Press comments on the tour of Spain

The Spanish press concurred with the maestro, noting that “the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra is remarkable not only for the diverse range of its abilities but also for its unity of sound, something that can only be achieved by ensembles that truly hold themselves to account in their noble calling.” From 10–20 January 2013 the Mariinsky Opera and Orchestra undertook a major tour of Spanish cities. Highlights of the Spanish tour included a concert performance of Tchaikovsky’s opera Iolanta with Anna Netrebko in the title role and the world premiere of Nino Díaz’ Second Clarinet Concerto. Pianists Jorge Luis Prats, Denis Matsuev, Alexei Volodin and Enrique Bagaria and clarinettist Cristo Barrios performed together with the Mariinsky Orchestra. The concerts took place at major venues throughout Spain, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona’s Auditori, Madrid’s Filarmónica, the Auditorio de Tenerife and the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria among others.

Iolanta with Anna Netrebko in the title role:

Iolanta was performed at the Teatre del Liceu by a stellar cast of Mariinsky Theatre soloists. This brilliant cast was led by the theatre’s untiring maestro Gergiev. He produced a magnificent sound from the orchestra and was able to convey the full power and passion of Tchaikovsky’s music (and even some rough spots in the musicians’ performance could not cast a shadow over the general impression). Neither did the chorus, which here had relatively little to do, let us down. Among the soloists the one who stood out was the acclaimed Anna Netrebko, who was making her debut performance at the Teatre del Liceu. Her incomparable, sensitive and overtone-rich voice allowed her to take the highest notes with dazzle and power, a perfect reflection of her brilliant understanding of the heroine’s character. Netrebko justified the greatest expectations that arose in connection with this appearance. Other soloists, too, were a pleasant surprise: here we were face-to-face with top-flight singers. First of all there was tenor Sergei Skorokhodov who appeared as Count Vaudémont, as well as bass Sergei Aleksashkin, who truly got into the skin of King René, and Alexander Gergalov who, although his voice was somewhat “tired”, performed the role of Duke Robert with the greatest enthusiasm. All of the singers of the minor roles, too, stood apart for their perfect renditions and extremely high performance levels.
Xavier Pujol, El País

At the Teatre del Liceu Gergiev was supported by the most dazzling Mariinsky Theatre soloists. Among them was the renowned singer Anna Netrebko, who drew everyone’s attention. The Russian prima donna was able to sing expressively in full voice, creating a subtly refined range of sound tones; she has beautiful diction and unsurpassed talent as an actress. With his fresh and powerful tenor voice, Sergei Skorokhodov, who reaches the high notes to perfection, sounded convincing and mature. The role of Ibn-Hakia was magnificently performed by baritone Edem Umerov, with Alexander Gergalov as Robert, the Duke of Burgundy, demonstrating a fine upper register. Of the women in the company, in addition to the convincing Natalia Yevstafieva as Marta, the young and passionate Laura of Anna Kiknadze and the well-bred Brigitta of Eleonora Vindau were also noteworthy. The storm of applause of the audience in Barcelona was, without doubt, also meant for the refined and temperamental conducting of Valery Gergiev.
Fernando Sanz-Riviére, La Razón

Concerts of symphony music:

The overture from the opera Oberon was just a warm-up before the glorious performance of Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto. In the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra’s interpretation this masterpiece of the Romantic repertoire was filled with a trembling sound. Many orchestras limit themselves to accompanying the soloist, but the musicians from St Petersburg gave the orchestral role a vivid individuality. The orchestra’s performance was more expressive than that of Jorge Luis Prats. The pianist performed the dramatic moments well, while his interpretation of the work’s lyrical passages sounded less colourful.
Xavier Passet, Diari de Girona

The Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra stands apart not just for its broad repertoire, but also its unity of sound. The performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony stunned the audience with its powerful dramatic breadth; the music of the symphony, which is notable for its tremendous complexity and is intense in its varied emotional hues, was performed magnificently.
César López Rosell, El Periodico

You can never but be amazed at the diligence of the indefatigable Russian conductor Valery Gergiev: together with his orchestra, day after day he performs brilliant concerts with different programmes. Gergiev’s interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony stunned the audience, who were surprised to discover that even very familiar works can be performed afresh and that at concerts of symphony music (which rarely fill concert halls) the musicians can have direct contact with the audience just as at concerts by stars of rock music or opera.
Jorge de Persia, La Vanguardia