In the beginning

This website, begun in 1998, initially spread the good news of Anna Netrebko's existence and chronicled her appearances and critical reception. Now news of her is in every newspaper and magazine, and available all over the web. So the focus of this website has changed. It is now intended as a partial documentation of her early career.

Those who heard her on a Sunday evening (February 1, 1998) at Old First Church in San Francisco, in what was billed as the Russian soprano's world debut recital, were clamorously enthusiastic. Her fetching presence was matched by a secure voice of power and brilliance.

The previous month, her vivid Susanna, in the third round of Figaro performances at the San Francisco Opera house, was the centerpiece of the production. In addition to extraordinary singing, she achieved a real sense of Beaumarchais's play being performed. The natural thespic talent was unforced and very persuasive.

Those smitten and awed in 1998 were certain she would achieve her present brilliant international career. Her fine voice and intelligent acting are now acclaimed world-wide.

Backstage after the February 17, 2005 performance of Romeo et Juliette in Los Angeles