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“Verdi wrote his most complex roles for baritones”

Aris Argiris, a Greek-born singer on the fast track to international stardom, is making his Russian debut. On 18 October he is playing the role of Renato in Verdi’s opera Un ballo in maschera. In a break between rehearsals Argiris described how his opera career took off and how he became the world’s first 3D Escamillo, while also sharing his thoughts about how an operatic character is not a one-dimensional figure, but a person with a living soul.



“Greece is rich in opera talent. Everyone knows Maria Callas or Nicola Zaccaria, the great singers of last century. Today a multitude of young singers from Greece are performing in the world’s theatres. But opera performers find it difficult to establish themselves in the country itself. Greece is going through a hard time right now, and opera too is feeling the pinch: a lot of performances and concerts are being cancelled, and European theatres are refusing co-productions with Greek companies. Of the many talented singers, only those who manage to make themselves known in Europe will have successful careers. To my great regret, the last time I performed in my home country was 6 or 7 years ago.

My passion for music started with saxophone lessons; at that time I never imagined that it would be my profession. I went to university, studied marketing and sang in the choir. Just two semesters before I graduated, one of the choir teachers told me that I would make a fine opera singer. At that point I changed my life plans dramatically, much to my mother’s horror.

The Maria Callas scholarship was an important step in my professional development. After receiving this award, I was able to continue my studies, first at the Athens Conservatoire, then in Germany. I played minor roles in small theatres – not every opera career begins with a star-studded debut at the Metropolitan or La Scala – but it was confident and steady progress. I had a lucky break - I took my chance when they decided to make a 3D version of Carmen. Bizet’s opera was transferred to the silver screen, and Covent Garden announced that they were auditioning young performers. It was nerve-racking and fun at the same time: a debut in London in the role of Escamillo, surrounded by a dozen cameramen who were always under my feet.

Sometimes people say that characters in opera have nothing in common with real life. I completely disagree. Renato in Un ballo in maschera is, for me, a man of honour who is not prepared to compromise, but at the same time is a victim of circumstances. He lives by a strict system of values that are unshakeable for him. At the very top of this hierarchy is real male friendship, which turns out to be more important than love or family. But it is this very inflexibility that causes his tragedy. He sees betrayal where there is none, and it is simpler for him to decide on murder than to reconsider his moral priorities. He is a complex character, but he is real. I believe that Verdi wrote his most complex roles for baritones.”

Purchase tickets for the opera Un ballo in maschera on 18 October starring Aris Argiris