How do you listen to music most often?
I see live performances whenever I can, in all the different cities I travel to. It is how I prefer to experience music.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
I recently bought several recordings of Verdi’s Aida because I am learning the role.
What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
I appreciate all kinds of music, but I have enough of it in my life and so don’t really listen to it for pleasure.
If you found yourself with six months free to learn a new instrument, what would you choose?
I think organ would be cool. It would feel great to have that kind of power.
Is applauding between movements acceptable?
I don’t really care. People come to hear music for entertainment and they should be having a good time and feel comfortable. That is the most important thing. I like to sing for people who are enjoying a live performance, and if they love it they can clap.
What single thing would improve the format of the classical concert?
I always like opera productions that are interesting looking. I don’t mind modern productions, but sometimes I do miss really beautiful productions that just let singers sing.
What’s been your most memorable live music experience as an audience member?
Years ago, I was at Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Summer Ball in London and there was a live performance by Lady Gaga. It was a really fantastic show. Aside from that, I always love to see my friends, because they are great performers, and I cannot choose a favourite among them. In live performance, every show is different and unique – it exists only one time, and that is what makes it special and exciting. You never know what is going to happen.
What was the first ever record you bought?
I don’t remember – it was so long ago, a different life! In Russia when I was growing up we did not have money and so we were listening by stealing music – downloading it, that sort of thing.
Do you enjoy musicals? Do you have a favourite?
I love them. I saw Aladdin on Broadway in New York recently and it was great!
Which conductor of yester-year do you most wish you could have worked with?
I would love to have worked with the great Gianandrea Gavazzeni, La Scala’s Music and Artistic Director in the 1960’s.
Which non-classical musician would you love to work with?
Justin Bieber.
Imagine you’re a festival director here in London with unlimited resources. What would you programme - or commission - for your opening event?
I would create a festival for children, something cool and interesting. I work with several childrens’ organisations – the Russian Children’s Welfare Society in the US, SOS Kinderdorf in Europe, and the Institute for the Turner Scientific and Research Institute for Children’s Orthopedics in Russia – and the happiness of young people is very important to me. I would make a festival for younger audiences for that is brilliant and spectacular and improves their lives.
What do you sing in the shower?
Nothing – I never sing in the shower!
Anna Netrebko sings the title role in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta at Royal Albert Hall, London on 24 June.
