Victor Shapovalov

I think the main thing is having limitless opportunities to communicate and gain new experience: the opportunity to travel the world, witness other cultures, meet new people, and share my experience with foreign professionals. Besides, music broadens one’s emotional range. Musicians learn to speak the language of emotions; consequently, they develop a finer, sharper perception of the world. This is a great pleasure, although it also makes you more prone to emotional trauma.

My family is of great help. It is my shelter from any storms I may come across. Even in the hardest moments of my life, I keep in mind that I have a loving wife and children. I come home and feel tranquillity wash over me. This is my salvation.

I am a product of my social circle. I have been incredibly lucky to meet the exact people I needed to come across at a particular stage of my life. When I was studying in Ekaterinburg, I was surrounded by many good musicians. We were all young, eager and sincere, and we certainly had much influence on each other. Later on, I came to Perm and was struck by the talent of Teodor Currentzis, who had gathered people like Peter Sellars, Vincent Dumestre and Theodoros Terzopoulos around him. All of them are strong creative personalities that are truly faithful to their calling. I have learned a lot from them.

I want to speak German fluently. I also want to study woodworking: I currently have no idea how it is done but have this somewhat romantic dream. It would also be nice to keep developing professionally, both in terms of acting and vocal skills. This might not be the best thing to say but I am, in fact, deeply satisfied with my life right now. I do have further plans of development, but there is no grand goal. All I want to be is a good husband, a good father, and a good singer.