Giovanni Ribiquezu is the winner of a number of international vocal competitions, including the Mario Del Monaco Opera Singing Competition (Rome). He performed leading roles on the stages of Italian theaters – La Scala, Teatro Grande, Fraschini Theater, Ponchielli Theater. Giovanni Ribichezu is singing at the Mariinsky Theatre today.

– You are a guest soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre. How did this happen and what does it mean to you? And anyway, how difficult is it for a foreign artist to get on the Mariinsky stage?

– Yes, I am a guest tenor soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre.

I married a Russian woman, a singer of the Mariinsky Theatre, and by pure chance and luck, with the moral support of my wife, I managed to get this job.

It wasn’t easy, but Russians love Italians, and thanks to the great Valery Gergiev, I was lucky enough to be invited to several roles.

The selection process for me was an audition with the great Gergiev, to whom I am immensely grateful.

– Has moving to Russia from Italy changed your life a lot? How did your family and friends react to this change?

– To be honest, nothing has changed in my life, except during the coronavirus pandemic and a little because of the sanctions. I used to be able to travel safely every three weeks, but then it became very difficult. But finally, everything is back to normal, and I’m glad that I can visit my children, my dog, and work in theaters in Italy and abroad. My children are happy for me, and I will bring them here soon.

– Was it difficult for you to get used to St. Petersburg? It is believed that Muscovites and St. Petersburgers differ in their mentality – have you noticed this in everyday life?

– No, St. Petersburg is very similar to my Turin. The only difference is in the climate and the cuisine, but I’m already used to it; I really like it here. The difference between Muscovites and Petersburgers is not striking – about the same as in Italy the difference between residents of Rome and Milan. Well, the eternal dispute between shawarma and shawarma.

– Are you currently learning Russian – how difficult is it for you?

– I’m doing a little bit of Russian because I don’t have much time, but I’ll do my best. It’s very difficult, I already know a lot of words, I can read, I’ll do it!

– Opera originated in Italy, but how do you like the operas of Russian composers? Are there any favorite parties? Is the Russian school of opera singing very different from the Italian one?

– Opera was born in Italy, that’s for sure! In recent years, at the Mariinsky Theatre, I have been lucky enough to hear many works by your Russian composers, magnificent music that tells about the great Mother Russia. I love them all. There is suffering and a strong sense of patriotism in your works, and I like that. My favorite part is Herman from The Queen of Spades.

– And how does the audience react to performances at the Mariinsky Theatre? Are there any differences from the Italian audience?

– The difference between the audience of the Mariinsky Theatre and the Italian is minimal. However, the Italian audience, who hears me singing Cavaradossi, understands every word, so communication there is more direct. In Russia, I try to be more understandable, using more facial expressions and expressions. And the wonderful Russian audience understands this. After all, music has no nationality.

– Have you managed to visit anywhere else in Russia?

– I have visited many Russian cities, all of them are very interesting: I remember with pleasure the cities of Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Perm and many others.

– In one interview, you said that you would like to obtain Russian citizenship. Are your future plans related to Russia?

– Having Russian citizenship and a passport is my dream.

I want to continue my cooperation with the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre. I have many plans for the future, so citizenship will be necessary.

I love the Russian people.