Dmitry Hvorostovsky: wife, children, personal life. The secret life of Hvorostovsky

Today, November 22, 2017, at the age of 56, the famous Opera singer Dmitry Hvorostovsky. His wife and four children are grieving the death of their loved one. All fans of the great artist are in deep sorrow, because such singers are rarely born.

A brain tumor was the cause early death famous baritone. Surprisingly, during the period of illness he was cheerful and fit; the paparazzi were never able to get a photo of Dmitry looking “crushed” from the illness. The singer fought as hard as he could until the end.

We will tell you more about his personal life and achievements.

https://youtu.be/YlRjZ3qEoeU

The personal life of Dmitry Hvorostovsky has always interested his fans; they searched the Internet for information about his wife and photos of his children.

The singer never experienced a shortage of attention from women, as he had an outstanding appearance and a rare voice. The gray hair that appeared early did not spoil Dmitry’s beauty at all; he never tried to paint it over; on the contrary, he was proud of it. He himself said that this is a manifestation of genetic inheritance.

Dmitry Hvorostovsky with his first wife Svetlana and her daughter from her first marriage

He met his first wife Svetlana Ivanova, a corps de ballet dancer, back in 1986. The young people began dating, and in 1991 they legalized their relationship. They settled on permanent place residence in London. The singer adopted a girl from Svetlana’s first marriage.

But personal life Things didn’t work out for the newlyweds, despite the fact that in 1996 they had two children at once, twins (a girl and a boy). The couple often quarreled, and one day Dmitry found his wife with her lover.

When Dmitry met with Italian singer Florence Illy, he was still actually married, but it was only formally. A romance broke out between Dmitry and Florence, but he did not want to ruin the family. In 2001, Dmitry Hvorostovsky divorced his first wife, who requested a huge amount of alimony, and married Florence.

How old is Hvorostovsky's wife

Personal life with new wife It was a success and the marriage produced two children. When they first met in 1999, Florence was 29 years old. The photo shows that the son looks like his father, and the daughter looks like her mother.

Children of Dmitry Hvorostovsky

In 2015, Hvorostovsky’s first wife died tragically. Two children from his first marriage followed in their father’s footsteps and became musicians.

Artist's childhood

People's Artist Dmitry Aleksandrovich Hvorostovsky was born in Krasnoyarsk in 1962 into an intelligent family. His parents had no professional relationship with art, but they had a passion for music.

Dad worked as an engineer, but he loved to sing and had good vocal abilities. He has amassed a large music collection of recordings famous singers. Most likely, his love of music and opera singing was passed on to his children.

Alexander Stepanovich’s wife worked as a gynecologist, but also loved music - in her spare time the whole family attended concerts and theaters.

From the very beginning of his life, Dima was immersed in the world of wonderful sounds; he fell in love with music early on. The boy started singing at the age of two!

His beloved grandmother helped him in this - she had beautiful voice, and taught her grandson to sing correctly.

They often sang in duet famous fragments from operas and simply folk songs. The classes served as a good lesson for the future singer.

Of course, Dima was sent to study at a music school, where he showed great success. After graduating from it, as well as after receiving incomplete secondary education, Dmitry did not hesitate for long in choosing future profession. He immediately entered the pedagogical school in the music department.

Carier start

After finishing secondary educational institution, Dmitry entered the Institute of Arts, which is located in Krasnoyarsk. There he studied vocals with teacher Ekaterina Iofel - she taught the future singer openness, spontaneity, and correctly expressing his emotions. If at first Dmitry thought only about technical correct execution works, then she taught him to think about the expressive side.

Starting from his second year, Hvorostovsky began performing on the stage of the opera house as a trainee. And later he was taken into performances as young actor. Of course, everyone immediately noticed his rare velvety baritone, extraordinary timbre and large range of voice. The aspiring artist began to be trusted with serious roles in operas.

After classes with Iofel, Hvorostovsky no longer needed other mentors, since she taught him the most important thing - independent control over yourself, over your feelings, voice.

By the end of his studies at the university, Hvorostovsky was already an independent and outstanding opera personality. He worked at the Krasnoyarsk Opera House until 1990.

First popularity

In 1989, the young singer announced himself as a talented person throughout the world. At the age of 26 he won the International Opera Competition in Cardiff. After such a resounding victory, Dmitry went abroad and began performing in such famous theaters abroad, like:

Dmitry Hvorostovsky on stage with Dinara Aliyeva

• Bavarian Opera;
• Theater Royal in London;
• La Scala Theater in Milan;
• Berlin Opera;
• Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires;
• Vienna Opera;
• Metropolitan Opera in New York;
• Lyric Opera of Chicago;
• Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg;
• Theater " New Opera"in Moscow, etc.

Since 1994, Dmitry Hvorostovsky lived in London, but the young singer also did not forget Russia. He often came to Moscow and St. Petersburg and performed on various stages. He recorded with the orchestra Mariinsky Theater works by Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov.

The popular singer performed not only classical works. In 2009, Hvorostovsky performed at the Kremlin Palace, where he performed songs by Igor Krutoy based on poems by L. Vinogradova. It was a presentation of a new joint album between Hvorostovsky and Krutoy.

In 1990, Hvorostovsky became an Honored Artist of Russia, and five years later a People's Artist. He is the winner of many awards, was awarded the Order"For services to the Fatherland" 4th degree and the Order of Alexander Nevsky. One of the asteroids is named after the singer.

Illness and death of the singer

In the summer of 2015, a statement about the singer’s cancer appeared in the press for the first time. For this reason, his concerts in England and other countries were cancelled.

Dmitry was found to have a brain tumor, for this reason he went to an oncology clinic in London for examination and treatment.

However, the singer was not at all going to give up and lose heart. Already in September, he again appeared on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, where he sang with Anna Netrebko. Then Dmitry went to Russia, where he gave several concerts. In his interview, the singer stated that he does not believe in God and the afterlife.

In 2016, Hvorostovsky underwent chemotherapy; because of this, his performances, including on stage, were cancelled. Vienna Opera. After treatment, the singer performed on stage in Germany. However, doctors banned a trip to Moscow and performances at the Bolshoi Theater.

At the end of 2016, a message appeared that Dmitry was in the hospital due to acute pneumonia. But the singer did not give up; in May 2017, he performed in St. Petersburg. Then, despite a shoulder injury, Hvorostovsky performed in Krasnoyarsk. At one of the concerts he was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of his hometown.

Dmitry Malikov announced the death of the legendary opera baritone on his social networks.

Already in October of this year, false information about the singer’s death appeared, so not everyone immediately believed that Hvorostovsky was gone. However, singer Joseph Kobzon also confirmed the fact of death. Later a message appeared on television.

Why didn't he ever talk about his first marriage?

His tragic death For many it was a heavy blow, and especially for loved ones. Just in the media, remembering important milestones the singer’s life, for some reason his older children are still being ignored. But after Hvorostovsky’s death they were left complete orphans...

Dmitry Hvorostovsky and his wife Florence were considered by many to be an ideal couple. For his sake, Flosha (as Dmitry affectionately called his wife) gave up her singing career and devoted herself entirely to her family. They were so filled with happiness that everyone forgot that there was another woman in Hvorostovsky’s life. A relationship with which others never approved. And which brought him a lot of suffering.

“I BEATED BOTH OF THEM IN A FURY”

He met the ballerina Svetlana Ivanova, fragile and tender, so in need of protection, backstage at the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theater. There, Dmitry began performing while still a student, and Svetlana danced in the corps de ballet. They say that young Hvorostovsky completely lost his head out of love. But those around him condemned this union. In ballet circles they whispered that Sveta loved the opposite sex too much, so she was unlikely to remain faithful to her ardent lover. In addition, she, a couple of years older than him, was already married, and had a daughter, Maria, from her first marriage. And after the divorce, she continued to live in the same apartment with her ex-husband.

Dmitry looked after Svetlana for about two years. Then he moved her and her daughter to his small apartment. And after a while, he officially legalized the relationship, at the same time adopting a girl, Masha...

And yet, it was not for nothing that those around him were against this relationship and actively hinted to Dmitry about Svetlana’s love of love. After the wedding, an extremely unpleasant episode happened - as if from a joke about a “horned husband.” Hvorostovsky was on tour and, having decided to surprise his beloved wife, returned earlier. The surprise was truly a success - on the marital bed he found Svetlana with his closest friend. And, always calm and unperturbed, this time he could not restrain himself.

“In a rage, he beat both of them so hard that it didn’t seem like much. The man had two broken ribs, and Sveta had his ovaries completely knocked off. That’s why she couldn’t give birth for so long, she was undergoing treatment,” one of the dancers of the Krasnoyarsk theater, who was closely acquainted with the singer’s family, later told reporters about this case.

“FLOSHA SAVED ME”

But even after this incident, Dmitry continued to love his wife. He believed her promises that this was the first and last betrayal and that everything would be different in the future. And therefore, when in 1994 Hvorostovsky was invited to work in London, Svetlana and her daughter Masha went with him to their new place of residence.

In 1996, something happened in the life of the spouses happy event: twins were born - son Daniel and daughter Alexandra. It would seem that there is nothing else to dream about: his career is going uphill, his beautiful wife and two kids are waiting at home. However, scandals began to occur more and more often in the family. On nervous soil Hvorostovsky developed an ulcer. He also started drinking. Constantly increasing the dose.

“I’m a person without brakes, sometimes I started and couldn’t stop,” the singer later recalled. - At some point, my memory began to fail, I did not always control my actions. This was already an alarming signal. Up to a certain point, the talent allowed us to get away with it, but this could not continue forever.”

It was during that period that she appeared, his savior. In 1999, Hvorostovsky performed in Geneva as Don Juan. One of the small roles was played by singer Florence Illy. According to the plot, Dmitry was supposed to kiss her...

The singer himself, even despite the turbulent situation in the family, was not going to change anything. It seemed to him that relations with Svetlana could still be improved, and life will go in its own way. Therefore, before the kiss, just in case, he warned Florence: “I have a wife and two children.” But soon he himself fell before the charms of an attractive Italian woman with French roots.

“It was she who saved me, Flosha,” Dmitry said later. - My life began to play with her bright colors! I think, breathe, and sing easily. I have always been looking for inner balance and thanks to this woman I found it. Everything fell into place. Flosha allows me to be myself, she treats with great reverence what I do in my profession - and this is very important for me.”

HARD DIVORCE

When Dmitry told Svetlana about his desire to get a divorce, she at first thought it was some kind of stupid joke. Over the years of marriage, she has already become accustomed to the fact that, no matter how events develop, in the end everything is always forgiven to her.

The divorce was not easy. As a result, Svetlana managed to sue almost all the property that had been acquired over the years life together. Hvorostovsky left for Florence almost light, but his ex-wife remained behind. big house in an exclusive area of ​​London, with a luxury car parked there and with substantial child support. Moreover, 10 years later, when Hvorostovsky’s career soared to unprecedented heights, Svetlana managed to double this amount. In addition, according to the court decision, the singer had to provide ex-wife until she gets married.

But even despite the solid content, Svetlana continued to curse Dmitry, considering him a traitor. She turned the children against their father, which Hvorostovsky himself took very seriously. He literally had to fight every meeting with his daughter Sasha and son Daniil. When Dmitry was asked about children from his first marriage in an interview, he always diligently avoided this topic, honestly admitting: it was too painful for him.

WHO WILL GET THE INHERITANCE?

The ex-spouses did not communicate personally anymore, transferring this authority to their lawyers. Only when it became known about fatal diagnosis singer, Svetlana forgot her past grievances and called Dmitry. This was their last conversation...

On December 31, 2015, Svetlana passed away. Her death was unexpected and absurd. Svetlana fell ill with meningitis, but did not take her illness seriously, and in the end it turned into blood poisoning. In just a few days, the disease “gobbled up” the 56-year-old woman, still full of strength.

After her departure, Dmitry took upon himself all the care of the older children. Alexandra and Daniil constantly communicated with their younger brother and sister - Maxim and Nina, who were born in marriage to Florence.

Now Sasha and Danila are 21 years old. Both have already chosen what they will do in life. Alexandra is an artist. Not particularly well known yet, but with prospects. At least that's what Dmitry Hvorostovsky thought. Well, Danila followed in his father’s footsteps and became a musician. True, he does not sing, but plays the guitar. But if we remember that Dmitry himself started in his youth with local rock bands and saw his destiny in this, then everything falls into place.

All his five children flew to Moscow for the funeral of Dmitry Hvorostovsky - including the adopted Maria. And after a while, Alexandra published rare photos on her microblog. The photographs were taken many years ago, when Dmitry was still married to Svetlana, and from the outside they looked like a completely harmonious couple. Of course, it’s not easy for older children now. After all, in their early 20s they were left orphans, having buried for such short term both mother and father.

Now that all the heirs have returned to London, they face the difficult prospect of dividing the property. It is not yet clear under what laws the inheritance case will be considered. Almost all of Hvorostovsky's property is located in England. According to British law, children may not receive anything at all - everything goes to the widow. But I think Florence will be able to resolve inheritance issues with dignity and without scandals...

Dmitry Hvorostovsky made his stage debut Bolshoi Theater in June 2016, when he performed a concert on the occasion of Children's Day. And performances with his participation were scheduled for December of the same year. But he had to refuse the role of the Marquis de Posa in the production of “Don Carlos” - the artist was struggling with a brain tumor and at that time was undergoing chemotherapy.

ON THIS TOPIC

Shortly before his death, he managed to record the record "Verdi. Rigoletto". With this work, the singer was nominated for a Grammy, but the Americans decided not to give the victory to the Russian artist. Therefore, it is symbolic that from the stage of the Russian Bolshoi this disc was declared the best in the “Classical Album of the Year” nomination.

His parents, Lyudmila Petrovna and Alexander Stepanovich, flew in from Krasnoyarsk to receive the award for their son. The audience gave them a standing ovation, paying tribute to the great artist and his family. And from the stage there was a dedication to Dmitry Hvorostovsky - Ave Maria performed by the brilliant Korean singer Sumi Yo. The Bolshoi spectators cried along with Hvorostovsky's parents - and this was the most touching part of the ceremony.

By the way, it was to his father that Dmitry owed a lot professionally. Alexander Stepanovich was good at playing the piano, sang superbly, and collected records opera singers. He passed on his passion to his son, taking it seriously musical education.

Behind the scenes I talked a lot with Lyudmila Petrovna and Alexander Stepanovich opera diva Anna Netrebko. She was very friendly with Dmitry, so she perceived his departure as a personal drama. Hvorostovsky's parents did not talk to the press. They are very depressed after the death of their son and do not like the hype around them.

The day before Dmitry’s death, his parents flew to London to visit him and even managed to communicate, as far as was possible in his condition. Let us remind you that the artist passed away on November 22, 2017. He was 55 years old...

Biography of Dmitry Hvorostovsky

Childhood

On October 16, 1962, the future famous singer was born in Krasnoyarsk, and his childhood years were spent here. In his family, dad loved music very much, he sang, played the piano, and throughout his life he collected a huge collection of recordings of opera performers from all over the world. Although he was a chemical engineer by profession, music was his passion. Mom was far from music at all; she worked in a hospital as a gynecologist. Dmitry apparently inherited his beautiful baritone from his father; from childhood he lived surrounded by music, since his father often loved to sing and play the piano in the evenings. Already at the age of four, the boy imitated his father’s singing, which turned out very well. At first, his father took charge of the boy’s musical education; he taught him to play the piano, then he was sent to study at a music school.

Studying in secondary school was difficult for Dmitry, later he didn’t even want to remember school years, the only thing he liked was music. And after graduating from school, the young man entered a pedagogical school in Krasnoyarsk. There he also graduated from the Institute of Arts. His teachers were Iofel E.K., Rioli-Slovtsova M.N. other prominent figures in the world of music.

Dmitry Hvorostovsky was fond of music since childhood

The beginning of a creative journey

The first years of studying with Iofel were difficult for Dmitry. Having a quick-tempered and impatient character, he was forced to study again, mastering the profession of an opera soloist. But by the third year everything had fallen into place, and studies returned to normal. Literally, the student understood his teacher instantly, which allowed him to complete his studies with honors.

Dmitry Hvorostovsky began his career as an opera singer in his hometown Krasnoyarsk. His first place of work was the city opera and ballet theater, where he began performing in 1985. Over 5 years of performances, the singer became famous person in the city. He was invited to perform in the most famous productions of the theater, especially: “Eugene Onegin”, “The Queen of Spades”, “Faust”. Fame young singer began to spread far beyond the city of Krasnoyarsk. In 1987, having taken part in All-Russian competition young vocalists, took first place. After this, Dmitry took part in the All-Union Competition of Young Vocalists, which was held in Baku.

These competitions became a kind of start in the career of the young singer. It was after winning the competitions that multiple tours began throughout the country. The singer's fame grew, he became recognizable far beyond the borders of his hometown.

Around the same years, Hvorostovsky decided to also conquer listeners in European countries. This goal was achieved through participation in international competitions. In 1988, the singer performed in France in Nice, and the victory was won in Toulouse at an international competition for opera singers. A year later, Hvorostovsky went to international competition, taking place in Wales. From now on about the young and talented singer All of Europe began to speak. The increased interest in the singer was also contributed by his interesting appearance, a handsome young man with an athletic build, regular facial features, a mane of hair and an impeccable tuxedo. His hair turned gray early, it just so happened, but this is also special distinguishing feature singer, not counting his gorgeous voice, which has captivated millions of listeners around the world.

Fame all over the world

In 1990, Hvorostovsky performed on the stage of the New York theater, it was the opera “The Queen of Spades”. Here he was noticed by representatives of the recording industry, who offered to record a series of records for the singer. In total, about 20 records were released during the collaboration. These were the records solo concerts singer, as well as arias from operas performed. These were years of glory for Hvorostovsky; he was known and loved not only in Russia, but also in America and Europe.
Having traveled with concerts throughout Europe, the artist decides to change his place of residence, he acquires luxury house, consisting of 5 floors in London. A few years later he receives English citizenship. Tours around the world continued.

Illness and death

In the spring of 2015, Dmitry Hvorostovsky learned about terrible disease- brain cancer. The symptoms of this terrible illness tormented the singer long before he learned about the disease; suddenly he began to feel dizzy, he lost coordination of movement, and problems with hearing and vision began. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis, and long and expensive treatment began in the best clinics in the world. Refusing surgery, he began undergoing chemotherapy courses. However, medicine was powerless - Dmitry Hvorostovsky died on November 22, 2017 at the age of 56.

Personal life

Hvorostovsky's first wife was Svetlana Ivanova; they met on the stage of the Krasnoyarsk Theater. Svetlana danced in the same theater, and the young man was almost immediately captivated by the beauty and talent of the young girl. Svetlana had already been married and raised a child alone. This did not frighten Dmitry and the rapidly beginning romance ended in a wedding. After this, they moved to the communal apartment where Dmitry lived. At the same time, Hvorostovsky was dissuaded from this marriage, there were rumors that Svetlana often changed suitors. Will she be able to remain faithful to one? In addition, the girl was 3 years older than Dmitry.

In 1996, the marriage gave birth to twins, a boy, Daniel, and a girl, Alexandra. The daughter later became an artist, and the son a musician. The relationship broke down in 1999, and the divorce took place only in 2001. In one of the interviews, the singer admitted that he does not forgive betrayal.

The second wife, Florence Illy, is from Geneva, the girl has French and Italian roots. They also had two children in their marriage: a son, Maxim, in 2003, and a daughter, Nina, in 2007.

Name: Dmitri Hvorostovsky

Age: 55 years

Place of Birth: Krasnoyarsk

A place of death: London, Great Britain

Activity: Opera singer

Family status: was married to Florence Illy

Dmitry Hvorostovsky - biography

Hvorostovsky is a classical opera singer.

The best concert venues are vying for the right to invite Dmitry Hvorostovsky. People magazine lists him as one of the top fifty beautiful people planets. But the famous vocalist is not at all like those cute young people who, with varying success, balance on the brink of classical and pop music. He is a successor to the traditions of the great opera singers of Russia, possessing the talent and charisma of an idol of millions. Dmitry is one of the best baritones of our time, brilliantly performing both opera classics and Russian romances.

Dmitry Aleksandrovich Hvorostovsky was born in 1962 in Krasnoyarsk, where he graduated from the Pedagogical School. A.M. Gorky and the Institute of Arts. From 1985 to 1990 he worked in Krasnoyarsk State Theater opera and ballet. And already in 1987 he won first prize at the All-Union Vocal Competition. M.I. Glinka.

Two years later, international fame came - after a triumphant victory in the British Cardiff at the BBC television competition "Singer of the World", where he was awarded the title "Best Voice". In the same year, Hvorostovsky’s legendary debut took place in the prestigious London Wigmore Hall, about which the respectable Times wrote: “He came, he sang, he won!”

Dmitry Hvorostovsky - illness

At the end of June last year, Dmitry Hvorostovsky suspended his concerts and performances for health reasons. This became known from a message published on official page popular opera singer. Dmitry is determined to overcome this terrible illness and all the artist’s fans sincerely wish him to quickly overcome this bad disease in order to again enjoy the presence of their idol.

Dmitry Hvorostovsky - personal life

Dmitry's first marriage occurred in 1991 with a former ballerina, Svetlana. Having lived together for eight years, the couple separated due to their wife's infidelity, despite the fact that by this time they had twins - a boy and a girl.

With his second wife, Florence, Illy Hvorostovsky was luckier; warmth, love and peace reign in their personal life. The loving couple are raising two children: son Maxim, twelve years old, and daughter Nina, eight years old.

Today the concert schedule of the State Prize laureate and people's artist Russia of Dmitry Hvorostovsky is scheduled for several years in advance. Despite his extreme busyness, the singer kindly agreed to answer our questions about creative biography the artist, the singer’s personal life, and much more..

- Is Dmitry Hvorostovsky’s amazing baritone primarily a natural gift or the fruit of hard work?

Of course, a singer must naturally have both hearing and good voice. Having innate talent is necessary, but the art of opera has its own specifics and numerous secrets that need to be mastered. Then the voice turns into an ideal instrument, a unique musical medium. It not only acquires the ability to fill the entire acoustic space of the theater or concert hall, but also becomes truly emotionally intense.

How early did Hvorostovsky’s passion for classical music and opera singing begin? Tell us, how did your creative biography begin?

I have been singing since I was two or three years old, from the moment I can remember. Since childhood I have been listening to music and classical singing.

- Probably, when guests came, the parents put little Dima on a chair and asked him to sing something?

Yes, this has happened. My father, Alexander Stepanovich, is a pianist and singer. He is not a professional in this field, but it was thanks to him that I listened to classics, especially piano ones, from childhood. Recordings of operas and symphonies were constantly playing in our house. I absorbed this music with my soul and heart.

Did the older generation of your family - your grandparents - have anything to do with music in their biography?

Very musical man there was my grandmother, Maria Nikolaevna, who raised me. She was just a treasure folk songs, stories and fairy tales. Sometimes we sang with her in two voices.

- Who taught you professional singing?

I mastered vocals at the Krasnoyarsk Institute of Arts under the guidance of Ekaterina Konstantinovna Iofel. In my creative biography, she was my mentor from the first to the last year. I learned a lot from her. First of all, expressiveness and spontaneity. Even when performing exercises and vocalises, I had to sing with an emotional message.

It was interesting, but difficult. True, even before entering college, I knew that it was necessary not only to fulfill musical composition- you need to simultaneously create a complete artistic image.

Even during the entrance exams, I was thinking about this, and not about how to finish singing to the end and not forget the words. So Ekaterina Konstantinovna’s lessons fell on fertile ground - I began to develop very quickly. From the second year I sang at the opera house. First as a trainee, and then became the youngest soloist there.

By the time I graduated I had enough famous singer. There's another one important thing which Ekaterina Konstantinovna taught me: to control yourself and learn on your own. That’s why after college I don’t work specifically with anyone else, I work on my own.

In 1990, Dmitry Hvorostovsky left Soviet Union to the west. It is clear that the country had no time then high art, but for you personally, what was the final impetus for the decision to leave your homeland?

And I didn’t leave her - at least for a long time. He continued to constantly come to Russia, lived for some time in the capital, working under a contract. But I first postponed my work at the Krasnoyarsk Theater, and then was forced to quit. I had neither the time nor the opportunity to come and sing performances. But I continued to give concerts. Since 1989, I always perform in Moscow two or three times a year.

- But still, doesn’t nostalgia sometimes torment you?

It's difficult for me to stay in one place for more than two days. Wherever I am - in Moscow, Krasnoyarsk or New York - I am always drawn to the road. I constantly think about future projects. Even when I am immersed in my current work, my thoughts are always turned to two or three months ahead.

- Do you consider yourself a “citizen of the world”?

Undoubtedly. Remaining Russian and Siberian, I have long felt comfortable almost everywhere. I don’t just come to other countries, I return there. For example, in New York I feel at home - I feel very good there, because I visit this city even more often than Moscow. I feel the same way in London or Paris.

There are a lot of Russians in London now. Hvorostovsky, do you feel any discomfort from the obsessive attention from your compatriots?

I visit London, like other cities, only from time to time. Therefore, I rarely communicate with my compatriots there. Although Russian speech is now heard everywhere - not only in the center of London, but also in the most unexpected places: alleys, parks...

In general, are you not burdened by the burden of popularity? Do you have a desire to return to those times when the worldwide fame of Dmitry Hvorostovsky was still ahead?

I look to the future, not the past. And I don’t want to go back anywhere. Memories of certain events make me shiver. I want to forget about what once happened. This may not be entirely correct, but I don't think about the past at all.

And yet, it is about the past that I would like to ask the next question. Dmitry Hvorostovsky's wife, Florence, is a Swiss singer of Italian origin. How did your relationship begin, biography of your personal life?

The first time after we met, I avoided her. At that moment I was already married. And although this marriage had been going downhill for a long time, I still tried to save the family. That's why I ran from Florence like fire. But you can’t run far from fate, and I am very grateful to it for the fact that it finally united us. I'm happy with Florence. Previously, I could not even imagine that this was possible. She helps me with everything. We have two children: son Maxim, and daughter Nina. It's very good and interesting for us.

You have two more twin children from your first marriage. Do Hvorostovsky’s musical genes somehow manifest themselves in them? Are they also drawn to the fine arts?

Yes. My children are very musical: they play the piano and sing in the choir. And they are making some progress. Danya, for example, has already started singing solo. He is generally a talented boy: at the age of eight he plays the program for the third and fourth grades music school. Daughter Sashenka also does not lag behind her brother. She has a good voice. True, everyone says that she sings quietly. But singing quietly does not mean singing badly.

- Dmitry Hvorostovsky is a very charming man. Do women often declare their love to you?

I have had enough meetings with women in my life. This is my profession - I am always in sight. And attention better half I'm not deprived.

- Do they write you notes after concerts?

Yes, sometimes.

In Hvorostovsky’s creative biography, the theme of Russia means a lot. Do you listen to old performers who are considered exponents of the Russian national spirit? For example, Chaliapin?

I grew up listening to Chaliapin singing. He remains one of my favorite performers. And not only Russians. For me, he is an example of a true cosmopolitan in art. Chaliapin made people in the West pay attention to Russian culture as a whole. I listen to others too domestic singers. I have a lot of recordings by Sobinov, Nezhdanova, Maksakov, Maksakova, and the Pirogov brothers.

- The wonderful Russian singer Boris Shtokolov recently passed away. What do you think of his work?

I did not know this artist personally, but I remember well the first time I saw him on stage. I was still a boy when Shtokolov came to Krasnoyarsk with a concert. He was very popular then. The genre of Russian romance owes a lot to Shtokolov. He had a unique style of performance. Whenever we talk about such works as “Shine, burn, my star...” or “Coachman, don’t drive the horses...”, it is his voice that comes to mind.

- How do you feel about your colleagues in the opera workshop - Elena Obraztsova, Irina Arkhipova?..

I love them! I love them! Irina Konstantinovna Arkhipova at one time helped me a lot both in life and in creativity. I have always followed and continue to follow her as an example as a wonderful person and professional. And Elena Vasilievna Obraztsova is an amazing woman, before whom I simply bow. I was lucky enough to work with this artist and, I hope, our cooperation will resume soon.

She unique singer. I have huge collection Obraztsova's recordings from the seventies and eighties. In one of them, taken in 1973 at the performance of “Aida” at the Metropolitan Opera, you can hear how after she performed her part the audience did not fall silent for fifteen minutes. This has never happened anywhere, never to anyone. The height of the Cold War - and this is how they greet it! And you can’t even call it singing. This is simply a “tiger” cry from the heart. To say the least, I take my hat off to this woman.

When the Culture channel is on New Year was showing your concert with the program “Folk Songs”, the cameraman snatched the face of Alexander Gradsky from the audience, who was listening to you with interest...

Gradsky is a phenomenon both in our lives and in our art. This is a figure that has been visible for many years. I respect him very much.

We actually have a lot of young talent. And they are already singing all over the world. For example, the soloist of the Mariinsky Theater is one of the most popular singers in the world. In the West, this artist has been singing for ten years, but here, unfortunately, she is poorly known. Anya is also very beautiful woman- She even has an advertising contract with Rolex.

Or Katya Syurina, whose fate I constantly and very carefully follow. This is a singer with unique characteristics. She now performs in almost all leading opera houses peace. And Zhenya Nikitin from the Mariinsky Theater is only twenty-something, and he is already singing “Boris Godunov”! You just need to know about these people, talk and write about them. So you, journalists, have your cards in your hands here.

What do you think about modern pop music? Aren't you annoyed by the endless "Star Factories" that have appeared on Russian television?

Everything has its place and time. “Star Factory” is quite an interesting project, you can watch it. People watch with interest how very “green” girls and boys turn into something over time. This is real television show. Time will tell whether its participants will become stars. To a certain extent, they turn into stars just by flashing on the screen. But still the game is worth the candle, and the appearance similar show I welcome.

However, on television there is not only the “Star Factory”. There is, for example, the “Culture” channel, which introduces the viewer to classical music. In today's world this is a great luxury and a huge achievement. Such a channel should be supported in every possible way, we should try to preserve it. Indeed, in other countries, classics are rarely present on television - rather as an exception to general rule. In the USA, in my opinion, there are no channels like “Culture” at all.

Dmitry Hvorostovsky has a difficult job - you sing live, without a soundtrack. How do you manage to stay in shape? Do you play sports or are you naturally good physically?

From nature, of course, too. But you definitely need to take care of yourself. After all, the work of an opera singer is hard work. Many productions include physical exercise: jumping, stunts, staged fights, fencing.

- Did Dmitry Hvorostovsky ever have a desire to act in films as a dramatic actor?

Five years ago I played in the Canadian film Don Juan. Two roles at the same time - Don Giovanni and Leporello. But working in cinema is, first of all, a huge investment of time, which is worth its weight in gold. The production of one tape takes at least several months. It is very difficult for me to adjust my schedule to such requirements.

There are some proposals, and I am thinking about them. I can’t say yet what will work and what won’t. Many people tell me that I need to act. Yes, I’m interested in this myself. But now I continue to do what I do best.

Modern opera lives by the laws of show business. The performances of Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti fill stadiums. Do you feel involved in this grandiose machine?

Having identified yourself as a milk mushroom, climb into the back. It's hard for me to isolate myself from modern realities. Such concerts attract millions of people and bring corresponding dividends. And, of course, participation in them became part of my work. I sing in stadiums and other large venues. I’m not used to it, but I sing... Thanks to the three tenors you mentioned, an independent genre of mass pop classics has already formed, which is heard on large TV channels.

A corresponding pop culture has emerged - outwardly beautiful, but, of course, retouched, reminiscent of a delicious chocolate bar. Perhaps these singers themselves did not expect such an effect. But what to do? We have to put up with this. For such concerts, they usually select a more accessible repertoire that is easier to digest. But even in such a gilded wrapper classical music still better than pop. After all, someone may eventually pay attention to higher and more interesting art.

- What can listeners expect in the near future performed by Dmitry Hvorostovsky?

Cycle by Dmitri Shostakovich on sonnets by Michelangelo Buonarotti. This is complex and very interesting music for me. Connoisseurs of classical art, I hope, will enjoy it. Just recently we performed a suite from this cycle for the first time in Luxembourg. There are a lot of plans. Soon I will have to sing “The Queen of Spades” at La Scala, where Yuri Temirkanov will conduct. But I want to perform something with him in Moscow.

I performed a lot with Temirkanov both abroad and in St. Petersburg, but never in Moscow. In addition, this year I plan to re-release in Russia a collection of my recordings on twelve discs. There will be my albums such as “Russian Romances”, “Arias and Verdi”, as well as things that I rarely perform at concerts - Russian sacred music, folk songs and ancient arias “Arie antiche”.

Dmitry Hvorostovsky, of course, still has many years of fruitful work ahead. And yet, what do you plan to do after finishing your solo vocal career? opened an opera singing school in Moscow. Do you intend to create something similar in the future?

I'm unlikely to open a school. I haven't thought about it yet. I plan to sing on stage for at least another twenty years, and then we’ll see.

Hvorostovsky often performs Russian romances and folklore works, sing about the war, recorded a record of songs Soviet composers. For many, your work has become a symbol of the revival of the Russian national spirit. Is it difficult to live up to such an image?

I try not to think about this. But I do everything from the bottom of my heart. And I am responsible for every word sung.

- Is Dmitry Aleksandrovich Hvorostovsky a believer?

Yes, he is a believer in his own way. But absolutely not religious.

Does Dmitry Hvorostovsky have ash-colored hair by nature or is this a consequence of his experiences during his rise to the opera Olympus?

- (Laughs.) Yes... The higher I climbed to Olympus, the more saddles I had.

I ask you seriously...

And I answer seriously. It happened naturally.

- Would you like to express any wishes to Hvorostovsky’s fans and admirers?

I am not the Lord God to give my advice to so many people.
I can only wish everyone health. When a person is healthy, he has the strength to achieve his goal. Only then can he live life to the fullest. And this is the most important thing.

- What words can you address to those who are embarking on the difficult path of creativity?

As one of the greats said, real talent must go through suffering. Without sacrifices, without overcoming difficulties in creativity, it is impossible to achieve success. Of course, I don’t wish unnecessary suffering on anyone, but still, it is this experience that helps a person become successful. Just like compassion. After all, this is also one of the most important components of a creative personality.

Interviewed by Evgeniy Danilov

Death

On November 22, 2017, opera singer Dmitry Hvorostovsky died in the morning at 3.36 London time. The cause of death was brain cancer. The singer had been struggling with this illness since 2015, but the disease did not recede, and at the age of 56 Dmitry passed away from this life. The whole country mourns the great operatic genius.