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Golden Mask went to Neil Shicoff
‘Best Male Opera Role’ Golden Mask was awarded to the American tenor Neil Shicoff for his performance of the role of Eléazar in the production of the Mikhailovsky Theatre.


During the awards ceremony in Moscow the renowned singer said that he was particularly pleased to receive this award as a team member of the Mikhailovsky Theatre. «I’m highly honored to be recognized in Russia. In my childhood, when I started learning singing, I heard about the great Russian singers of the past, and during my career I’ve met many wonderful Russian singers performing all over the world«, he said. He thanked all the members of the artistic crew who worked on La Juive. »In La Juive the main characters suffer from prejudices and intolerance. We should learn from the tragic finale of the opera: one shouldn’t think about ‘us’ and ‘them’, we’re doomed without dialogue and mutual understanding", he addressed the public.

‘Best Male Dancer’ Golden Mask went to Leonid Sarafanov. The principal dancer of the Mikhailovsky Ballet was awarded for his performance in the ballet Quatro choreographed by Edward Klug to music by Milko Lazar. This independent project, initiated by Leonid Sarafanov and Denis Matvienko, was presented at the Festival by the Theatre Centre in Kolomenskaya street.