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Valentina Pluzhnikova is the Ukrainian mezzo-soprano of the 2021-23 two-year programme of the La Scala Academy Course for opera singers, which will end with the Institutional Concert this Sunday at La Scala.
Let's start from the beginning: how was your first approach to Opera? Tell us how you experienced this passion of yours for singing and the experiences that led you to decide to come to Milan to study this art.
My first acquaintance with music began in early childhood. I was about 9 months old and was already beginning to show an interest in the piano, as I was constantly playing something. In my family, everyone has a music education, and it is considered necessary for the proper development of every child. My mother saw my interest in the piano from the very beginning, and supported it in every possible way. In fact, at the age of 6 I attended my home country's music school in Ukraine, first studying piano and then singing.
Even though I was a child, I knew I would become a professional musician as an adult. At the time, I was certain I wanted to be a solo pianist: I showed a lot of potential and won many competitions, studying 8 hours a day. I then started a music high school and, during these years of growth, I fell in love with opera and realised that my destiny was to be an opera singer. After graduation, I joined the vocal department of the Ukrainian National Academy of Music Tchaikovsky. I chose the voice and not an instrument, but I must say that my piano training gave me an in-depth knowledge that helps me even today in my career. It is a different kind of thinking, of studying the musical score, I myself now play and study all my roles thanks to my mastery of the piano.
Going back to my education, after high school I started at the Conservatory, studying a very wide repertoire. In my second year at the Conservatory, I was admitted to the Akdemia Operowa Young Artist Programme at the Polish National Opera. Afterwards I was invited to the Lindemann Young Artist Development Programme of the Metropolitan Opera. After graduating from this programme in the US, I also wanted to study in Italy, to improve my skills and learn the Italian language and style. And so the La Scala Academy came into my life.
Can you tell us about your years at the Academy?
The two years at the Academy passed very quickly. It has been a wonderful experience. I gained a lot of experience on the stage of La Scala Theatre. It is a singer's dream to sing in this legendary theatre and I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given. At the Academy I attended many master classes, concerts and performances. The best thing is that I met incredible people, teachers, great pianists - in one word, exceptional professionals.
An opera singer's career can be as wonderful as it is demanding and challenging. There can be pressure, expectations, risks but also incredible excitement and satisfaction. Furthermore, you play different roles that take you on intense emotional journeys: by working on character interpretation you feel his emotions, thoughts, sadness and joy. It can be a very profound experience. In general, this job is perceived by many as very fascinating but also very complex. What do you think about it? How do you handle the more challenging aspects of this career?
I agree that a soloist's career is challenging, especially at the beginning. A young singer has to face many difficulties and measure himself against his own limits. It is a very difficult path, because when you go on stage you have to have an excellent level of mastery of your voice. It is hard work every day, and not only vocally and physically, but also emotionally and mentally. In my opinion, to achieve true mastery one must really be almost obsessed with this profession and not pay attention to all the difficulties that arise along the way. I really love what I do and consider it my destiny in life. Therefore, no matter what challenges arise in my career, I move on.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
I do not remember any truly insurmountable challenges along my path. I think this approach comes from the fact that I see an opportunity in every challenge, so every big role, or any other kind of difficulty that comes my way, I experience it as an opportunity to give my best and improve.
Many thanks to all the supporters of the Academy of Lyric Opera
