Some men say women talk too much, so they never listen. But when the hottest soprano in the world opens her mouth, even heads of state turn. Russian diva Anna Netrebko was met with a 10-minute standing ovation as she opened the season at La Scala.
The premiere of one of the world’s most-performed operas – Mozart’s Don Giovanni – drew thousands of admirers, including the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.
Passions were running high when the 40-year-old Netrebko, renowned for her somber voice, dramatic stage presence and sex appeal, appeared on stage as Donna Anna next to her partner Peter Mattei, playing the celebrated womanizer Don Giovanni.
The Russian star has performed some of the most coveted classic roles in history, with her shows booked months in advance. Netrebko’s worldwide popularity has turned her into a superstar worthy of the TIME 100 list. The award-winning singer divides her time between Vienna, New York and St. Petersburg, rarely giving concerts in Russia.
Her long-awaited performance in Milan was broadcast live on television and in cinemas across Europe, Russia and America.