not have been taken to the choir. The directors try to fill the opera with a large number of events on the stage, sometimes turning it into a cinema or theater. Not knowing the essence of opera and not really understanding music, they try to squeeze the maximum out of opera librettos. In the desire to somehow diversify the largely primitive plot, they are trying to stuff it with non-existent conflicts. And so the following happens: the singer moves in and some kind of action comes to the fore. And the people who come to listen to the opera, as a rule, they know the libretto. There are no surprises for them, who will kill whom or who will fall in love with whom. And they follow the emotions, not the picture. Misunderstanding and led to the fact that the opera in the last decade was not in great demand, compared with popular culture.

―But did you personally have no desire to integrate opera into popular music? There are after all successful examples: Netrebko and Kirkorov, Sissel and Warren G...

In concerts I sang with Alessandro Safina and with Kolya Baskov. Well done, we should continue. There is no time yet to start recording and implement a full-fledged project. I want to demonstrate that I can sing well not only operas, but also pop works. But for now, I refuse to record everything that is offered - the songs are ugly. And they must like it. Maybe someday it will work.

"My husband conducts both the orchestra and me..."

―Veronica, what city or country do you like the most?

- New York. I love Moscow very much, I feel very good here. We want to live in Vienna.

"Alim conducts the orchestra at work and me at home. And he does it wonderfully." Veronika Dzhioeva with her husband Alim Shakhmametyev

―Did you decide to move from Prague, where do you live now? If I'm not mistaken, you said: "To live in Prague and at the same time not work in Prague is normal, but as a musician, to live in Vienna and not work there is very strange."

- (laughs). Therefore, we will move to Vienna as soon as we get a job there.

―In Prague, you can really be seen on a morning run?

- Oh, because of the constant flights, I launched this business. But now everything will be different. There is no life without sport. He should help me both in breathing and with my voice. We were simply told that opera singers should not play sports. After all, we sing with our stomachs, and when you pump the press, the muscles begin to hurt. But this is at first, then the pain goes away. I generally understood that if you are not mobile, not hardened, you look bad, nobody needs you. That is why sports are important.

―What kind of music do you usually listen to while running?

- Definitely not an opera (laughs). All I love: Michael Bolton, K-Maro, Tiziano Ferro, Mary J. Blige.

Veronika Dzhioeva after the premiere Don Carlos at the Bolshoi Theater

―Is it true that the part of Queen Elizabeth at the premiere of Don Carlos at the Bolshoi Theater was a real torture for you? I read that the crown pressed on the whiskey so that it was impossible to sing ...

- Also, the suit was very tight (laughs). I recovered while the opera was being prepared - after the birth of the child I did not have time to bring myself into shape. And the measurements were taken before that. But I like to sing in a "stretched position", so I asked to leave the costume as it is, not to alter it. But after him, terrible marks remained on the body.

―Your husband, Alim Shakhmametiev, Artistic Director of the Grand Symphony Orchestra of the Opera and Ballet Theater of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory. ON THE. Rimsky-Korsakov, chief conductor of the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. There is no feeling of "tight position" in life?

- Not. Each of us is doing our own thing. Alim helps me.

―Does he conduct only in the theater, or you too?

― (laughs) At work he conducts the orchestra, and at home he conducts me. And it does it wonderfully. It's hard without him.

― When he came up to say hello during the interview, it seemed to me that you immediately became calmer.

- Maybe. I am stormy, and Alim is reasonable. And he's the only one who can stop me.

―How did you meet?

- Almost on stage. Later, Alim admitted that when he heard my voice, he immediately fell in love with him. At that time, during the rehearsals, I thought: so young and already knows and can do so much! That's how our relationship began. I must say that Alim looked after me very beautifully. In general, I think it's great when the wife sings and the husband conducts!

― How do two stars get along in one family?

- (laughs) There is only one star - me. True, Alim says to me: "Nature has given you too much, and you are lazy, you use only ten percent of your talent." But seriously, I obey my husband in everything. When I "fly away", he will stop, prompt, direct. It is he who manages all my affairs, so I always have everything organized flawlessly.

―Tell me about your husband...

“Alim has been given a lot from God. As in childhood he was a child prodigy, he remained an outstanding personality: he succeeds in everything. And he also studied with such musicians, such masters as Kozlov and Musin. He found the great professors, imbued with the spirit of their music. What can I say if Tishchenko himself dedicated a symphony to him! And Tishchenko is unique! Brilliant composer, student of Shostakovich. My husband gave me a lot both as a musician and as a man. Alim is a gift for me as a woman. This is my other half. Next to such a person, I will only develop.

Veronika Dzhioeva with mom and dad

―What is Veronika Dzhioeva off stage? What kind of home, in the family circle?

- Like most women, I love everything beautiful. I love shopping, fragrances, jewelry. It gives me pleasure to make pleasant surprises for my relatives. I love my family very much, my parents live in Germany, but during my absence they look after my daughter Adriana. And what a joy it is to fly in and see everyone at home! Can't be put into words. As for the second part of the question, off stage I am the same as everyone else: cheerful, sad, loving, capricious, harmful. Different, in a word!

Veronika Dzhioeva: "If I were born again, I would choose my profession again."

―We are talking in a hotel in the center of Moscow. How important are the attributes of prestige and luxurious living to you?

- I don't have a rider with lilies and champagne for fifteen hundred euros. But if the hotel, then at least 4 stars, if the plane, then be sure to business class. I have a lot of flights and I don't want to hear the noise, the noise. Although it happens in “business”, they behave inappropriately. But, fortunately, rarely.

―Does this rhythm bother you?

- What do you! I like to live in hotels, and I do not like - in apartments. Life bothers me. I love new countries and concert venues, communication with talented people. I never get tired of it. This is how I want to live. If I were born again and I was forced to choose, I would choose my profession again.

Interviewed by Sergei Pustovoitov. Photo: personal archive of Veronika Dzhioeva

For those who love heights

Honored Artist of Russia
People's Artist of the Republics of South Ossetia and North Ossetia
Laureate of international competitions
Diploma winner of the National Theater Festivals "Golden Mask"

Graduated from the St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in vocal class (class of Prof. T. D. Novichenko). In the troupe of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater since 2006.

On the stage of the theater she performed about 20 leading opera roles, including: Martha (Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Tsar’s Bride), Zemfira (Rakhmaninov’s Aleko), Princess Urusova (Shchedrin’s Boyarynya Morozova), Fiordiligi (They Do It all” by Mozart), Countess (“Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart), Tatiana (“Eugene Onegin” by Tchaikovsky), Elizabeth (“Don Carlos” by Verdi), Lady Macbeth (“Macbeth” by Verdi), Violetta (“La Traviata” by Verdi), Aida ("Aida" by Verdi), Mimi and Musetta ("La Boheme" by Puccini), Liu and Turandot ("Turandot" by Puccini), Michaela ("Carmen" by Bizet), Tosca ("Tosca" by Puccini), Amelia ("Un ball in masquerade" Verdi), Yaroslavna ("Prince Igor" by Borodin), as well as solo parts in Mozart's Requiem, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Verdi's Requiem, Mahler's Second Symphony, Rossini's Stabat mater. She has an extensive repertoire of works by contemporary composers, including works by R. Shchedrin, B. Tishchenko, M. Minkov, M. Tanonov and others. She toured South Korea and Thailand with the troupe of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Guest soloist of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. Performs on the stages of leading theaters and concert halls of the world, takes part in productions and concert programs in Russia, China, South Korea, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Japan, USA, Estonia and Lithuania, Germany, Finland and other countries. He fruitfully collaborates with European theaters, including the Teatro Petruzzelli (Bari), Teatro Comunale (Bologna), Teatro Real (Madrid). In Palermo (Teatro Massimo) she sang the title role in Donizetti's opera "Maria Stuart", at the Hamburg Opera - the part of Yaroslavna ("Prince Igor"). The Real Theater successfully hosted the premiere of Puccini's Sisters Angelica with the participation of Veronika Dzhioeva. In the US, the singer made her debut at the Houston Opera as Donna Elvira. In 2011 in Munich and Lucerne she performed the part of Tatiana in Eugene Onegin with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maris Jansons, with whom she continued her collaboration with the soprano part in Mahler's 2nd Symphony with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, St. Petersburg and Moscow. In past seasons, she performed as Elvira at the Teatro Philharmonico in Verona, then she performed the part of Aida with maestro P. Furnillier at the Finnish Opera. On the stage of the Prague Opera she sang the premiere as Iolanta (Maestro Jan Latham König), then the premiere of Un Ballo in Maschera. In the same year she performed the soprano part in Verdi's Requiem under the baton of maestro Jaroslav Kinzling in Prague. She has toured with the London Symphony Orchestra and with maestro Jacques van Steen in the UK (London, Warwick, Bedford). With maestro Hartmut, Heanheal performed the soprano part on the stage of the Bozar Concert Hall in Brussels. In Valencia, she sang the role of Madina in the opera The Gap, staged by the famous director P. Azorin. On the stage of the main concert hall in Stockholm, she performed the soprano part in Verdi's Requiem. In March 2016, Veronica performed on stage at the Geneva Opera House as Fiordiligi. In November 2017, she sang the part of Tatiana in Japan with maestro Vladimir Fedoseev.

Constantly participates in music festivals in Russia and abroad. In 2017, the first festival of Veronika Dzhioeva took place on the stage of the Novosibirsk Opera. Also, the singer's personalized festivals are held in her homeland in Alanya and Moscow.

In the near future, the singer plans to perform the part of Amelia on the stage of the Czech Opera, the part of Aida on the stage of the Zurich Opera, Leonora and Turandot on the stage of the Finnish Opera.

In May 2018, Veronika Dzhioeva was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation.