Artist Of The Week: Anna Netrebko Brings Her Dramatic Force To ‘Aida’ At The Salzburg Festival

By Francisco Salazar

Ever since 2002, Anna Netrebko has been a mainstay at the Salzburg Festival, headlining some of the most acclaimed productions of the showcase. In fact, her productions have often drawn some of the biggest audiences due to her magnetic star power and brilliant stage presence.

This week looks to be no different as the diva headlines another new production, Verdi’s “Aida.”

Netrebko’s debut in the role follows her success in the Verdi repertoire after having sung “La Traviata,” “Il Trovatore,” “Macbeth,” “Rigoletto” and “Giovanna d’Arco” to great acclaim. Critics have noted that Netrebko “has never been more exciting, at steely strength through her full range, spinning ornament with precision and elegance” in the Verdi repertoire. And this is perhaps one of the reasons to look forward to her “Aida.”

This upcoming production will also reunite her with Riccardo Muti, who mentored her in “Macbeth” and with whom she had a successful role debut as “Manon Lescaut” in 2014. Critics were ecstatic with their collaboration noting, “It’s not always a given these days that conductors and singers of their level converge. May this be the first time of many.” With Muti being a specialist in Verdi, it will be incredible to hear how the two stars collaborate this time around and see the magic they create on stage.

Finally, Netrebko will be joined by two of her frequent collaborators, Francesco Meli, with whom she has had success in “Anna Bolena,” “Giovanna d’Arco” and “Il Trovatore” and Ekaterina Semenchuck, with whom she recently collaborated in “Adriana Lecouvreur,” a true show-stealer if there ever was one. With this incredible cast, Netrebko’s “Aida” will not only be a big draw but one of the highlights of the summer season.

But for those unable to attend the run, the performances will be recorded and Netrebko is slated to repeat the role at the Metropolitan Opera in an upcoming season.

And for those who want a chance to see the diva, Netrebko’s schedule will include “Il Trovatore” and “Adriana Lecouvreur” at the Vienna State Opera followed by opening night at La Scala in “Andrea Chénier.” She will also sing her final “Traviata” and will also headline a new production of “Macbeth” with Plácido Domingo. Her final role debut of the season will see Netrebko finally take on the iconic “Tosca” at the Metropolitan Opera and at the Bayerische Staatsoper.

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