With no doubt they are one of international sensations in the last years. From native Australia Umbilical brothers duo perform worldwide and their performances are high successful everywhere. This weekend, November 26th, they will perform again in Slovenia. At this occasion we have spoken with Shane Dundas.
You perform under the name of brothers. Does anyone else still today believe you are brothers? We still get asked “Are you guys actually brothers?”. My standard answer is “Not as far as we know, but the DNA test results haven’t come back from the lab yet.”
If I’m not mistaken, you will perform in Slovenia for the third time? In which country have you performed the most times? Oh man I think we’ve been to Slovenia at least 5 times! We love coming back to the SiTi Theatre. Lovely people, nice crowd. Apart from Australia, I feel like we’ve performed most in the USA and the Netherlands. And maybe Sweden. It’s been a long time and about 40 countries so I can’t keep track.
They publish superlatives about you. You’re probably happy about it, but anyway. Are such superlatives for an artist, specifically speaking about you, also dangerous? Can one quickly fall asleep on one’s laurels because of them? Do they block the desire and need for new challenges? Who doesn’t like a superlative? There have been some nice reviews over the years. And some not so nice. It’s all opinion and taste isn’t it. The true test is on the night, with the audience. That is the challenge, every night. I guess we could coast on the praise but people have appreciated it when we’ve surprised them. If your head is in the right place the good reviews encourage you to keep going, rather than fall asleep at the wheel. And a restless brain never stops jumping around in your head, for better or worse.
The performance The Distraction is also described in superlatives. If I ask you an ungrateful question: How satisfied are you two with The Distraction? Is it on stage and on the screen what you envisioned in the idea? I don’t think any of us is totally satisfied with the show, and in fact that’s an impossibility. We’re different people with different perspectives and we like different things in it. The overall concept (a live green-screen performance, where the audience has 2 places of focus to choose from) is what we envisioned. But inside that is the craziest mashup of ideas. It’s grown through a lot of playing around, to the point where it’s not a thing we could have imagined.
Similar as all things, humor changes too. How do you two see it? Is it hard to be a comedian these days? I think most comedians would agree there are challenges in terms of cancel culture, if that’s what you’re referring to. It doesn’t tend to happen with us but there are artists who intentionally cross lines and break taboos. It’s part of their art and they’re usually making a point. And then there are performers who are ready and waiting to shock, and watchers ready and waiting to cancel. In an ideal world intelligence and common sense on both sides would help defuse that battle. Humor changes but people will always need to laugh. We all need it, especially now. It’s a public service.
You have several imitators. What do you think about them? Give me their names and addresses! Generally we’re not aware of imitators. They say it’s the sincerest form of flattery, and I like the idea that what we’ve done could inspire someone to create stuff. Direct copying isn’t so hot. Inspiration and imitation is often part of a young comedian’s journey to their own unique comedic voice. You need to grow beyond that to become you. And it’s more fun, trust me. Ultimately, if you can’t come up with your own shit then what’s the point? Who are you?
What about the competition? There’s competition? Jesus. We don’t think about that notion, maybe because we’re unique in our own country and don’t need to. If you mean other comics who do physical stuff, that’s great. It’s just more fun stuff for the world to enjoy. Also, we’re not at the top of the comedy tree so it’s not like we’re fighting to stay up there.
Many, if not most, artists are perfectionists. How about you two? I think we’re both perfectionists in different ways, in terms of what ideas or aspects of performance are important to us. It’s a really good mix. I have become less concerned about perfection these days, and more into going with the flow, no matter how perfect or imperfect the detail is. That’s partly because something often goes wrong technically during the show, and we’ve just gotta go with it. Otherwise you go insane.
There are different things, techniques and more in your repertoire. You probably also have some secrets about how you invented and developed something? No special techniques, at least not consciously! It’s basically about imagining funny stuff that tickles your brain and playing around with it. Riffing on ideas isn’t a special technique. The actual challenge is arranging all the silly stuff into something that flows for an audience, for the duration of the show. I think we may be less professional than you imagine. For example, some people think we’re serious, well-trained mimes. We did about 2 weeks of mime training in theatre school.
Do things get patented in your business? I don’t know, if you wrote a script you could copyright it, but it’s hard to patent things that aren’t described in words. And would it stop people from copying it in some far-off land where they don’t know the original stuff? We did a TV gig in China, and some of the other acts were clearly copying people we knew of.
I guess patents are not always an easy thing to do in a business like yours. I just remembered of the case of the actor Alfonso Ribeiro, who initiated legal proceedings for copying and unauthorized use of the so-called Carlton dance from the series The Prince of Bel Air. He claimed it was his invention and patent and property. As far as I remember, he lost the case in court. What’s your experience with special effects and things like that? That’s crazy. And funny, just thinking of the courtroom scene. I don’t think this show has been imitated yet, but it probably will be. The only difference here is that Doug Bayne, our amazing and eccentric co-creator on the show, has invented a lot of the mad visual effects stuff you’ll see. Good luck reproducing that. Jesus, your questions about imitators, competition, and now patenting…is there something you need to tell me?
Many singers and actors who perform and work around the world have told me in interviews that the most tiring part of their work is traveling. What about you two? True that. Especially coming from Australia. We’re far from everywhere. I love the places we get to, but getting there.… It took over a day to go from my front door to our first location on the tour. And from gig to gig we’re carrying so much equipment for this show. By the end of this tour we’re either going to be super-fit, or dead. Or both.
Most people know you as UB. How is with your acting? Is there any time for that? With all your performances as UB, do you have the time and desire for a film or theater project? We do find time to do other stuff, and there is a desire for it. It’s possible to make gaps in our Umbilical schedule for other projects. I’ve acted outside of our duo and done solo stand-up. David’s a talented actor who’s wanted to act from day one. Last year he worked on a big film that you’ll all see next year. I mean big! I can’t wait to see what he does onscreen. With any luck I’ll also appear in it for about 10 seconds.
You are actors, a performers,… Are you tempted or have you ever been tempted by some other film or theater field? For example, write a script? Bring director? Production? Definitely. Years ago we were heavily involved in the creation of a childrens’ TV series we made with Sesame Workshop, from concept through to writing and acting. We even had input on editing. That was hard work but fun. So it’s not a new idea. David’s very driven and is always trying to create or be part of a creative thing, wherever the opportunity arises. I actually wanted to be a film director when I was a kid. That sensibility has informed my perception and approach to our work. I’ve only recently thought about bringing my experience to directing and creative and work with new and different people. I’d like to try that.
I already mentioned that you will perform in Slovenia for the third time. Have you met any Slovenian colleagues so far? We’ve met some very cool people at the SITI after the shows. We always catch up with Uroš, the artistic director, and some of the other groovy kids who drop in, and it’s always a pleasure. It’s an honor to have other artists check out our work.
They mark you as a unique phenomenon. Because of this and the fame, what is your private life like? Do you have it? Is it hard to have? We’re not that special. Private life isn’t hard at all. At one point we would get recognized or stopped quite a lot, but that’s died down. I live away from the action, a very normal life. David’s in Sydney so he gets a little more attention, but again, it’s fine. People don’t hassle us, or even care much these days. That’s one of the perks of getting older.
Television and film actor, singer, author…, Carlos Ponce visited Slovenia last week for the first time. He impressed many fans and especially female fans during his visit when they had a chance to meet him in person, ask different things and take photos with him.
Just as Ponce charmed the viewers, he and his wife were charmed by Slovenia. She was visiting with him. They traveled to Slovenia from Turkey, where they have been filming a reality show for the last month and a half. The experience was also special because this was the first time they were together and participated in a project.
He’ll be back for cream cake Although there was not much time and the visit schedule was very full, the Ponce couple nevertheless took some time to see Ljubljana and visit Gorenjska region, part of Slovenia. In the capital, they saw old Ljubljana and they also visited Bled. The visit to the pearl of Gorenjska was a coincidence. The weather forecast was good, so they and the organizer decided to go near the mountains. The star who lives in Miami was more interested in the Slovenian mountains than the sea, and Bled is one of the points of Gorenjska that is perfect for visits by mountain lovers. The visit to Gorenjska was of a private nature, Ponce did not meet anyone. He and his wife were on the island, where they also rang the bell, as is the local tradition, and they also walked around the lake. They and the Slovenian team also stopped in one of the restaurants to try famous Bled cream cakes. The couple liked the place, which is why they came up with the idea of buying a puzzle with the image of Bled as a souvenir.
Good Slovenian food During his visit, Ponce also wanted to try some typical Slovenian food. He liked kranjska klobasa and prekmurska gibanica the most. They did not go to the Slovenian coast because they ran out of time, but the couple received a gift from the Sečovlje salt pans from the organizer. As he summed up his impressions, Ponce really liked it in Slovenia. He even learned a few Slovenian words for good day, how are you, good,… When saying goodbye, he also said on behalf of both he and his wife that they would return to Slovenia.
During his visit to Slovenia he also took a chance to say hello to readers of Estrada.si
He says they are veterans, but young at heart. Heavy metal band Judas Priest celebrated 50 years on the scene before the Covid pandemic. At that time, they should have come to Slovenia as part of the tour, but similarly to a number of other concerts and events, their visit also fell into the water. They are now coming to Ljubljana on July 12th. This will be the second visit of the band, who has a rich journey behind and is considered one of the largest heavy metal bands in the world. We spoke to bassist Ian Hill.
We are talking about the 50th anniversary of the group, but in fact it is already the 52nd. Is it difficult for a group with several members to endure, or rather to exist for 50 years? Were there many ups and downs along the way? Oh, both! Especially during the early years. As you pave your way, you search for your place under the sun, as you search in music. When you wait to earn enough to be able to make a living from your work. It was necessary to live, to invest in a band, in equipment, in music… But that’s the beginning of everything and for everyone. I remember that we went on our first real vacation in the true sense of the word after ten years. And when we finally released the first record and the critics said it wasn’t as good as we thought ourselves (laughs). And the members also came and went. Some left, but later came back etc. It was hard, for example, when Rob left, when he embarked on a solo career, but then returned. But looking back, it was nice and I wouldn’t replace it. It was a kind of magical journey. When success comes, you appreciate it even more because of what was on the way.
You are the only founding member of the group. Are you privileged in the band because of that? No, but I wouldn’t mind to be (laughs). Well, neither is anyone else. We have democracy (laughs). We are friends, this is definitely helpful in the operation of the band. Friendship has always been a kind of red thread in our group.
Do you ever wonder if the band’s path and success would be different or what it would be like if the band remained the same all these years? Would your songs, genre be the same? This is an interesting question. Hard one, actually. I should think a little. Yes, I think it would be the same or at least similar. The thing is, some of the members who left the band later came back. However, I might also mention in this connection that the departures of the members were not due to any special divisions, but were caused more by force majeure. Different things and situations that life brings.
You have multiple awards, but surprisingly not as many as we would think on the basics of the large number of your fans and hits. Is there another one you don’t have? Which would you like? Oh, yeah, it’s always some yet (laughs). Grammy for example. Otherwise, I think after so many years on the scene, we don’t work for awards, but for fans. You don’t look at the competition that much anymore either, but the priority is really the fans. Well, of course, it’s always nice when you get it.
You said earlier that the members were leaving the band, some came back… Is the band in contact with former members? Maybe them will also be guests at one of your concerts on the stage anniversary? This would be very difficult, especially because of the logistics, organization, coordination,… when you travel around the world. In connection with the 50th anniversary, impossible at all. But we are still friends with Alan Atkins, Chris Campbell for example. About others, I haven’t seen some of them for years. Who knows what will happen, you never know.
Two years ago, some of your former members formed the group KK’s Priest. What do you think of them? Kenneth has been on the scene for a long time and it’s nice he is back. I wish them all the best.
Rob Halford has published an autobiography. What do you say about this? Would you follow his steps? My idea is that if I would, I would tackle the first few years in particular. That’s when the most important things happened. That would be most interesting in my opinion, because I think a lot or everything else from later years is already known.
Maybe a movie about Judas Priest will also be done. Who would you like to portray you in it? Oh, I don’t know. What do you think? Brad Pitt (laughs)?
In the past, you also had motorcycles at stage concerts. Do you still have them? For 40 years, yes, they still will be.
Twelve years ago, the band had a farewell tour, and then you came back because it was wish of many fans. What next, in the future? New songs, concerts, we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary… In short, I would say that we have quite a few years ahead of us.
What about when you’ll really say goodbye one day? Do you see any of your successors? The new Judas Priest? This, however, is very difficult to say. There are a lot of new bands. Everyone has to succeed on their own, in their own way. I think it will be decided by the fans.
You were in Ljubljana decades ago. Why is the next concert so very late? It was hard to get to, which is a shame. We were not often in Eastern Europe, for example. If I am right we were in Ljubljana last time in 1999, after the end of the war in the former Yugoslavia. However, we are looking forward to the concert and of course we will do our best.
It will be the best concert, as they say? Oh, absolutely! Absolutely! (laughter)
Heavy metal musicians at least on the world music scene don’t exactly explain about private life. Would you tell something about Ian Hill when he’s not at concerts? I’m a family man. I have a wonderful wife and 4 kids, well, the youngest is already 30 and the oldest is 42 years old. We are very close. I’m on the road a lot because of my work, touring. So whenever I’m home, I make up for that time.
Ako se pita publiku i pogleda brojeve prodanih ploča i koncert a uz to još i koliko dugo traje, Lepa Brena nosi oznaku najveće glazbene dive na prostorima bivše Jugoslavije. Interesantno je, da uprkos popularnosti i trajanju mnogi ne znaju, da je osim velike glazbene zvijezde ona sve ove godine i vrlo uspješna poslovna žena. Iza nje je više projekata, u kojima je sudjelovala ili čak realizirala ih sama, a na jesen kreče u novi. U nešto, što je vezano za žene. Puno i konkretnije o tom još nije govorila, ali povodom koncerta 2. jula u Music parku u slovenskim Dekanima i 40 godina na sceni rekla je mnogo drugoga u intervjuu za estrada.si
Ove godine slavite 40 godina na sceni. Planirate neki specijalni koncert s gostima? Turneju? Dokumentarac? Mislim da je u šou biznisu na prostorima bivše Jugoslavije postalo deplasirano da planirate nešto godinu ili dvije unaprijed, kao što smo to nekada radili. Ulaganja u svaki projekt su vrlo ozbiljna bilo da radite cd, dokumentarni film… što god da radite, morate da se posvetite tom poslu, planirate realizaciju oko godinu dana unaprijed. Na našim područjima praksa je da možete da isplanirate nekih šest mjeseci unaprijed, ali uz veliki rizik. Iako skoro nismo imali nikakve ratne, političke i ekonomske turbulencije, imali smo svjetsku pandemiju. Znali smo da će korona trajati nešto duže, eto neke dvije godine. Iz situacije sa koronom ušli smo u ratnu priču na istoku Evrope. Iz jedne ekonomske, psihički teške situacije, ušli smo u drugu neizvjesnost. Vrlo je teško shvatiti da imamo rat bilo da je on na Istoku ili Zapadu ili u sredini… bilo da ste mali ili veliki, on je poguban za sve. Nažalost, čini se da smo mi Balkanci spremni na svakakve političko-ekonomske, pa evo i zdravstvene potrese, kao da smo navikli na razne šokove i stresove, turbulencije raznih vrsta. Ne bi bilo čudno da se za pet godina pojavi neka nova pandemija koja če napraviti novi ekonomski i politički haos i pokrenuti novo prestrukturiranje, mijenjanje profesija, pravaca… Kada imate mir, treba ga čuvati i njegovati i vrednovati. Niko ne zna što nam donosi sutra. Ja sam željela da mojih 40 godina karijere obeležim na jedan lijep i spektakularan način. Medjutim, naša turneja je krenula na ljeto prošle godine i vrlo intenzivno traje do dana današnjeg. Ona zapravo i neče stati dok ja čini mi se mrdam i dok publika bude voljela da me vidi na sceni. S obzirom da sam veoma živahna mislim da će to potrajati malo duže nego što sam i sama očekivala. Sto se tiče dokumentarnog filma, isto sam uradila. Postojale su ideje za neke velike turneje, ali mislim da ce se te turneje i veliki koncerti ipak dešavati sljedeće godine.
Možda CD? Isplati li se to uopće danas? I kako je s tim u vašem slučaju? Na ovim našim područjima, gdje nismo evropska unija i gdje još uvijek ima piraterije i sive ekonomije, CD je postao tek forma, nešto materijalno što ćete imati kao uspomenu. Napravili ste ga i to traje od 91. godine. Iako sam se ja prilagodila situaciji baveći se još nekim drugim poslovima osim pjevanja, pjevanje mi je primarno i moja velika ljubav. Uostalom ja sam tu Lepu Brenu kreirala prije punih 40 god tako da nema smisla da je ostavim i napustim. Sada najviše uživam družeći se sa svojom publikom. Koncerti i kontakt sa publikom su najljepši dio posla kojim se bavim. Imam tu sreću da imam supruga koji se bavi svojim privatnim biznisom tako da mi je on mentor i neko sa kim se konsultujem u vezi posla, kao što su tu i moji momci Filip, Stefan i Viktor. Svi oni imaju veoma dobra, konstruktivna, a veoma realna mišljenja u vezi svega čime se ja bavim. Ono sto je kod nas isplativo su digitalne platforme, da ste vlasnici fonograma, svega što je digitalno i vezano za vaše ime i prezime, lik i delo, kao i youtube prava. Dok je u Evropskoj uniji cijena diska jedna priča, na Balkanu je to nešto potpuno drugo. To stoji na nekim niskim marginama, maltene je neisplativo.
Poznati ste bili i kao prva jugoslovenska zvijezda, koja je počela s velikim koncertima po stadionima. Planirate na 40-godišnjicu nešto takvo možda? Sigurno da ćemo obeležiti ovih 40 godina rada, ali plan je da cijelu priču prebacimo na slijedeću godinu. Svaka godina je sada za mene veliki jubilej.
Smatraju vas za najuspješniju pjevačicu bivše Jugoslavije, još uvijek ste među prvim imenima. Razmišljate možda kad o tome, kakav bi bio vaš put u životu, ako biste nastavili studirati in ne odlučiti za muziku? Ja sam ’79, ’80 godine kada sam završila gimnaziju u Brčkom upisala turizam na Prirodno-matematičkom fakultetu u Beogradu. Krenula sam zaista sa velikim entuzijazmom i planom da završim taj fakultet. To je bila moja želja, a isto tako i želja mojih roditelja. Međutim, mislim da je pjevanje i sam šou biznis moja sudbinska i karmička priča, tako da ne mogu da pričam sta bi bilo kad bi bilo… Mogu da pričam o onome što sam odlučila da radim. Ja sam u životu naučila prepoznavati znakove pored puta. Ako ih ne prepoznajete, znači da vam intuicija nije jaka. Ja sam odmah razumjela da je šou biznis nešto u čemu mogu da uspem. Razumjela sam i da je za ovu vrstu posla potrebna apsolutna posvećenost, strast I ljubav, kao i pronicljivost da pronađete jaku, dobru, drugačiju pjesmu. Za to je neophodan iskren odnos sa vašom publikom i ono što je najvažnije taj odnos mora da se kroz vrijeme njeguje I poštuje.
Toliko godina biti u vrhu velik je uspjeh. U čemu je tajna vašeg trajanja? Svi ljudi koji su uspješni veoma su posvećeni iskreno svom poslu. To nije posao koji se radi osam sati, to je posao koji se radi i o kome razmišljate 24 sata. Mislim da je šuština svakog uspješnog čovjeka veoma veliki kreativni rad. Neophodna je i strast. Pametni ljudi planiraju i unaprijed vrše procjene, konsultuju se. Ovi ostali sijede, tračare I prepričavaju šta ovi drugi rade, ovi koji su pametni.
S Slatkim grehom napravili ste revoluciju, karijeru, koju je vjerovatno ne samo nemoguće ponoviti nego današnje generacije pjevača teško mogu zamisliti nešto takvo. V vašoj ekipi bilo je nekoliko desetaka ljudi, autobusi, kamioni,… Išli biste danas ponovo u nešto takvo? Ono što je šuštinski najvažnije, to je da smo mi kada smo radili velike koncerte, koje smo radili u Beogradu i Zagrebu, imali 150 izvođača na sceni, a preko 200 ljudi koji su učestvovali u organizaciji tih koncerata. O tim ciframa i brojkama je teško i pričati. Samo oni koji rade tako velike koncerte znaju kolika je to mašinerija. Jednom kada prođete kroz to, to postaje za vas standard u vašem poslu. Nisam se plašila ni velikih koncerata, ni stadiona, ni raditi po halama… također manjih koncerata. Ja jednostavno u svemu tome uživam. Za organizaciju velikih koncerata treba najmanje 6- 8 mjeseci planiranja i konsulatacija, osmišljavanja svega do najsitnijih detalja.
Što mislite, može se danas pojaviti nova Lepa Brena i napraviti karijeru, kakva je vaša? Ja lično mislim da je svaka karijera originalna. Ne možete nikada napraviti novog Olivera Dragojevića, Safeta Isovića, Lepu Brenu, Terezu, Mišu Kovača ili bilo koga drugog od svih tih velikih umjetnika. Mi smo svi posebni na svoj način i opet drugačiji jedni od drugih. Da li če postojati neko ko če pjevati od Vardara do Triglava? Danas se u sve previše umiješala politika. Opet, tu su velika ulaganja da bi se postalo velika zvijezda na cijelom tom području. Zvijezda se prosto rađa, onda dorađuje. Morate imati ličnost. Teško je nositi breme slave, tako da uz jak personalitet samo mudra, psihički i fizički stabilna osoba može da bude velika zvijezda.
Vidjet ćemo Lepu Brenu i Slatki greh još ikad zajedno na pozornici? Ne bi li to bilo veličastven i nezaboravan spektakl? Jeste li u kontaktu s momcima? Gdje su preostala četvorica danas, što rade? Mi smo pravili velike koncerte 2011. godine u beogradskoj Areni, gdje je nastupao Slatki greh sa mnom. Bilo je slatko i interesantno otpjevati sa njima nekoliko pjesama. Međutim, ja danas imam sasvim drugu ekipu. Iz te ekipe Slatkog geha Lepi Bora je preminuo, zatim i bubnjar Mija. U tom nekom okrnjenom sastavu zaista je nemoguće nastupati i to više nije to. Sada postoji neka druga energija i priča. Čujem se naravno sa ostalim članovima, u kontaktu smo i zaista me vezuju lepe uspomene za sve članove Slatkog greha.
Pamtim vaš TV intervju uz legendarni koncert u Mostaru na stadionu 1983. Već tad rekli ste, da je Lepa Brena imidž, od kojeg zavisi toliko i toliko porodica, velika firma, u kojoj radi toliko i toliko ljudi. A ipak malo je ljudi znalo da niste samo pjevačica, nego ste bili uključeni i u same poslove. Smetalo vam je ikad, da mnogo ljudi to nije vjerovalo? Shvatila sam da osim pojedinaca koji su u toj sferi, nije moguće da čitava nacija razume cijeli taj mehanizam i kako on radi. Muzička industrija je grana privrede koja je recimo u Engleskoj na četvrtom mjestu po izvoru prihoda. Ne znam šta se dešava na našim prostorima, ali je istina da od jednog čovjeka, njegovog glasa i psiho fizičke forme zavisi nekih možda 10 – 20 ljudi, možda i više kada se rade veliki koncerti. Ja sam več od 83. godine shvatila šta je to. Mi smo tada imali neverovatno veliku ekipu. Radili smo puno malih koncerata, putovali smo autobusom gdje nas je bilo 30. Sve muškarci, bez ijedne žene. Jedino žensko čeljade sam bila ja. Oni su navikli na moju psiho fizičku zaista top formu i ja sam bila dio te ekipe. Vrlo profesionalno i ozbiljno sam obavljala svoj dio posla. Kada smo radili filmove bilo nas je i po 200 ljudi u ekipi. Veoma mlada sam naučila da je šou biznis veoma široka, kompleksna priča, privredna grana koja je zapravo veoma ozbiljan biznis. Taj biznis može da ima i veoma ozbiljne, velike prihode. Međutim ja zaista nisam imala potrebu da obučavam druge. Teško kod nas ljudi mogu da prihvate da jedna žena može da bude i lijepa i pametna, obrazovana, vrijedna, sposobna, a pritom veoma realna s obzirom na svu tu situaciju i nenormalnu popularnost u periodu između 82 – 90 godine. Međutim, ja sam i dan danas ostala takva, volim da pravim racionalne i pametne poslovne, kao i privatne poteze. Mislim da je ljudima na našim prostorima nespojivo da jedna osoba može da bude veoma uspješan pjevač, jednako kao i biznismen ili business woman.
U životu pokrenuli ste nekoliko poslova i projekta. Snimili ste 5 filmova, među njima troje Hajde da se volimo, stvorili lutku Lepa Brena, vino, ustanovili produkciju i drugo. Sada idete u posao za žene. U tome ste i kreatorka? Svaki čovjek koji je u biznisu ono što ga vuče naprijed je ta neka kreativna ideja. Ipak, od ideje do realizacije je jako dugačak put. Ja svoje ideje prezentujem naravno prvo Bobi i mojoj deci, pa onda dalje. Planiram na jesen pored svega ovoga što sam radila i nešto novo vezano za nježniji pol. Za sve dame bez obzira na njihove godine, kilograme, veličine pravit ćemo nešto kako bi uvijek bile lijepe i osjećale se zadovoljno.
To je samo vaš biznis ili je uključena i porodica? Naravno da je moje projekte uključena cijela moja porodica. Ja volim kada radim sa njima, jer im vjerujem i jer dobivam dobre savjete od njih. Kroz vrijeme, moji sinovi su postali veoma ozbiljni i kreativni momci. Sve ono što smo ulagali u njih zaista je dalo prave rezultate. Čini me zaista sretnom kada radimo kao familija i kada pravimo porodični biznis.
Da li ste ikad razmišljali uči u posao s kojom od muzičkih kolegica? Rad sa partnerima iz muzičke sfere je mač sa dvije oštrice, tako da ja biram porodicu.
Spomenuo sam filmove Hajde da se volimo. Bit će i 4. dio? O tome se govorilo već prije nekoliko godina, u vezi s tim snimili ste i pjesmu Zar je važno dal se peva ili pjeva. A ona je bilo sve tiho. Zar je važno dal se peva ili pjeva je pjesma koja je nastala u jednom trenutku. Ta ideja je nastala 95. godine. Mi pjevači, sportisti i ekonomisti se bavimo spajanjem, širimo dobro, povezujemo ljude. Ima puno onih koji pokušavaju da nas što vise razdvoje. Ta pjesma oslikava moju emociju prema ljudima i našem području. Iako ne govorimo istim dijalektom, ipak se svi veoma dobro razumijemo. Ne vidim razlog da dižemo zidove između sebe, kada smo mi upućeni jedni na druge ekonomski, geografski. Ne vidim razlog za sve nesuglasice koje vladaju I koje se često podgrijevaju. Ja sam majka, supruga i žena i dijelim ljude na dobre i loše, na radnike I neradnike. To je jedina podjela koju ja prihvaćam. Ja sam rođena u Jugoslaviji, tu Jugoslaviju sam voljela. Ova zemlja i područje može da se zove kako god hoće, važna je tolerancija i poštovanje. Treba poštovati i razlike. Ako možemo da radimo i surađujemo možemo, ako ne možemo Bože moj. To nije razlog ni za kakav animozitet među nama. Što se tiče filma, još o tome nisam razmišljala. Ne želim cijeli život da radim po nekom šablonu. Vidjet ćemo. Ako se desi neka situacija, desit će se. Filmska industrija na našim područjima je na neki način propala, jer se svuda u svetu njeguju bioskopi, a na Balkanu bioskopi i gledanje filmova gube čar. Drugo, puno ima piroterije, niko neče da ulaže milion, dva evra možda i više u filmove. Baš toliko su koštali moji filmovi Hajde da se volimo i Nema problema. To smo radili u našoj produkciji i morate priznati da to zaista nije mali novac sa kojim bi se neko igrao bez rešene financijske konstrukcije. Pitanje je gdj bi se taj film prikazivao, da li bi se možda od njega pravila televizijska serija.
Pažnja je uvijek bila i za vašu scensku garderobu. Rekao bih da su najpoznatije vaše dvije mini suknje crna i bijela s šljokicama iz 1983 – 84. Imate još uvijek te suknje? Hranite možda scensku garderobu? Naravno da čuvam moju scensku garderobu. To je sada več jedan ozbiljan magacin sa garderobom u kojoj sam ja pjevala i nastupala i ima je mnogo, mnogo, mnogo.
Gledao sam neki od dokumentarca o country legendi Loretti Lynn. Ona je i kantautorica i za svoje prve autorske pjesme rekla je, da danas, 60 godina kasnije, gleda na njih s smijehom i da su bile ustvari pjesmice. Gledate možda na vaše početke jednako i vi možda? Iskreno rečeno, kada sam počela da radim sa Slatkim grehom, ja sam pjevala na nekih šest, sedam stranih jezika. Pjevala sam pop svjetsku i disko muziku, kao i izvornu narodnu muziku sa naših područja. Kada sam dobila sve te pjesme, koje su bile slatke i jednostavne, mislila sam da je to previše lako. Morala sam tim pjesmicama na neki način da udahnem energiju, radost i da im udahnem život, nešto što je originalno i drugačije. Na našoj sceni sve je bilo stereotipno i očekivano. Samom svojom pojavom bila sam veoma svjesna šta radim. Bila sam mlada, opuštena, razmišljala sam: ako uspe uspe, ako ne uspe probat ćemo na neki način koji je potpuno drugačiji. Ja sam se ponašala veoma prirodno, iskreno, jednostavno. Publika je to prepoznala i prihvatila. Sreća je kada na sceni ne morate da glumatate, nego ste kakvi jeste. Od tada kada sam počela da pjevam do današnjih dana sam zaista ostala ista.
Kako to da niste nikad odlučili oprobati se i kao autor stihova? Moram da priznam da kada čujem tekstove od Abbe i kada čujem tekstove od naših autora, vidim da su ti tekstovi toliko dobri I originalni tako da ne bih se upuštala u ono za šta nisam talentovana. Dešavalo mi se da u snu čujem i stihove I melodije, ali nisam uspijevala da sve to zabeležim. Možda će mi se to jednom desiti, možda če se pokrenuti taj dio te neke priče u meni. Volim i da neko razmišlja o meni, pročita što mislim i osjećam i to pretoči u tekst i melodiju za mene. Važno je da ja to osjetim i da oživim tu pjesmu.
Imate svoju najdražu pjesmu iz vašeg repertoara? Zaista ne mogu da izaberem pjesmu koja mi je najdraža. Od svih, a snimila sam 22 albuma, veoma je teško odrediti. Sve te pjesme koje pjevam je zapravo izabrala publika. Ono što me čini sretnom je kada vidim koliko smo kompatibilni, kada ja pjevam i oni sa mnom, osjećam što i oni osjećaju, vidim da li su srečni, radosni, setni, veseli… kad smo jedno. To je ono što me čini najsretnijom.
Tokom karijere davali su vam različite nadimke. Između ostalog rekli su vam i ministar za radost. Razmišljali ste možda nekad da bi pošli u politiku? Slično vašoj kolegici Zorici Brunclik, koja je razmišljala o kandidaturi za ministra za kulturu? Nikada nisam razmišljala o bilo kakvom političkom angažmanu. Činjenica je da imam nekoliko prijatelja koji se bave politikom, ali ja nikada ne bih mogla da se bavim tim poslom. Ja volim moj posao, a mislim da publika na Balkanu nema još uvijek tu vrstu demokratičnosti da prihvate da jedan pjevač može da se bavi i politikom. Baviti se politikom je nešto mnogo komplikovanije, barem za mene. Ja volim da sam prema svojoj publici sto posto iskrena, među nama postoji samo radost ljubav, nježnost, nekakva jednakost i simbioza. Za politiku baš i nisam sigurna, da na političkoj sceni postoje isti parametri koje sam sada navela.
Od otmice vašeg starijeg sina prošlo je 20 godina. Je li točno da ni danas ne zna se ko je bio otmičar i zašto? Što mislite o tom da stvari nisu jasne ni poslije 20 godina? Užasan je taj osjećaj nepravde prema jednoj porodici. Najnevinija su djeca i teško je razumjeti da nam se dešavaju takve stvari. Pored toga, bilo je užasnih stvari poput tog rata i svega ovoga što nam se izdešavalo i činjenica je da je ta rana u našoj porodici zašivena. Mi čuvamo da ta rana prosto ne prokrvari. Bavimo se svako svojim poslom i nastojimo da razmišljamo samo o lijepim uspomenama i da radimo i da se bavimo onim što volimo. Međutim uvijek postoji gorki osjećaj da se tako nešto desilo i da nismo dobili zadovoljenje pravde.
Stefan išao je vašim muzičkim stopama i nazirala mu se uspješna pjevačka karijera. Preko noći je onda povukao se iz muzike. Kako ste odreagirali na to i kako gledate na njegovu odluku? Moj suprug i ja smo dozvolili našoj deci da biraju što će da rade. Mogli su da se oprobaju u čemu god su oni željeli. Onog trenutka kada shvate ili kada više ne žele time da se bave, imaju taj luksuz da mogu da se prebace na nešto drugo. Tako se desilo i sa našim Stefanom. Svi smo ispoštovali njegovu odluku da on ne želi time da se bavi. Ono sto je najvažnije za svakog roditelja i dijete je da vaše dijete bude sretno i da se bavi onim poslom koji ga čini ispunjenim i zadovoljnim. Ako je on odlučio da se neće baviti više tim poslom i da ne želi da bude javna ličnost mi smo to kao roditelji podržali i dan danas poštujem tu njegovu odluku. Svjesna sam kroz kakve turbulencije, pravde i nepravde sam ja prolazila za ovih 40 godina mog postojanja. Mislim da je Stefan napravio pravi potez i veoma sam sretna što je on sretan. To je ono sto je najvažnije i meni i mom suprugu. Ja nikada ne bih odustala. Kada radite toliko godina, onda više nema odustajanja.
Nekoliko dana prije vas u Sloveniji ponovo nastupiti će i Severina. S obzirom da je isto velika zvijezda, decenijama na sceni i da ste vi sami snimili nekoliko dueta, razmišljali ste možda kad i o duetu s njom? Vidite, dueti na našoj sceni mogu da budu interesantni možda publici. Činjenica je da je Severina meni izuzetno drago biče. Ono sto predstavlja problem je izvođenje duetskih pjesama. Severina je na jednom djelu sveta, ja sam na nekom drugom tako da je teško uklopiti i njen raspored I moj. Ipak, svaka dobra pjesma je dobra pjesma i ako bude bilo prilike why not. Bilo bi mi sigurno drago jer je ona jedna sjajna žena I prava lavica.
5 Seconds Of Summer visiting Slovenia for the first time
After a long wait due to Covid, the famous Australian band 5 Seconds Of Summer finally performed for the first time in Ljubljana’s hall Stožice. The group performed in the Slovenian capital as part of their current tour in Europe, North America and Australia. Four Australians have become globally famous over the past ten years. They are conquering the top of the music charts, they have received a number of awards, their debut album has risen to the top of the charts in as many as 11 countries and they have sold more than 10 million albums so far. Now they have also come to us and their first arrival is connected with several attractions. For the concert spectacle, stage equipment was brought to Slovenia in eight tow trucks and the team came with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they also had 2 large lasers on stage to perfectly stage the concert. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also have their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers had to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They also needed 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams.
Do they believe in dragons? “It’s always amazing when we go to a country for the first time. Now, after a long lull, experiencing the excitement of the fans is especially gratifying, especially when we’ve released so much music. This is a great opportunity for us to soak up the culture and create a special night for the people, our fans, who deserve it the most,” said bassist Calum Hood about the band’s first concert in Slovenia. He also said that they will visit the capital during their stay in Ljubljana. “After almost two years of absence from touring, the band completely changed their view of touring. We will explore Slovenia as much as possible and time, we hope it will. We take such things as a kind of blessing,” he said. They visited Ljubljana Castle and the Dragon Bridge. The bridge obviously impressed them, or at least they found it interesting, as they also jokingly asked if Slovenians believe in dragons. At the concert, they added about Ljubljana that they are very far from their home Australia, but that they feel great here and jokingly added that they want to become the most popular Slovenian band. In recent years, Australians have no longer lived on the continent “down there”, but all live in Los Angeles. “We have created homes, with people we love, a space to calm down and to create projects that we want to realize. This is a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with each other,” he explained.
Plane and yugo roots They don’t talk too much about their private lives, but we nevertheless heard some interesting things from them that are not exactly known. Calum Hood, for example, loves painting. He has not yet prepared a painting exhibition, at least for now, but the other three from the group praise his talent and creations. The group has its own charity, Friends of Friends. “We are aware of the scale and influence we have as a music group and we want to contribute to a world in which people will be humane and empathetic. It is important for us to be able to help those in need,” he says about their work. He is also considering donating a painting of his own to charity. He is also surprised by the revelation that he has a pilot’s exam and that he also knows how to fly an airplane. If Hood is interesting because of the hobbies, an even bigger surprise is probably guitarist Michael Clifford. As he revealed, he also has Yugoslav roots. His grandmother was born in Belgrade. “I used to often joke that my grandmother comes from a part of the world that I will probably never see myself, but now I’m performing in these parts and I’m finally here,” he says. When he revealed part of his origins, the remaining 5 SOS trio immediately started joking that he really has a real, distinctive Slavic look. “I look at the audience and I see a lot of beautiful people. We Slavs are really beautiful,” he said to the Ljubljana audience, adding that although Yugoslavia fell apart, Belgrade, as a former part of it, is not that far away.
To be on the stage for several decades The group entrusted us with another of their great wishes. “We want to be, and that’s our plan, on the scene for several decades. Like the legendary Smokie or Rolling Stones, which have been performing for over 45 years. The prospects and our vision of the group’s mission are completely simplified. We love doing what we do and people like it. We want to be a multigenerational group. One that will last several decades, that will be fruitful for both us and the fans. One day, we really want more different generations in the audience, just like the two mentioned groups have,” Hood added.
They are from a continent called “down there”, but they are one of those Australian musicians who, despite the remoteness and small size of their country, managed to conquer the world music scene. Conquering the top of the music charts around the world, they are the recipients of a number of awards. 5 Seconds Of Summer are the first Australian musicians to have 3 albums at number one on the Billboard 200. They are also, among other things, the first Australian music group to have their first 3 albums at the top of the charts in America. It is also interesting that 4 documentaries have been made about them so far. For the giant concert spectacle 5 Seconds Of Summer will bring stage equipment to Slovenia capitol Ljubljana in eight tow trucks and the team will come with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they will also have 2 large lasers to perfectly stage the concert spectacle. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also bring their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers will have to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They will also need as much as 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams. They have performed almost all over the world and during last weeks they are on a 2022 world tour in Europe, North America and Australia. As part of this, they are coming to Ljubljana for the first time on 6th May, to the Stožice Hall.
What are you most looking forward to and are you happy to meet Slovenian fans? It’s always amazing to be able to go to a country for the first time. To experience the fans’ excitement especially after we have released so much music. It’s a huge opportunity for us to be able to soak in the culture and create a special night for the people who deserve it most.
Does your tour schedule consist only of concerts and hotels or can you sometimes take some time, for example, to explore the place where you are performing or have fun? After being away from touring of nearly two years the band has totally changed its view on touring. We know for a fact we will be out exploring as much as we can of Slovenia as it’s such a huge blessing!
You have been a band since 2011. How have you changed in the meantime? You are older, more mature and have more life experience. We have always prided ourselves on our willingness to evolve. Every album, tour and life cycle of this band is one where we can grow as musicians. This show were putting on is by far the most forward thinking of them all. We will continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of creating greatness.
The first ten years are behind you. Do you want to be on the scene as a band for decades? Do you see yourself as the Rolling Stones or Smokie, both of whom have been performing for over 45 years? That is the plan! The outlook and mission statement of the band has been totally simplified. We love to do what we do and there are people who resonate with that. We want to be a multi-generational band. One where we can span over decades of time and one that is fruitful as much for the fans as it is for the band.
The group is involved in many charitable projects and organizations. Do you think that today, based on the general or current situation in the world, it is necessary for celebrities to get involved in charity and other humanitarian campaigns? We created a non-profit organization called Friends of Friends a few years ago. We realize the amount of reach and influence this band has and we want to be able to project an environment where people are humane and empathic. It’s important for us to be able to give back to those who are in need.
The tour is named after your latest hit single Take my hand. Does it have an even more concrete and deeper meaning, not just as the title of the song? Take My Hand is totally introspective. It’s a message to your past and present self from the form of your higher self. One that can be understood at any stage of life and circumstance. It’s a song you go to, to find hope.
When there are no tours or studio sessions etc what do you do in your free time? What do you do when you’re just relaxing at home? We’re all currently based out of LA. We’ve created a home that’s filled with people we love, space to quieten within and projects we thrive to accomplish! It’s a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with ourselves!
On
3rd February in Slovenia’s capitol Ljubljana will for the first time
perform one of the most famous tenors on the world, Joseph Calleja. Artist from
Malta with the voice and interpretation for which many believe is very similar to
great Pavarotti, talks in interview for Estrada.si web magazine.
We are doing our interview at the last minute, just before your concert in Ljubljana. Your schedule is full, you are in America, probably tired and there are also a few hours time difference, however we managed to reconcile. Are you always so professional? Its the life of an opera singer, made harder by Covid restrictions, many of which are completely silly. The pandemic has become endemic, at least in the several countries were vaccination uptake is high. I hope for everyone’s sakes that the various authorities realise.
You will perform in Ljubljana. Do you know any of your Slovenian colleagues? Have you performed with anyone before? I have encountered some very beautiful voices from Slovenia along the years. Looking forward to performing with more.
You have recently sang in a duet with your daughter. Were you just a father or also a singing colleague, an educator? When you are a good father, you have to be everything. Children are born perfect, it’s the parents job not to damage them as much as possible.
Do you think that your daughter might one day follow your footsteps into the world of music? Would you like any of your children to go to the opera? My children like to go to the opera occasionally. My daughter is studying music, albeit in the pop world. I try not to impose my art on them, after all they have to hear me singing all the time.
Mario Lanza was your big idol, you also recorded a record with the songs he sang. Have you ever wanted to star in a movie about him? You’ve played Caruso already. By your opinion, would the role of Lanza be ideal for you? My role of Caruso was very small and just a nice Cameo. I think that a movie about Mario Lanza is not needed – his life was a movie and we have plenty of footage of him in his various and great movies.
There is a recording of your duet with Bocelli on the internet. Have you ever considered recording an album of duets with opera colleagues? I have collaborated with colleagues but never for a duo album. Good idea! Andrea is a good friend and of the greatest and complete artists of our generation.
You also sing Strangers in the night, which is one of Frank Sinatra’s most famous songs. Some believe it is dedicated to Ava Gardner, who was his wife. Have you ever recorded such a confessional song yourself? Dedicated to a woman? How is to sing a song that became world famous in the performance of another singer? Is this a big challenge? I love Sinatra and Strangers in the night can be anything to anyone. Yes, I definitely am guilty of having some songs that remind me of some people in my past.
There are some world-famous opera stars in the generation before yours. Alagna, Safina, Frangoulis, Bocelli,… It doesn’t seem to be as much competition in your generation. There are great voices coming out – Freddie De Tommaso, Jonathan Tetelman, just to mention 2 great tenors with a bright future.
Years ago, Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo made a big boom in opera with their trio. Why doesn’t anyone else do such things? Would you join to such a project? I have mixed feelings about this. I prefer to be involved in something different, after all, who can top what they have achieved? They were fantastic as a trio, and the Great Pavarotti, is truly missed.
What is the position of opera today, especially in connection to young public? Now that I have been singing for 25 years I think that, generally speaking, Opera is in decline. We need to focus more on young people, and make the arts important again in schools.
As a singer you are in your best years. How do you rate your voice, colleagues, competition? The only competition is with myself – I can be my biggest enemy or my biggest friend.
New generations of singers are coming. In your opinion, is it easier or harder for them to succeed in opera today than it was for your generation for example? Hard question – today opera is less popular than before, and to find jobs is also harder. A situation only made harder by Covid.
Your two foundations help singers from socially disadvantaged situations to study. You yourself are also a singing educator. How are you different from the educators you had during your studying years? I raise money for young artists, I don’t teach yet. Teaching is a very serious and responsible matter and my career doesn’t allow me the time to teach yet.
In one of your interviews you said an interesting thing. You said that you achieved things too quickly or too young. Why? And do you still think so? I started when I was 19 – my voice is intact and I never damaged it. But some roles and recordings I would have done better if I waited 5 – 8 years. Still, I have no regrets, as opportunities must be taken when they come.
You are the cultural ambassador of Malta, one of the directors of the European academy of Music Theater. Do you ever feel tempted to go into politics one day? For example as Minister of Culture? Never say never, but so far I have no intention to pursue politics.
You are opera super star, in private you have two children. Is it difficult to have a family and be famous face the same time? Is it hard to have a privacy and to take children away from media, fans? I behave the same with everyone. In the end opera singers are not movie stars etc.
Do you have any hobbies, pet,…? Too many! I love dogs, cats, have 2 aquariums. I also love scuba diving, trekking and perhaps my biggest love – wine from St emilion. My friend and wine guru, Michael Fermier Tabone, has introduced me to the amazing world of Bordeaux. Too bad I cannot drink it whilst I am on tour!
Famous French pianist Richard Clayderman has a new piano company since last year. The romantic prince, as he was named because of his magic fingers on the piano keys by former American First Lady Nancy Reagan, is listened during his rehearsals by his pet Villanelle. The one-and-a-half-year-old velvet beauty of the Rag doll breed almost always sneaks along to listen the sounds of piano keys. “Sometimes she’s even on the piano, on the keyboard, or on the music stand. I don’t know what other cats are like in terms of music, but mine obviously adores it. Maybe it calms her down, relaxes her or she just likes the sound of the piano keys. She loves evergreens, but obviously she doesn’t like pop and rock, ”says Clayderman exclusively for Estrada.si. Villanelle is Clayderman’s first cat. His mother, however, always had cats, and apparently he inherited a love for these animals, but Villanelle is the first cat he owns. Since he and his wife live in Paris again, he thinks that it is not the most suitable place for a dog there. They live in an apartment with a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower and for a dog they believe is not the best environment. Dogs and cats are his favorite animals. “My wife persuaded me to decide to have a cat. Now I don’t regret it at all. I used to have dogs, but there were no problems with the change,” he says.
A cat fan of the piano is a completely domestic cat. She has more than enough living space, as the apartment is large and she can take good walks during her wanderings. “At first, I also thought that, like some other pet owners, I would take her somewhere on a leash, but she doesn’t like it, so we gave it up right away,” he says. The Claydermans often play with Villanelle, preferring to throw balls and plush mice. She also loves the so-called cat climbing tree, which also has a bed. If she doesn’t like a leash, she likes to cuddle on Clayderman’s knees or in his lap and spend the night in couple’s bed. Otherwise, she chose a maestro as her own. Judging by the behavior, she prefers to be with him. She is very friendly in terms of importance and loves to nurture. She always hides the claws and does not scratch. The Claydermans take care of the cat themselves completely. If there is a situation that will be necessary, they will hire a cat babysitter.
“Even though she has her own basket, she’s happiest in our bed. God thank we have a big bed, haha! She likes to stretch as long and as far as she can,” he says. In the apartment Villanelle has access to all rooms as it is a clean cat and also does no damage. Last year, due to the situation and Covid, the Claydermans didn’t go on holiday, but spent time in Paris. This year, however, it promises to be different. They are planning holidays at Saint Mallo, by the sea. This will also be the first holiday for Villanelle. She’ll go with them, too. The holiday will be a test for everyone, for the Claydermans and for the cat. It will take a few hours by car and accommodation in a residential hotel must be arranged. Namely, to make the first trip and temporarily move Villanella to a new environment, making them want the best that can be provided in avoiding any inconvenience.
Spanish opera star Placido Domingo has received a number of different accolades and awards around the world in his fifty-year career. One of the honorary ones was awarded to him in his hometown these days. He became the honorary ambassador of the Association for the Dissemination and Promotion of the Spanish World Heritage ADIPROPE. The president of the association Ignacio Buqueras y Bach presented him a plaque and a copy of the book Cultural, Natural and Intangible World Heritage of Spain. Although it could be said that the tenor, conductor and artistic director of some opera houses is accustomed to awards and recognitions, his response to the awarding of the title of Honorary Ambassador was noticeably emotional.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends. To receive the title of Honorary Ambassador of Spain’s World Heritage from Adiprope and its president Don Ignacio Buqueras y Bach, in my Madrid, in this Teatro Real, which is so dear to me and to which so many experiences unite me, is something for which I am grateful with tremendous emotion and with a deep sense of responsibility. I would especially like to stress and appreciate the importance of your Association. Spain possesses a cultural, natural and intangible heritage of incalculable value. We are the third country with the most properties declared by UNESCO as World Heritage. Throughout my life and my career I have always been proud to try to make known – especially through our music – beyond our borders the beauty, sensitivity, integrity and character of Spain. Your promotion, help in the conservation and dissemination of our Heritage are an example of nobility, service and exemplary will. The honor you have bestowed on me today will always be with me and will encourage me to spread the treasures of our land with even greater strength, wherever my career and my life may take me. Thank you very much« he said in a speech. The Maestro was touched because of the reception of the audience and participants of the event.
Domingo, who still performs a lot despite his stage Abraham, will also
perform in Slovenia on Thursday, 8th July again. At the 69th
Ljubljana Festival he will sing to Slovenian audiences at a concert of his
favorite operettas. With guests, sopranos Sabina Cvilak and Saioa Hernandez,
they will perform a selection of compositions by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano and
Thomas and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by maestro
Jordi Bernàcer.
Domingo has a dark, dramatic voice with a large vocal range. He has
performed in more than 140 different opera roles. They also achieved world fame
together with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti as the Three Tenors.
He has also performed successfully as an opera conductor for the past twenty
years and has also been the artistic director of opera houses in Washington and
Los Angeles. In the last decade, interestingly, he has mainly performed in
baritone roles. In Slovenia, he performed for the first time in January 2018 in
Arena Stožice.
Mikrofon je del vsakdana Jana Veharja. Preizkusil se je že tudi kot pevec, v glavnem pa ga poznamo kot radijca. Je tudi velik ljubitelj evrovizijskega festivala in je te dni podobno kot mnogi drugi oboževalci te glasbene prireditve v vznemirjenem pričakovanju. Evrovizijsko finalno prireditev in razplet namreč spremlja tudi službeno. »Moja prva Evrovizija v živo je bila leta 2014, tradicije nisem prekinil vse do začetka pandemije,« pravi. Njegova radijska evrovizijska pot se je začela zelo zanimivo in zanj tudi nepričakovano. »Svojo resnejšo radijsko pot sem začel v letu 2019 na Radiu Robin, ki je v tem času postal moj drugi dom. In če novince na radijski poti najprej pošljejo delat ankete na teren, so mene takrat poslali v Tel Aviv, kjer smo novinarji spremljali dogajanje neposredno iz novinarskega središča,« pove. O velikem evrovizijskem finalu poroča z vsakoletnega mesta dogajanja. Poročal je iz Kopenhagna, Stockholma, Kijeva, Lizbone, Tel Aviva in z Dunaja. Letos Evrovizijo spremlja preko online press centra. O Evrosongu je sanjal tudi pevsko, a želje bi se mu uresničile že s komentiranjem prireditve. Morda celo še bolj. Ker je njegova služba novinarska, ga seveda zanimajo tudi stvari, ki se dogajajo v zaodrju in ki so večini neznane ter nevidne. »Zanimivo je spremljati to veliko dogajanje z druge perspektive, predvsem, ko kamere ugasnejo. Tudi priprave same, režija,… in ostalo, česar v spektaklu na tv ekranih ali v dvorani gledalci ne vidijo,«. Ena od stvari, ki so ga na Evrosongu najbolj presenetile, so tuji zapriseženi oboževalci. Tudi naše, slovenske pesmi, namreč znajo na pamet in to v slovenščini. Na vse Evrosonge, na katerih je bil in poročal, ima lepe spomine. »Za medije je v času, ko ni bilo korona virusa, vedno bilo lepo poskrbljeno. Zato je sama izkušnja spremljanja tega tekmovanja s samega ‘ mesta zločina’ še toliko bolj zanimiva, saj si v neposrednem stiku z izvajalci, ostalimi kolegi novinarji, producenti … Najlepše spomine imam verjetno iz švedske prestolnice, ko je leta 2016 Stockholm gostil Evrovizijo. Spominjam se čudovitega starega predela mesta, odlične organizacije in gostoljubja. Švedi si vedno radi vzamejo čas tudi za kavo in klepet, hitro sem vzljubil tudi njihovo navado, fiko. To je odmor ob kavi, ki je bolj namenjen druženju kot pitju kave. In nekaj sladkega je tudi vedno dobrodošlo,«. Ti dnevi so zanj pričakovano vznemirljivi. Tudi sam je namreč navijal za našo predstavnico, veseli pa se tudi same finalne prireditve kot takšne, ki bo tudi letos zagotovo spektakel.
