March 17 2018 (Saturday) at 16:00 in MAUK TSKIIOI "Dialogue" the Festival of Classical Music to them. S.V.Rakhmaninov. The renewed festival will open with a solo concert by a young but very talented singer, laureate of international competitions, soloist of the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theater KSENIIA NESTERENKO(soprano).
KSENIA NESTERENKO gained all-Russian fame a year ago after a brilliant victory in the BIG OPERA project on the Kultura TV channel. The Grand Prix in the fourth season of the Bolshoi Opera turned out to be a kind of double record for the singer, because she became the youngest participant in the history of the project - she was only 19 years old then. In addition to the magnificent lyric soprano, which evokes the legendary Galina Kovaleva (who, by the way, studied at the same Saratov Conservatory as Ksenia) and wonderful technique, the singer has an outstanding artistry and a delicate musical taste.
Ksenia is the 1st Prize winner (Gold Prize) of the 2nd Manhattan International Music Competition (New York), she trained at the Académie lyrique de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo (Monaco).
The young singer performs at various concert venues in the country with leading conductors and orchestras, including the Moscow Virtuosos and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia conducted by V. Spivakov, the New Russia Orchestra conducted by D. Vlasenko, the Chamber Orchestra of the St. Petersburg State Theater " Music Hall" under the direction of F. Mastrangelo and others.
At the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre, Ksenia performed the parts of Donna Anna ("Don Giovanni" by W. A. Mozart), Arsena ("The Gypsy Baron" by I. Strauss), Prilepa ("The Queen of Spades" by P. I. Tchaikovsky), Caroline (" Secret Marriage" by D. Cimarosa), Antonida ("Life for the Tsar" by M.I. Glinka), Violetta ("La Traviata" by G. Verdi).
THE ARRIVAL OF THE SINGER IS A GREAT EVENT FOR OUR CITY, THEREFORE, WE ADVISE YOU TO STORE YOUR TICKETS NOW!
The concert program includes vocal compositions by M.I. Glinka, N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, S.V. Rakhmaninov, I.O. Dunaevsky, Ch. Gounod, G. Verdi, G. Puccini.
On New Year's Eve, Ksenia Nesterenko from Saratov became the winner of the Bolshoi Opera international competition held by the federal TV channel Kultura. The personality of the laureate aroused great interest among social network users from Russia and other countries, who arranged a real interview for Ksenia. We publish the most interesting questions and answers, keeping the author's spelling and punctuation.
How old are you and where did you study? And who?
I'm 19 years old. I am a fourth-year student at the Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov at the faculty of secondary vocational education of the conductor and choir department. My vocal teacher is Arkady Vladimirovich Filippov, my conducting teacher is Aneta Viktorovna Nikolaeva.
It would be interesting to hear about the time when your talent began to be discovered.
My mother first realized that I would be a singer as soon as I was born and cried (laughs). And I myself thought about this, probably at the age of 5, when it was time to decide which school to go to and what to do outside of school. At first I was sent to choreography, but then the music happened, with which we have been inseparable ever since. As a schoolgirl, I took part in the Lydia Ruslanova Competition in my native Saratov, competing with very strong vocalists. Perhaps it was at that moment that I realized that there was something in me.
I have a question about the piano on the upper notes. Is it naturally so beautiful or is it all worked out?
My piano is entirely the merit of my teacher and the result of our many years of work. At first, nothing worked for me at all, something began to appear only a few months ago. Therefore, there is no secret or gift of nature here - only work, work and more work.
How many hours a day do you practice vocals? And in what mode do you live in general?
I do different things, I can do nothing at all, or I can sing for 3 hours in a row. My routine is to get up and run, I don't sit still. In general, I'm terribly lazy.
Ksenia, what do you aspire to in life? What is the purpose of creativity? What is the stimulus for creativity? At what point do you experience the highest happiness? In addition to vocals, what gives joy in life?
In life, I strive for a large family, and in creativity - for a successful career. A successful career for me is, firstly, the recognition of myself as a worthy vocalist and theater actress, and secondly, the recognition of the public, of course. I want the public to listen to me and hear what I'm trying to convey to them. This is probably the most important goal and dream, if we talk about creativity and profession.
When I fail at something, I ask myself: do you want to throw all these years of training in the trash? This is where the second wind turns on, the incentive appears. After all, I have been singing for so many years, studying musical literacy, I won’t part with it just like that!
Everything that happens in my life gives me joy. Even the negative ones. They make it possible to understand that I am a living person. If I find myself in contrasting situations, then this is also good, it means that I do not live in vain. I am a public person, I am starting to get used to it, to treat the Almighty with gratitude.
I really enjoyed your performance! You are a gentle beauty with an amazing voice and charisma! Do you play sports, how do you spend your free time? What kinds of art do you like? Do you visit art exhibitions?
My relationship with sports is like drawing a cardiogram. At some point, I light up, there is a desire to go to a fitness club, do exercises, and then I burn out sharply, and I don’t need anything anymore - again my favorite sofa, blanket and cats. I have very little free time, but when there is a minute, I can afford to walk. I love ballet and rhythmic gymnastics, I like to watch figure skating. I love painting, I visit exhibitions, but rarely. In Moscow, I really want to go to the Tretyakov Gallery.
Ksenia, have you ever had doubts that you have chosen the right path, thoughts of trying yourself in another profession? (If so, what did you want to do?) How strong is the competition on the project and in general in the opera profession?
Yes, I have such thoughts. When something once again fails, I think: did I go there? But these thoughts quickly disappear, and everything returns to normal. In the 9th grade, I wanted to go to study as a philologist, because I love the Russian language and literature. And yet, perhaps it will seem strange, I would like to try myself in the profession of a surgeon.
On the project, we are all strong, talented. I don't think we are rivals, we are allies. Therefore, there are no competitors here and cannot be. We communicate very well. In general, I do not search for competitors in my life. I'm not interested. I am engaged in self-development, and competition is something at the level of natural selection.
Which heroine of the opera is close to you in spirit? What is your dream party? What vocal parts do you like to perform more: which are close to the inner world, or vice versa, as opposed to which are completely uncharacteristic? Which of the performed parts is the most unusual and requires more spiritual reincarnation?
Of course, I like parties that are close to my inner world. For example, in the opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila" I really love the part of Lyudmila. She is so lively, playful, especially in the performance of Anna Netrebko. Antonida from "A Life for the Tsar" I perform with pleasure. In general, I love Glinka. I also like Violetta Valeri from La Traviata. A beautiful character and, despite her ancient profession, she is very noble. Her party is amazing!
I don't like the part of Lauretta ("Gianni Schicchi"), I don't feel myself in it at all. Mimi from La bohème can't understand and can't see myself in this role. Although these two parts are very suitable for me in terms of voice, and the teacher is trying to convince me that this is mine.
The dream party, which does not suit my voice by nature at all, is Vanya from Ivan Susanin, and also the Countess from The Queen of Spades. I am madly in love with these images, I want to try them on, but no luck.
What helps you deal with anxiety before going on stage?
I don't have a prescription. I'm always nervous and very stage fright.
Do you believe in superstitions and omens?
I never look in a broken mirror. If a black cat crosses the road, I go back. If I spill salt, I sprinkle it with sugar, collect it with a wet cloth and wash it off under water. And if I forget something and return home, I always look in the mirror. It turns out that I am a superstitious person (laughs). And I also have my own omen. When I miss classes, I always meet all my teachers that day.
Based on personal experience, tell me how to instill in a child a love for opera without harming the psyche of the child himself, his parents and neighbors in the auditorium.
I think opera is not a children's art. In order to understand it correctly and begin to treat it positively or negatively, you need to grow up. I myself did not come to the opera right away. My first experience - "Sadko" - was unsuccessful: I did not like the opera at all. Then I began to attend other performances, began to get to the bottom of the matter, to understand what and how they sing. From the age of 10 I listened to Anna Netrebko and Galina Kovaleva, imitated them. I think that a child should be gradually accustomed to good music, introduced to different performers and be sure to instill good taste in him.
Biography:
She studied at secondary school No. 12, graduated from secondary school No. 18 of Engels.
Graduated from the Engels School of Arts No. 1.
In 2017 she graduated from the Faculty of Secondary Vocational Education of the Saratov State Conservatory with a degree in Folk Choir Conductor.
Since 2017 she has been a student of the vocal faculty of the Saratov State Conservatory. L.V. Sobinov, conductor-choir department. Vocal teacher - Filippov Arkady Vladimirovich.
In 2017, she was admitted to the Saratov Academic Opera and Ballet Theater as an artist-vocalist (soloist). Possesses a lyrical soprano of a beautiful timbre of a full range.
Conducts active concert activity, participates in competitions and festivals.
At the end of 2016, she became the winner of the international television competition "Big Opera" on the channel "Culture".
On February 3, 2017, she took part in the Moscow Virtuosos concert in Saratov conducted by Spivakov. Received first prize at the Manhattan International Competition in New York, completed an internship at the Academy of Lyric Opera in Monte Carlo.
In 2018, she won the Grand Prix of the 5th Minsk International Christmas Vocal Competition.
In 2019, she was accepted into the troupe of the Moscow Novaya Opera Theatre. E.V. Kolobov.
Married. Husband - Andrey Potaturin, opera artist of the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theater.
Source: tvkultura.ru, operabalet.ru
Blitz interview (2017)
How has your life changed after winning the Bolshoi Opera TV project? When I came to Saratov before, I took a break from the Opera, from the people who shoot me, interview me. And now it’s the other way around: it ended there, but it started here. Here everything is perceived as if I won Eurovision! People's attitudes have changed. Some, it would seem, who have nothing to do with this at all, are very hurt by “why not us, why her ?!”.
How did your participation in the TV project start? It started without my participation. Even the application for me was sent by my teacher Arkady Vladimirovich Filippov. When I found out, I was taken aback, but I thought that I would not pass anyway. And two weeks later I got a call from the Kultura TV channel and they said that I had passed the preliminary audition and I had to come to the casting. The teacher said: "Okay, go and hang out." Seventy people gathered there, who were chosen from a thousand and a half. And 12 participants were selected from them.
What can and cannot be a professional vocalist? Everything is possible and nothing is impossible. For example, I don’t drink alcohol at all, and some, on the contrary, “50 grams - and on stage!”. Ideally, you need to observe the voice mode, two days before a serious performance - not only do not sing, but generally be silent. How to communicate? Write SMS or carry a notebook with you. Do not be nervous…
It turns out not to be nervous? On the last programs of the Bolshoi Opera, nerves were already giving out. Behind the scenes of the 11th issue, they brought me so that I couldn’t think about anything else. I went out, disgraced myself, sang it wrong, didn’t answer the question, I still can’t forget.
In those moments when you are not a singer, you? .. Conductor - "choir", student-triple student. I am also a loving daughter, a loving wife… for a week, I think! It's already wow! I have wanted to get married for a long time. I want a big family, many children. At the same time, I see myself in the opera industry. And it should organically intertwine with the family. I've been talking to my mom about this since I was ten years old.
Are you aware that the Internet is discussing the connection between your victory and your relationship with the soloist of the Bolshoi Theater Yevgeny Evgenyevich Nesterenko? My dad told us from childhood that the outstanding bass Evgeny Evgenievich is our relative. Then, when we were already older, and I went to the musical environment, I found out that he was my great-uncle. We honor and respect him in the family, but there was no more talk on this topic. In general, at the conservatory we have a phrase that according to Evgeny Evgenievich one can study vocal art. Because he sings everything so correctly that his videos can be used as a teaching aid. I have not seen a singer with a more correct voice, with a more pronounced technique. In general, there are family ties, but I do not impose my relationship.
Are you good at managing people? It does not always work. I am a very peaceful person, I hate scandals. But if people do not win over immediately, then I do not love forever. Here I'm all in my mother, like a locomotive - if you start, you can't stop it.
What is the role of the family in the life of Ksenia the artist? If it wasn't for my family, I wouldn't even go into music. I have an older sister, a person who encouraged me by her example. I went first to the ballet, then to the piano, because I wanted to be like Liza. Mom and dad always supported me. Therefore, at the music school, I received four musical educations: ballet, piano, academic vocals and solo and choral folk singing.
All your life in music? Even in the yard did not have time to misbehave? I succeeded, how! Between classes at the music school. It was an ordinary post-Soviet childhood, I managed to play hide-and-seek, and "war" and "Cossack robbers."
What would you like to radically change? I would like to bring more justice to all areas. Because now there are a lot of custom-made things that simply should not exist in some areas. And this really hinders, does not give way to young and strong people who could and would like to achieve a lot.
I learned about Ksenia Nesterenko from my mother. Mom watches "culture", including the television competition "Big Opera". I come to her and she tells: after she sang the aria from Rigoletto, the contestant of the Bolshoi Opera was asked “What is happening at the opera at this moment”, and the girl cannot answer anything. What then is music literature for?And in an interview for the "World Club" it turned out that Ksenia is not yet studying at the conservatory. She is a college student at the conservatory, where she is studying to be a conductor of a folk choir. And the fact that at the same time she won the “Big Opera” is great!
- How has your life changed after winning the TV project "Big Opera"?
- When I came to Saratov before, I took a break from the Opera, from the people who shoot me, interview me. And now it’s the other way around: it ended there, but it started here. Here everything is perceived as if I won Eurovision! People's attitudes have changed. Some, it would seem, who have nothing to do with this at all, are very hurt by “why not us, why her ?!”.
- By the way, how did your participation in the TV project begin?
- It started without my participation. Even the application for me was sent by my teacher Arkady Vladimirovich Filippov. When I found out, I was taken aback, but I thought that I would not pass anyway. And two weeks later I got a call from the Kultura TV channel and they said that I had passed the preliminary audition and I had to come to the casting. The teacher said: "Okay, go and hang out." Seventy people gathered there, who were chosen from a thousand and a half. And 12 participants were selected from them.
- What can and cannot be a professional vocalist?
Everything is possible and nothing is impossible. For example, I don’t drink alcohol at all, and some, on the contrary, “50 grams - and on stage!”. Ideally, you need to observe the voice mode, two days before a serious performance - not only do not sing, but generally be silent. How to communicate? Write SMS or carry a notebook with you. Do not be nervous…
- It turns out not to be nervous?
-
On the last programs of the Bolshoi Opera, nerves were already giving out. Behind the scenes of the 11th issue, they brought me so that I couldn’t think about anything else. I went out, disgraced myself, sang it wrong, didn’t answer the question, I still can’t forget.
- In those moments when you are not a singer, you? ..
- Conductor- "choir", student-triple student. I am also a loving daughter, a loving wife... for a week, I think! It's already wow! I have wanted to get married for a long time.
I want a big family, many children. At the same time, I see myself in the opera industry. And it should organically intertwine with the family. I've been talking to my mom about this since I was ten years old.
- Are you aware that the Internet is discussing the connection between your victory and your relationship with the soloist of the Bolshoi Theater Yevgeny Evgenyevich Nesterenko?
- My dad told us from childhood that the outstanding bass Evgeny Evgenievich is our relative. Then, when we were already older, and I went to the musical environment, I found out that he was my great-uncle. We honor and respect him in the family, but there was no more talk on this topic. In general, at the conservatory we have a phrase that according to Evgeny Evgenievich one can study vocal art. Because he sings everything so correctly that his videos can be used as a teaching aid. I have not seen a singer with a more correct voice, with a more pronounced technique. In general, there are family ties, but I do not impose my relationship.
- Do you know how to arrange people?
- It does not always work. I am a very peaceful person, I hate scandals. But if people do not win over immediately, then I do not love forever. Here I'm all in my mother, like a locomotive - if you start, you can't stop it.
- What is the role of the family in the life of Ksenia the artist?
If it wasn't for my family, I wouldn't even go into music. I have an older sister - a person who encouraged me by her example. I went first to the ballet, then to the piano, because I wanted to be like Lisa. Mom and dad always supported me. Therefore, at the music school, I received four musical educations: ballet, piano, academic vocals and solo and choral folk singing.
- Whole life in music? Even in the yard did not have time to misbehave?
- I did it, how! Between classes at the music school. It was an ordinary post-Soviet childhood, I managed to play hide-and-seek, and "war" and "Cossack robbers."
- What would you like to radically change?
- I would like to bring more justice to all spheres. Because now there are a lot of custom-made things that simply should not exist in some areas. And this really hinders, does not give way to young and strong people who could and would like to achieve a lot.
According to users of social networks Facebook and Instagram, she became the first winner of the contest #The Brightest Image of the Program. Today Ksenia answered the questions that our viewers and readers left in the comments to her photo.
@Moresalvatore: How old are you and where did you study? And who?
- I'm 19 years old. I am a fourth-year student at the Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov at the faculty of secondary vocational education of the conductor and choir department. My vocal teacher is Arkady Vladimirovich Filippov, my conducting teacher is Aneta Viktorovna Nikolaeva.
@marie_barakova: It would be interesting to hear about the time when your talent began to be discovered.
- My mother first realized that I would be a singer as soon as I was born and cried (laughs). And I myself thought about this, probably at the age of 5, when it was time to decide which school to go to and what to do outside of school. At first I was sent to choreography, but then the music happened, with which we have been inseparable ever since. As a schoolgirl, I took part in the Lydia Ruslanova Competition in my native Saratov, competing with very strong vocalists. Perhaps it was at that moment that I realized that there was something in me.
@Amodonna: Ksyusha, you are a great fellow. The whole horse is behind you with a mountain)) And my question is about the piano on the upper notes. Is it naturally so beautiful or is it all worked out?)))
- My piano is entirely the merit of my teacher and the result of our many years of work. At first, nothing worked for me at all, something began to appear only a few months ago. Therefore, there is no secret or gift of nature here - only work, work and more work.
@fufikc: How many hours a day do you practice vocals? And in what mode do you live in general? Very interesting! Thanks!)
- I study in different ways, I can do nothing at all, or I can sing for 3 hours in a row. My routine is to get up and run, I don't sit still. In general, I'm terribly lazy (laughs).
@annabazhan: Ksenia, what do you aspire to in life? What is the purpose of creativity? What is the stimulus for creativity? At what point do you experience the highest happiness? In addition to vocals, what gives joy in life?
- In life, I strive for a big family, and in creativity - for a successful career. A successful career for me is, firstly, the recognition of myself as a worthy vocalist and theater actress, and secondly, the recognition of the public, of course. I want the public to listen to me and hear what I'm trying to convey to them. This is probably the most important goal and dream, if we talk about creativity and profession.
When I fail at something, I ask myself: do you want to throw all these years of training in the trash? This is where the second wind turns on, the incentive appears. After all, I have been singing for so many years, studying musical literacy, I won’t part with it just like that!
Everything that happens in my life gives me joy. Even the negative ones. They make it possible to understand that I am a living person. If I find myself in contrasting situations, then this is also good, it means that I do not live in vain. I am a public person, I am starting to get used to it, to treat the Almighty with gratitude.
@kartinka_81: I really enjoyed your performance! You are a gentle beauty with an amazing voice and charisma! Do you play sports, how do you spend your free time? What kinds of art do you like? Do you visit art exhibitions?
- My relationship with sports resembles a drawing of a cardiogram. At some point, I light up, there is a desire to go to a fitness club, do exercises, and then I burn out sharply, and I don’t need anything anymore - again my favorite sofa, blanket and cats. I have very little free time, but when there is a minute, I can afford to walk. I love ballet and rhythmic gymnastics, I like to watch figure skating. I love painting, I visit exhibitions, but rarely. In Moscow, I really want to go to the Tretyakov Gallery.
@kama.urman:Ksenia, have you ever had doubts that you have chosen the right path, thoughts of trying yourself in another profession? (If so, what did you want to do?) How strong is the competition on the project and in general in the opera profession?
- Yes, such thoughts visit me. When something once again fails, I think: did I go there? But these thoughts quickly disappear, and everything returns to normal. In the 9th grade, I wanted to go to study as a philologist, because I love the Russian language and literature. And yet, perhaps it will seem strange, I would like to try myself in the profession of a surgeon.
On the project, we are all strong, talented. I don't think we are rivals, we are allies. Therefore, there are no competitors here and cannot be. We communicate very well. In general, I do not search for competitors in my life. I'm not interested. I am engaged in self-development, and competition is something at the level of natural selection.
mordashka13: Which heroine of the opera is close to you in spirit? What is your dream party?
darya_kulinkovich: What vocal parts do you like to perform more: which are close to the inner world, or vice versa, as opposed to which are completely uncharacteristic? Which of the performed parts is the most unusual and requires more spiritual reincarnation?
- Of course, I like parties that are close to my inner world. For example, in the opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila" I really love the part of Lyudmila. She is so lively, playful, especially in the performance of Anna Netrebko. Antonida from "A Life for the Tsar" I perform with pleasure. In general, I love Glinka. I also like Violetta Valeri from La Traviata. A beautiful character and, despite her ancient profession, she is very noble. Her party is amazing!
I don't like the part of Lauretta ("Gianni Schicchi"), I don't feel myself in it at all. Mimi from La bohème can't understand and can't see myself in this role. Although these two parts are very suitable for me in terms of voice, and the teacher is trying to convince me that this is mine.
@angelina_from_heaven: Which party for Ksenia is the closest to her soul, her heart? And is there an image / role that she is not yet ready to try on, but dreams about it)? Thanks).
- The party-dream, which does not suit my voice by nature at all, is Vanya from Ivan Susanin, and also the Countess from The Queen of Spades. I am madly in love with these images, I want to try them on, but not fate (laughs).
@
koshka.iris: Ksenia, what helps you fight the excitement before going on stage?
- I don't have a prescription. I'm always nervous and very stage fright.
@Torbirun: Do you believe in superstitions and omens, if so, which ones?
I never look in a broken mirror. If a black cat crosses the road, I go back. If I spill salt, I sprinkle it with sugar, collect it with a wet cloth and wash it off under water. And if I forget something and return home, I always look in the mirror. It turns out that I am a superstitious person (laughs). And I also have my own omen. When I miss classes, I always meet all my teachers that day.
@elenakesss: A banal question: If they were allowed to take one book to a desert island ... Which one?
- A book that I have not read, preferably a thick one, in several volumes. For example, "War and Peace", "Anna Karenina", to occupy your head with something and not be bored alone.
@valery_kambalin: Hello Xenia! Do you like the work of Lyubov Kazarnovskaya? And who are you - a singing actress or a playing singer? ;-)
- I am not familiar enough with the work of Lyubov Kazarnovskaya to judge him.
I'm still learning and can't answer this question definitively. A singer must be able to do everything: to sing, to play, and to dance.
@glebati_art: How (what) do you imagine the ideal singer (singer)? Which of the singers most satisfies this ideal, in your opinion?
- For me, an opera singer is ideal, who perfectly knows her voice and knows how to handle it correctly, who can dance and make laugh, who competently combines everything and does not overdo it. I like the work of Anna Netrebko, Maria Callas, Kristina Doitekom, Dmitry Hvorostovsky, and also my grandfather Evgeny Evgenyevich Nesterenko.
@mary_from_december: Based on personal experience, tell me how to instill in a child a love for opera without harming the psyche of the child himself, his parents and neighbors in the auditorium? Thanks in advance)
- I think opera is not a children's art. In order to understand it correctly and begin to treat it positively or negatively, you need to grow up. I myself did not come to the opera right away. My first experience - "Sadko" - was unsuccessful: I did not like the opera at all. Then I began to attend other performances, began to get to the bottom of the matter, to understand what and how they sing. From the age of 10 I listened to Anna Netrebko and Galina Kovaleva, imitated them. I think that a child should be gradually accustomed to good music, introduced to different performers and be sure to instill good taste in him.
The results of the contest #The BrightestImage of the Program
Ksenia chose two questions that she liked a little more than others: about the role / image that she is not yet ready to try on, but dreams of it, and about how to instill in a child a love of opera. We congratulate the authors - @angelina_from_heaven and @mary_from_december - on winning the contest and give them gifts from our partners - Giorgio Armani Beauty perfumery and cosmetics company and MATRIX brand of professional hair products.