NEW YORK (AP) — Asmik Grigorian laughs when she recalls that she had been singing professionally for more than a decade when the International Opera Awards proclaimed her the “best young female singer” of 2016.
“So for 12 years I was nothing, and then I immediately became the best!” the Lithuanian soprano joked in an interview.
Now at the peak of her career and seemingly able to sing just about any role she chooses, from Dvorak’s lyrical “Rusalka” to Puccini’s dramatic “Turandot,” Grigorian is about to make her Metropolitan Opera debut in another Puccini classic, “Madame Butterfly.”
“My only regret is not having booked her sooner,” said Met general manager Peter Gelb. “Asmik is an operatic force of nature, one of the greatest and most complete vocal and acting packages in recent operatic history.”
Growing up in Vilnius she had plenty of exposure to opera. Both her parents, tenor Gegam Grigorian and soprano Irena Milkeviciute, were opera singers and both appeared at the Met, where Asmik traveled with them while a young girl.
China unveils guidelines on improving voluntary service system
Children Enjoy Summer Vacation in Shenyang
Highlights of ISU Golden Spin of Zagreb
Mainland a Favorable Destination for Students from HK, Macao, Taiwan
The WNBA's Dallas Wings are planning a move downtown from the suburbs in two years
Classes Resume in Luding County and Neighboring Areas After Earthquake
China Commemorates War Against Japanese Aggression
Hawthorn Fruits Enter Mature Season in Liudu, Shandong
Biden pardons 11 people and shortens the sentences of 5 others convicted of non
Government Striving to Improve Nursery Services to Boost Birth Rate