Photo by Cory Weaver

Soprano Carmen Giannattasio is praised for her lustrous voice and dramatic stage presence worldwide. This month, she explores Dubai for the first time for her debut at the Coca-Cola Arena on September 17 with the fantastic Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie, led by conductor Michael Francis. Red Curtain Addict Founder, Kari Coomans, chatted with Ms. Giannattasio on her upcoming travels and how she stays healthy with a packed performance schedule that takes her all over the globe.

 

We are so excited about your upcoming performance at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai! Can you tell us more about the piece you'll be performing, Suite Crystal Palace by Alexey Shor?

 

"The Crystal Palace" tells a touching love story of Court Jesters. The action takes place in the XVIII Century, in Saint Petersburg, during the reign of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna, who was famous for her love of magnificent celebrations and extravagant fun. The plot is based on a historical episode that took place at the court of Anna Ioannovna. One day she decided to bring about the marriage of a couple of Court Jesters, in a specially built ice palace right on the River Neva ... it's a beautiful story set to music by Alexey!

 

Have you ever been to Dubai before? Are you planning on making fun stops during your stay behind the amazing Coca-Cola Arena?

 

Only airport layovers during my long flights. This will be my first time to stay there and of course I'll be delighted to visit the city, but also to indulge in the pleasure of relaxation. The La Prairie Spa at the Burj Al Arab Hotel is already booked in my agenda ;)

 

You travel a lot, performing at some of the most impressive venues around the world. What is your regimen to keep your voice healthy when traveling?

 

I do not do anything in particular. Now with the COVID rules we have to constantly wear masks on the plane and sometimes in rehearsals too. It is uncomfortable, but I've also discovered it helped me not get any colds or coughs during these last two years. I'll adopt this approach in the future, too, to stay healthy!

 

We love that you are an ambassador of Bulgari! Will you be wearing any unique pieces for this special occasion?

 

Yes! They have the most astonishing jewels, and their new collection is just amazing! Whenever I wear Bulgari jewels for a performance or event, I really feel that I am celebrating beauty and a special tradition of Italian craftsmanship and artistry. I will select the pieces at the Boutique when I arrive in Dubai, and I also am looking forward to an aperitivo at the stunning Bulgari Hotel.

 

You have so many exciting performances coming up in the next few months! Can you tell us some of the highlights that we should look out for? Any broadcasts we can enjoy?

 

I have just finished a run of Puccini's Tosca at the Wiener Staatsoper in the iconic production by Walmann, which opened the season, and I will be returning to Deutsche Oper Berlin for another beautiful series of Toscas as well.

You can watch my performance as Alice Ford in Verdi's Falstaff, which was recorded this summer at the Aix-en-Provence Festival, and is still available to stream online in several countries. It's a Barrie Kosky production, which has really been celebrated in the press, and I'll reprise the role in that production in Lyon this October. I'll also make my role debut in La Wally with the Munchner Rundfunkorchestrer, which will receive a radio broadcast in April 2022. And there will be more news soon to share as well!

 

We see that you're returning to San Francisco next summer! Any recommendations of great places to check out around the city?

 

I cannot wait to be back in SF! It's a magical city. So unique. So fun to explore!

I love walks near the Golden Gate Bridge and throughout the parks nearby. For something special, go to The Wave Organ and enjoy the powerful sound of the ocean.

There are many excellent restaurants I suggest for you to try including ChinaLive, Monsieur Benjamin - right by the opera where you can find many singers before and after a performance! - and Kokkari.

 

Don't miss Carmen Giannattasio's takeover of @RedCurtainAddict on Sunday, September 19, for an all-access look into what it's like traveling and performing in the stunning metropolis of Dubai!