The globally celebrated lyric and coloratura soprano Olga Peretyatko has become one of the most sought-after opera singers of her generation. Celebrated for her luminous voice and captivating stage presence, Peretyatko won the 2007 Plácido Domingo Operalia competition, catapulting her onto the world’s major opera stages.
Olga Peretyatko
Peretyatko has a deep affinity for the bel canto traditions, however, she has also tackled challenging contemporary works and lighter operetta roles, showcasing her range and willingness to explore new artistic territory. Offstage, she is known for her disciplined approach to her craft, often emphasising the importance of vocal health and continuous study to maintain her instrument’s clarity and flexibility.
On the occasion of her birthday on 21 May 1980, we’ve decided to feature some of her most iconic performances and recordings.
Olga Peretyatko Sings Bellini: Norma, “Casta Diva”
Rossini
Olga Peretyatko
Olga Peretyatko’s affinity for Rossini’s operas has established her as one of the foremost interpreters of the demanding bel canto repertoire. Her Rossini roles have become signatures in her repertoire, each highlighting her ability to blend dazzling vocal acrobatics with emotional authenticity. Her performances are marked by a crystalline tone, precise articulation and rapid scalar passages.
Sporting an impressive dynamic range, Peretyatko seamlessly shifts from delicate pianissimos to powerful fortes. Critics consistently praise her impeccable phrasing and ability to imbue ornaments with narrative depth. Her performances are grounded in mastering bel canto techniques, particularly the art of coloratura. Her rendition of “Una voce poco fa” showcases her ability to execute intricate melismas and staccato notes with pinpoint accuracy while maintaining a playful, character-driven delivery.
Olga Peretyatko Sings Rossini: The Barber of Seville, “Una voce poco fa”
Mozart
Peretyatko’s vocal approach to Mozart is characterised by her precise intonation, fluid legato, and her ability to execute the composer’s ornamental passages with ease. Her lyric-coloratura soprano, with its bright and focused tone is well-suited to Mozart’s melodic lines, allowing her to float high notes with clarity and sustained expressive phrasing.
Her Mozart interpretations have garnered significant praise, with critics highlighting her stylistic elegance and vocal finesse. The Financial Times praised her “impish energy and sparkling coloratura, making every phrase a comedic gem.” Her bright and agile voice and meticulous attention to style bring comic and tragic roles to life, with her elegance and vocal sparkle ensuring memorable interpretations.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Abduction from the Seraglio), K. 384 (Olga Peretyatko, soprano; Basel Symphony Orchestra; Ivor Bolton, cond.)
Rachmaninoff
Olga Pretyatko’s interpretations of Rachmaninoff’s vocal works highlight her deep connection to her Russian heritage and her ability to convey the lyrical intensity and emotional depth of his music. Her performances of Rachmaninoff’s songs and vocalises demonstrate her versatility as a recitalist, showcasing a warmer and more introspective side of her voice.
Her approach to Rachmaninoff is marked by her ability to adapt her agile soprano to the composer’s lush melodic lines, which require sustained legato and dynamic flexibility. Her ability to shift vocal colour from bright and luminous to warm and velvety allows her to capture the emotional spectrum of the music, ranging from tender introspection to ecstatic exuberance.
Sergei Rachmaninoff: 12 Songs, Op. 14: No. 11. Vesenniye vodï (The Waters of Spring) (Olga Peretyatko, soprano; Ural Philharmonic Orchestra; Dmitry Liss, cond.)
Sergei Rachmaninoff: 14 Songs, Op. 34: No. 14. Vocalise (Olga Peretyatko, soprano; Ural Philharmonic Orchestra; Dmitry Liss, cond.)
Verdi
Olga Peretyatko’s interpretations of Verdi operas, particularly her celebrated performances as Gilda in Rigoletto, showcase her ability to adapt her voice to Verdi’s music’s dramatic and emotional demands. Her foray into Verdi demonstrates her versatility, blending her signature vocal agility with the impressive depth of Verdi’s lyrical and psychologically complex heroines.
Her ”Gilda” performances have garnered widespread praise, with critics highlighting her vocal finesse and ability to embody the character’s innocence and tragedy. For her 2013 Met debut, The New York Times wrote, “Peretyatko’s Gilda was a revelation… a model of vocal purity and emotional clarity, with every note perfectly placed.” And Opera News added, “her coloratura sparkled, and her high notes soared, but it was her heartfelt portrayal of Gilda’s devotion that truly moved the audience.”
Olga Peretyatko’s artistry is defined by her luminous lyric-coloratura soprano, blending dazzling vocal agility with emotional depth across bel canto, Mozart, Verdi, and Russian repertoire. Her technical precision, expressive phrasing, and multilingual fluency create captivating performances that consistently infuse roles with authenticity and nuance.
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