“Opera. Jazz. Blues” in Moscow

By Vestnik Kavkaza

The name Khibla means “golden eyes” in Abkhazian. That’s why her eyes are shining so brightly. But the treasure which attracts million admirers is her golden voice. The People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, the People’s Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia, Khibla Gerzmava is a unique phenomenon at the world opera stage. She is bright and straightforward, emotional and passionate. She sings leading roles in famous operas. She is a talented actress who is able to sing great classic music perfectly, as well as forever young jazz. Today Khibla Gerzmava is one of the most in demand 'diva' singers.

Khibla Gerzmava has won numerous international musical contests: Verdi’s Voices in Italian Busseto, the international contest n. a. Francisco Vinas in Barcelona, the international contest n. a. Tchaikovsky in Moscow where she won the Grand Prize.

The first voice of Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre became a bright star of the world opera stage long ago. Her powerful voice and artistic talent was expressed in many roles. In 2001 Gerzmava was awarded The Golden Orpheus as The Best Singer. In 2010 she was awarded the Russian national prize of The Golden Mask.

Khibla Gerzmava sang at the Paris Chatelet Theatre and the Communale in Florence, at the Sofia Opera and the Barcelona Gran Teatre del Liceu, at the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre and Tokyo's Bunka Kaikan.

In 2014 Khibla Gerzmava successfully performed at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sochi. It was fascinating.

Gerzmava is fond of experiments. The concert program with Daniel Kramer’s jazz trio headlined “Opera. Jazz. Blues” is one of the most important events in the singer’s life. Khibla who is in love with jazz is as enthusiastic about the new project as she is at the opera stage. The style is called crossover, i.e. the fusion of seemingly mutually exclusive things. The singer elegantly mixes the classic manner of singing with jazz jam.

The idea of the unique project belongs to Gerzmava and Kramer. The People’s Artist of Russia, the winner of Gustav Mahler European Award, an honored member of the Sidney Professional Jazz Club, Kramer is one of the most respected Russian jazzmen. The pianist gave solo performances in tens of countries, including France, the USA, Spain, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Sweden, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Germany, Finland, China. Since 1994 Daniel Kramer intensively cooperates with the International Charity Fund of “New Names.” He works with talented children, developing understanding of jazz in them.