Opera superstars set for highlights show

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko and Azerbaijani tenor Yusif Eyvazov join the APO in concert later this year.

Three opera world superstars are set to perform for the first time in New Zealand.

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko and Azerbaijani tenor Yusif Eyvazov will join the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at its An Evening of Opera Highlights concert in October. Azerbaijani baritone Elchin Azizov, one of the principal soloists at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, will also make a guest appearance.

Netrebko regularly headlines major productions at the world's leading opera houses and was the first classical musician to be chosen as one of Time Magazine's Time 100 list of the world's most influential people. Earlier this year, she was named the 2017 Best Female Singer at the International Opera Awards in London.

She'll be joined on stage by her husband, Eyvazov, who has performed at many world-renowned opera houses including a recent appearance as Canio in Los Angeles Opera's production of I Pagliacci, conducted by Placido Domingo.

The full APO will accompany the singers with classics from opera masterpieces by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano and many others, including arias and duets from Il trovatore, Turandot and Andrea Chénier.

APO CEO Barbara Glaser says it's wonderful for the orchestra to have the opportunity to play with international artists of this calibre.

"We are delighted that these lauded opera stars are able to add an Auckland stop into their Australasian tour. Netrebko is recognised as the world's leading soprano and it's wonderful for the APO to have the opportunity to enable Auckland audiences to experience her artistry. We are looking forward to performing some of the great arias she has made her own."

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov - An Evening of Opera Highlights with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in on Saturday, October 21 at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre. Tickets go on sale at 9am tomorrow.