Altos

Elena Shestakova

In the choir since 2013

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC?

Music has surrounded me for as long as I can remember. My grandmother used to sing when doing the housework. My aunt — a professional pianist — set up music nights, and I constantly performed at various children’s events. However, I only felt the strong urge to take music seriously around the time I was at music college. That’s where I got introduced to all sorts of music — old, ethnic, modern. This sparked my love towards it.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU PREFER NOW?

My playlist has all sorts of music in it. I often take a more thoughtful re-listen to classical pieces by Tchaikovsky, Mahler and Beethoven. But sometimes I want to hear something completely different: say, Apocalyptica or even pop music.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE THE MOST IN WORKING WITH MUSICAETERNA?

First of all, it’s the opportunity to work with Teodor Currentzis. Maestro is one of the few people who are able to hear music differently — and to teach that. I have no idea how he manages to do that. “The composer has outlined all the nuances in the score,” he usually says. “Let’s just follow what’s written there.” But as a result, the piece sounds in a different way. For example, Maestro has re-introduced me to Mozart’s “Requiem”. It’s one of the most famous academic music pieces, and I had thought I knew every single note in it — but after a few rehearsals, I realized it was totally unfamiliar to me. By the way, Maestro’s magical ability extends to revealing people’s undiscovered talents as well.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

Like any professional, I strive to get even better at my craft. I want to sing in a way that I find even more satisfying. When you feel that inner satisfaction, you know you’re on the right way.

musicAeterna choir events

An event of Diaghilev Festival

June 13, 20:00

Perm | House of Music (Shpagin plant)

Hændel. A Dedication Ceremony to George Frideric Handel. Opening concert of the festival

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

Augelletti, ruscelletti, aria of Mary Cleophas from the oratorio La Resurrezione, HWV 47 (1708)

Zadok the Priest, Coronation Anthem No. 1, HWV 258 (1727)

E pur così in un giorno – Piangerò la sorte mia, recitative and aria of Cleopatra from the opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17 (1724)

Welcome as the Dawn of Day, duet from the oratorio Solomon, HWV 67 (1749)

Disserratevi, o porte d’Averno, aria of the Angel from the oratorio The Resurrection (La Resurrezione), HWV 47 (1708)

Ah! Crudel nel pianto mio, aria of Armida from the opera Rinaldo, HWV 78 (1711)

Overture to the opera Agrippina, HWV 6 (1709–1710)

Sarabande from the Partita in G major for solo harpsichord, HWV 450 (1700–1705)

De torrente in via bibet, duet with chorus from the psalm Dixit Dominus, HWV 232 (1707)

Oh, Let the Merry Bells Ring Round, aria with chorus from the oratorio L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55 (1740)

Piangete sì, piangete, aria of Mary Cleophas from the oratorio La Resurrezione, HWV 47 (1708)

As With Rosy Steps the Morn, recitative and aria of Irene from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

Alla Hornpipe, No. 2 from Water Music Suite No. 2 in D major, HWV 349 (1716–1717)

Pena tiranna, aria of Dardano from the opera Amadigi di Gaula, HWV 11 (1715)

Amarti sì vorrei, aria of Agilea from the opera Teseo, HWV 9 (1713)

Fermati! / No, crudel!, duet of Armida and Rinaldo from the opera Rinaldo, HWV 78 (1711)

He Saw the Lovely Youth, chorus from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

Ah! Stigie larve — Vaghe pupille, recitative and aria of Orlando from the opera Orlando, HWV 31 (1733)

Oh Love Divine, Thou Source of Fame, chorus from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

Performers:
musicAeterna orchestra and choir
musicAeterna Dance company
artists from the Anton Rubinstein Academy

Conductor – Teodor Currentzis

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An event of Diaghilev Festival

June 14, 20:00