On the eve of the world's women's holiday residents and guests of the capital will warm their romantic music with the legendary duo: Helen Segara, known as the best voice of Esmeralda in the production of Notre Dame de Paris, and Roberto Kael Torres is a virtuoso performer of romantic and dance music that won the hearts of many listeners Worldwide.
In the interview, singer Helen Segara told about her most famous role, rituals before the concert and the Ukrainian public.
Helen, the most you are known for the role of Esmeralda. Are you tired of this and how do you feel about it after many years?.
This was an important stage in my life, I did not play Esmeralda, but I was. I am sure that Victor Hugo would be proud of me. And I will never get tired of it, because it was a wonderful part of my career, which gave me my friends on stage and a lot of fans who are important to me.
Why did not you play Esmeralda this fall when the musical "Notre-Dame de Paris" resumed in Paris?.
They just did not invite me (smiles). To be honest, we did not even know about the production, I personally learned from the press. But it did not upset me - I had a great opportunity to see Daniel Lavoie, whom I had not seen from Ukrainian concerts for several years!.
You often say that Hugo is your favorite author. Is this so or is it to maintain the image of an artist who sang in a musical based on his work?.
I have a special relationship with Hugo, because we both have a birthday on February 26. He is really great. Especially, I love his poems, which he wrote after the death of his daughter - they are so deep. In addition to Hugo, I still really like Paul Verlaine and Emil Cioran - I often re-read his "History and Utopia".
Are there things you can not part with?.
My wedding ring. So my family is always with me.
Do you have rituals before the concert?.
Yes, I always pray. To the concert passed in one breath and we understood each other with the public, because for me the concert is not just to go out in a beautiful dress and sing, getting into the notes. This is the moment of communication with the audience. With the Ukrainian public, we always understand each other. Especially, it is pleasant to me after a concert to communicate with spectators. They come to the service exit and speak French. Not completely, of course, but in separate phrases, but I can not do it in Ukrainian. Your spectator, he knows how to show respect to the artist, because in Ukraine it is always pleasant to perform.
What are your expectations from the visit to Ukraine?.
I hope not to freeze (laughs). I heard from the organizers that you have severe frosts now and just in case asked for additional heaters in the dressing room - I do not like scary when it's cold. But seriously, I will be unusually thrilling to perform in the Odessa Opera. This building is simply mesmerizing with its beauty. I always dreamed of singing in the Opera Garnier and in Odessa, my dream will come to pass. I'm very proud.
Describe France in three words.
Victor Hugo, Brioche and Paris - our city of thousands of lights. Although how to describe France in three words, this is a crime.
Why did you decide to "sing a duet" with Joe Dassin?.
Because it's so in French (laughs). In fact, I am now in that career period when I want to realize some childhood dreams that seemed naive. I like this music, these songs, these words, because I sing them.
For a while you worked with Andrea Bocelli. Tell us a little about this experience. It's fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and passionate artist.
Sometimes at rehearsals I just did not want to sing, but just sit and listen, listen, listen. Probably, this is the only drawback from such cooperation.
Now you and Robert Kael Tores will address the Ukrainian public.
And this will be another exciting experience. I can not wait to return to Ukraine, where I have not been for several years. In your country, so much has changed, you have become stronger and it will be an honor for me to speak before such an audience.