“The night, it seemed, belonged to Ms. Kuznetsova. Singing her first Juliet in her company debut, the Russian-born soprano was a standout as she grew convincingly in her role from sweet innocence to her tragic farewell . . . she projects the kind of voice that anticipates an important career ahead of her: fluid coloratura, beautiful line and impressive power in the high register. She also exuded a lovely presence, winning hearts from her Act 1 ariette ‘Je veux vivre’ where she tossed off the demanding flourishes with charm. Her high notes were chilling as she summoned the courage to take the potion (‘Amour ranime mon courage’) traveling from desperation to terror and finally, resolve.” Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati Enquirer

DINA KUZNETSOVA, Soprano Biography

Known for her passionate portrayals of the heroines of Italian and French opera, Russian- American soprano Dina Kuznetsova has already attracted the attention of the world’s major opera companies for her outstanding musicianship and compelling stage presence. Highlights in the upcoming season include a return to the Lyric Opera of Chicago as Gounod’s Juliette and her Royal Opera, Covent Garden debut as Lauretta in a new production of conducted by and opposite .

In the 2005/6 season, she returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago as Gilda in a new production of by Stefano Vizioli conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos. She returned to Boston Lyric Opera as Violetta in La Traviata conducted by Stephen Lord in a production by James Robinson. In concert, she sang the opening night of the season for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in a program of Dvorak songs with pianist Charles Wadsworth. She also returned to the New York Festival of Song for a program of zarzuela with pianist Stephen Blier.

In the 2004/5 season Dina Kuznetsova sang her first performances of the title role of Janacek’s at Lyric Opera of Chicago in a new production conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. She made her role debut as Violetta for her debut at Opera Pacific, and she returned to Cincinnati Opera as Gilda in Rigoletto. In recital, she appeared in a specially designed program featuring the poetry of Anna Akhmatova and Alexander Blok which was presented both in New York and at the Kennedy Center, Washington, under the auspices of the Vocal Arts Society.

In previous seasons, Dina Kuznetsova made her debut with the Bayerische Staatsoper in title role of Handel’s Rodelinda conducted by Ivor Bolton. This was followed by her London debut as Giulietta in I Capuleti ed I Montecchi with to great critical acclaim. She sang her first performances of Gilda for her debut with Boston Lyric Opera and also debuted with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the Shostakovich Finnish Suite. In recital, she made her Weill Hall debut at Carnegie Hall under the auspices of the Marilyn Horne Foundation and also gave a recital with the Tuesday Musical Club in Akron, Ohio. Her debut at the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin was as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni conducted by and opposite Rene Pape. She returned there for as Adina (role debut) in a new production of L’Elisir d’Amore at the Berlin Staatsoper opposite Rolando Villazon.

Ms. Kuznetsova is an alumna of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists. While there, she sang Pamina in Die Zauberflöte and a Flower Maiden in Parsifal (the latter conducted by Sir Andrew Davis) as well as covering Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel and Mimi in La Boheme. She sang in the world premiere performances of Michael John LaChiusa’s Chautauqua Variations as well as performing excerpts from La Traviata in Grant Park. She also sang performances of Mozart’s C-minor Mass at the Blossom Festival under Maestro Davis.

While attending Santa Barbara's Music Academy of the West, she sang the title role of Handel's Rodelinda and won the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition, which resulted in her New York debut recital. She also gave a duet recital in Savona, Italy under the auspices of Renata Scotto's Opera Academy at Mme. Scotto's request. Kuznetsova made her European operatic debut in Handel's Saul at La Monnaie in Brussels conducted by Rene Jacobs. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Ms. Kuznetsova makes her home in Ohio with her husband and son.