The Artist of the Week is Ukrainian-Canadian soprano Natalya Gennadi. She is currently in rehearsals with Soundstreams for their upcoming production, Grandma’s Shawl. This is a piece she curated and is featured in – a musical journey inspired by the tale of Kokum Shawls, telling the story of the lasting bond between Ukrainian women and Indigenous women. Get your tickets for this one night only event on May 4 (link here).
Natalya is a Dora Award nominee for her performance in the world premiere of Oksana G with Tapestry Opera. Other career highlights include Mimì in La bohème with Highlands Opera Studio, Adriana in Adriana Lecouvreur with VoiceBox:Opera in Concert, Violetta in La traviata and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with Opera York, Countess Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro with Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, and Mimi in La bohème with Brott Opera, the title role in Cherubini‘s Médée with Voicebox:Opera in Concert, and her debut with Pacific Opera Victoria as Gerhilde in their recent production of Wagner‘s Die Walküre.
Lucky for us, Natalya was able to spare a few minutes to share with us who inspires her as a singer, how she shared a tea date with the great Ileana Cotrubaș, and what she would do if she won the lottery. Read on to find out more.
Drink of choice?
Coffee with everything!
If you weren’t a singer, you’d be a….?
A VFX specialist or a graphic designer for video games. I was always naturally drawn to techy side of creativity, and I enjoy long hours working in silence.
Top 3 favourite operas?
Tosca, La bohème, Don Giovanni.
Which opera role do you want to be singing right now?
Tosca! There is a lot I could offer at this time in my life, and the role speaks to me on a very intimate level.
Who is a singer you admire that is currently working?
It is hard to single out one person, there are quite a few exceptional singers and humans I admire. At this moment – Sondra Radvanovsky. She is an inspiration as a hard working professional, incredible artist and a strong woman.
What’s the strangest/funniest thing that has happened to you on stage?
As a Countess I once decided to dramatically throw myself on the bed. We used a different one in rehearsals and there was no opportunity to rehearse the landing, so I decided to make this bold artistic choice The bed was solid wood, plywood. I think the first few rows heard the cracking too…
Which role do you wish you could sing, but is not in your voice type?
Leporello! There is no reason to my aspirations, it was just a random (mis)match made in heaven. Casting directors of the universe, hear my plea, ready for a gender bending Don G.
Tent or hotel?
Ooh! Tough choice… Usually when my family goes camping, we set all kinds of tents equipped with all kinds of camping gadgets (we even have a shower tent) and then my partner cooks non-stop. So yes, camping is a very serious and indulgent affair for us. But I do love room service!
What are you afraid of?
Flying. I generally consider myself logical and reasonable, but when turbulence starts, reasoning is futile. I love ferries and trains, a much more humane way to travel!
What’s the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?
When I was in Vienna a kind colleague introduced me to Ileana Cotrubas – The Mimi of the 20s century. I got to sing for her and the notoriously strict diva was surprisingly very encouraging! After our session she told me to “lose your bangs, they cover your forehead and be overall more assertive in conversations”. To which I replied: “Easy for you to say, maestra – you are talking to some Canadian soprano, and I am drinking tea with Ileana Cotrubas in her living room.” Fangirling moment.
Do you sing in the shower?
Absolutely always. My son does too, I am very proud as a parent.
What’s a big investment for an opera artist, but totally worth it?
Lessons and coachings. It is incredible what another specialist can hear and see from the outside, or even offer artistically.
What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
I already have a plan! I am buying a very large cottage and starting a summer program for professional opera singers. Picture this: two weeks in the woods, with a couple of excellent coaches and childcare on site. While there are many YAPs, professional singers often need a break to recharge, prepare a part, or simply engage in creative exchanges with their colleagues.
Do you approach singing and/or upcoming projects differently today than you did at the beginning of your career?
Yes, definitely. There is much more respect for time now: both mine and my colleagues. I’ve learned that, although I learn fast, I really enjoy slow preparation, so now I start getting ready way ahead.
Who has been inspiring you lately?
My colleagues. Emerging, established, young and retired – so many exceptional role models and talented people I am grateful for.
What is the ultimate goal of opera?
Energy exchange. Many would be surprised, but opera is a very organic, primal art in a way we share the vibrations of our voices and the intensity of emotions.It is cathartic and natural, our goal is to keep it real.
Which of your roles has had the greatest impact on your perspective?
Violetta. I realized that our culture enjoys watching women suffer, especially if they break rules and become somewhat successful or remarkable. It was heartbreaking.
What is happiness for you?
Long walks and bubble tea!
LEARN MORE ABOUT NATALYA GENNADI
VISIT HER WEBSITE
© Julia Merk
© Julia Merk
Grandma’s Shawl
Soundstreams Canada
May 4
CURATOR, MUSICAL DIRECTOR, SOPRANO: Natalya Gennadi
MEZZO-SOPRANO: Kristine Dandavino
PIANO: Jo Greenaway
VIOLIN: Violin
Grandma’s Shawl, is a musical journey inspired by the tale of Kokum Shawls and tells the story of the lasting bond between Ukrainian and Indigenous women.
Narrated through the enchanting voices of Natalya Gennadi, soprano, and Kristine Dandavino, mezzo, accompanied by piano (Jo Greenaway) and violin (Oleksandra Fedyshyn), the story unfolds in the early 20th century. Faced with hardships and an unwelcome presence in Canada, Ukrainian newcomers find belonging in the kindness of Indigenous women. From shared meals to Khustka shawls – the kinship between these women opens the way for an enduring mutual cultural appreciation.
This intimate performance celebrates human kindness, weaving historical quotes, poetry, and folk songs. Compositions by Ukrainian artists Stefania Turkevych, Lesia Dychko, Oleksandra Fedyshyn and Alla Zagaykevych blend seamlessly with works by Canadians Kristine Dandavino, Anna Pidgorna, Ian Cusson, and Andrew Balfour.
Immerse yourself in the atmospheric setting, reminiscent of late-night kitchen conversations, with interactive visual projections bringing ancient symbols and embroidery to life.
Grandma’s Shawl is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of unity, cultural exchange, and the resilient spirit of motherhood. Join us on this musical odyssey, where two voices become one in the embrace of Kokum shawls.
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