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Judging by your posts in Facebook, do you live in a very picturesque place in Italy, accordingly, came to Verona without hindrance on the part of the permission to leave?

Ekaterina Gubanova: Yes, I’m here at home. In Italy, everything slowly begins to come to life. Suggestions about the concerts I was showered with was from Italy. At the opening of the festival Maggio musicale Fiorentino I will debut as Princess Bolonskoy in “adriana Lecouvreur” by Francesco Cilea. I will also take part in several charity concerts in favour of doctors. Everything here started earlier and earlier ends, I hope, in any case, although no far-reaching predictions impossible. But people are optimistic, so the Italian theatres make plans. I realized how much missed work, when there was this gala concert in Verona.

Yes, Italy, the sad news about the spread of the pandemic in which were Packed all the Newswires today so boldly and massively brings to life Opera.

Ekaterina Gubanova: And a feeling that Opera is extremely popular here. When you work on your level in Berlin and Paris, it seems that all the tickets for all performances are sold everywhere and are so fond of Opera. In fact it is, unfortunately, not so. But here in Italy the Opera closer to the people and want it soon restarted.

Opera in Italy is included in the basic “package” and national, and travel.

Ekaterina Gubanova: Yes, despite the fact that when the pandemic was raging here, the Minister didn’t in his many speeches before, mentioned he sympathizes with artists who have remained without work. Artists long indignant about this. But here again – and returned everything. And the festival in Macerata will hold, even in concert performances. I was astounded, having learned from her eldest daughter that the kids at school here thoroughly study the music of Wagner!

you Have a daughter, and not one?!

Ekaterina Gubanova: This is my husband, but we are all so in touch that I treat them as their own. I am very glad that I have a big family, which I could not even think in dreams. In Italy really good, especially in the mountains where we live. The difference in simple quality products notice when you come back from even the most civilized of places. Plus fresh air, silence, birds singing. And as you sleep! The best place for quarantine to come up with was impossible. And do I have peace, no neighbors are not pulled. I can open the window, go through the whole batch of Eboli from “don Carlos” by Verdi, and nobody will say anything.

I Guess Italy has so boldly decided to return the festival life, because I have seen a lot in his lifetime, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the plague once raged, but life for Italians – above just. And the festival at the arena di Verona can be perceived as a Manifesto of life and Opera.

Ekaterina Gubanova: Is “Italian heart music” – so precisely defined the mission of the Verona on the festival website. Opera in Italy was born from life itself. And the value of “arena di Verona” that there can be real scope to deliver such operas as “Aida” and “Turandot”. This unique space, atmosphere, waiting for the good weather, when the rain is coming – all of it is alive, in which the Opera becomes part of our lives without theatrical frame, all become accomplices. Open air and wind blowing through the costumes. What’s the moon! When Amneris sings in the second act Ah vieni and I look into the sky at the real stars – all very nice. I have so much “Hades” sung there in different years in different productions. It’s fascinating stuff.

And as sung in the heat?

Ekaterina Gubanova: Hard, especially when you’re wearing seven layers of costume of Amneris, a thick layer of makeup and the wig is huge, and the stage is heated. Even when in the evening the air 26, from the stage fries as the stove, plus a light. Now at least I will be able to choose a dress that more or less is not going to die. But this one’s not dead yet. And the singers, and the audience go there for a special atmosphere.

How natural acoustics?

Ekaterina Gubanova: mostly natural, but there are several microphones at his feet and of course, we all know where they are located. The acoustics of the outdoors – it is very difficult. “Arena di Verona” is so huge that the wind can easily carry sound. If it blows one way, then the audience in that sector will hear better. And so business as usual: the main thing – not to overstrain, not to cry, because cry even a single room is not covered. To take resonance and craftsmanship.

What will you perform?

Ekaterina Gubanova: I jumped into this gig replacement. Daniela Barcellona for some reason in advance, cancelled his participation. I hope she’s all right. I had to fit in the time limit her speech. She had to sing Azucena Stride la vampa from Il Trovatore by Verdi, and I thought, why should not I do the same? The second number is a Aria of Eboli from “don Carlos,” O don fatalе – my party trick. Plus a surprise encore.

What do you think about how to rise after quarantine the Opera world?

Ekaterina Gubanova: We expect, but God disposes. You can plan, but not the fact that it will happen. I set myself calmly to the cancellation. For example, waiting for that “mermaid” in Metropolitan Opera in April may fly. Now the Washington national Opera has officially announced that until may not open. And Washington an hour away from new York. Thank God that everyone in the family healthys – mother, husband, children. And the rest will think on a rolling basis. Of course, I’m lucky I have no debts beyond the mortgage. Even among many artists in my position who has no permanent income, have difficulties, and it’s sad. I can’t complain. So now a few concerts there, and I’m startled. By this time managed to learn Ortrud in “Lohengrin”, which will sing next season at the Berliner Staatsballett. I hope that is not canceled. And if they are abolished, that for the future I still already have a good start. Preparing to debut in Cavalleria Rusticana Mascagni and a very interesting debut in “Capriccio” by Richard Strauss, where I will sing Kleron. This lightweight, lace style for me will be the open window in a stuffy room.

In Russia are planning something?

Ekaterina Gubanova: I would like to speak as often in Russia, but so far, except for individual performances at Bolshoi and Mariinsky here, I have no suggestions. And with the virus is not yet known when that might happen. If you come, we will not leave, and if you leave, then quarantine. But on October 17 I will take part in the ceremony of awarding the prize Casta diva, which will perform Wagner.