Svetlana Efrimova explains her nicknames and activity
“Aravot” has represented artists constantly on tour, musicians in particular, who call themselves cosmopolitans and state their life passes in airplanes most of the time. Pianist Svetlana Efrimova, who has arrived from Moscow to Yerevan in days, not only confirmed that she is cosmopolitan, but also told she is the coach-pianist of the Grand Theatre, Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko, Berlin Deutsche Opera, Vienna State Opera, Bratislava Opera and recently also Yerevan Opera Theatre simultaneously by contract.
Let us add that she teaches at the Chair of Opera at Tchaikovsky State Conservatory. As soon as the Russian musician appeared in Yerevan, rumors started to spread, as if the nickname of the Russian coach-pianist is “pitbull” in Moscow, and in Europe – “SS”. Svetlana Efrimova confirmed them, saying: “Indeed, I am called “pitbull”, forasmuch as strong will is characteristic of this American breed and it stands out by its daringness and struggling spirit, and Europeans compare me with Germans with extremely strict character.”
The artist assured that she started the job of concertmaster still at 14, and she now possesses over 40 years of experience. She has started her work as a personal pianist since mid-2000s with famous opera singers – baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, soprano Anna Smirnova, mezzo-soprano Yuliya Mazurova.
“Overall, throughout these years I have cooperated with over 40 opera singers, including Litva resident – soprano Hasmik Grigoryan. Moreover, she has prepared her first part as Tamara (“Demon” by Rubenstein) with me. Our CD will be published soon. As regards her activity in Yerevan Opera Theatre, it is the 5th time I am here, preparations are in process for staging Massenet’s “Manon” and Mozart’s “Magic Flute” operas for the first time. I am also included in this process. As a coach-pianist, I have prepared Nemorino part together with your wonderful tenor Liparit Avetisyan (“Love Potion” by Donizetti), with which he performed at Covent Garden Opera. During that time Liparit was invited to the Grand Opera to perform Alfred’s part (“Traviata” by Verdi)”, informed the pianist.
Representing her Yerevan, Moscow and European schedule, Ms. Efrimova explained: “Assuredly going from one country to another takes a lot of time, but I love my profession. It is hard of course, inasmuch as, imagine it happens that at the same time, for example, I prepare 5 singers for the part of Karmen. My life is my singers, conductors, and directors. I am happy with this.”
To the half-serious and half-a-joke question whether it can be inferred that she knows all opera literature, or at least above 50%, Svetlana Efrimova’s answer was short: “We learn over and over again throughout the whole professional life.”
SAMVEL DANIELYAN
