Future Classic Women Awards -Lola G. Soprano

Hello and welcome to Future Classic Women Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Women's Radio Station, the program where we search for the most amazing new female artists on the classical panorama. Today on Future Classics Women Awards, we will be talking to Lola Gee, an amazing British-Russian soprano with a fantastic career. Hello, Lola. Good morning, Stefania. Me and Lola, we've known each other for quite a few years. We were together at the Royal Academy of Music. What would you say was your experience at the Royal Academy of Music as an opera singer? Did they help, you know, as a career and everything? Well, I think the highlight of it was meeting some fantastic Italian people and meeting my future husband, I would say. As far as training, I must say that it was an interesting experience. But my true, let's say, finding the voice and my soprano voice was thanks to my maestro in Italy, whom I met after Royal Academy, Danilo Rigosa. Danilo Rico is amazing opera singer— opera teacher. Yeah, absolutely. Yes, he's Vittorio Grigolo. So when we had a chance to meet Vittorio, and that was, I think, actually the year after Academy, he recommended and sent me to his voice coach in Veneto. And that's how I met Danilo. And yeah, it was love at first sight. But you are based in London, right? Yes, actually, I'm a Russian-British or British-Russian soprano. I've been in London for over 20 years. Wow. All right. And so what would you say as an opera singer? So you talked about Grigolo and what did inspire you to become an opera singer and in which direction, which one is your favorite? Opera, you know, these different schools, Italian opera, Russian opera, German opera. I think I feel very strong connection with Italian and Russian repertoire. I find the, in particular, Puccini and Tchaikovsky and also Verismo style very close to my heart. I find the passion and direct expression that the voices carrying is fascinating. And I guess that's how I started with the singing, because actually my first instrument was piano. And I studied piano and did a degree in concert piano performance. But at the same time, I had voice lessons, and then the singing just took over, and I knew that I wouldn't be happy, you know, doing the piano, and I needed to find my voice. And that's how my singing journey began and how I then subsequently went to Royal Academy and then went on, yeah. Absolutely. If we had to choose an opera aria that you liked the most, what would that be? I must tell you immediately that that would be Tatiana's role in Ein Jäger, and the letter scene that I love so much. But at the same time, there are beautiful, beautiful arias from Puccini operas and unknown songs like the Sicilian song Caro Cugnato that I recently performed in one of my concerts in London. How did you find Caro Cognato? It's an anonymous, a Sicilian composer, right? Well, yes, it's a Sicilian song, and I found it having heard an album CD by Renata Tibaldi, a selection of arias and songs, and I just loved it when I heard it. Wonderful. Shall we listen to it then? Caro Cognato, la la la. "Il mio destino è in te, lo sento in cuore." "It is yours, caro cognato," by an anonymous Sicilian composer, by Sankt-Paolo de Più. Beautiful Lola G. Lola, why is it Lola G, your name? Well, I took this name because it's a very easy way for people to remember me. And as I will share, for my own music, I decided to make it simple. But at the same time, when I have classical performances, I do say Lola G aka, known as Lola Ganzaroli. And so I use the full name as well when I perform classically. So Ganzaroli is the name of your husband. That's right. That is Italian, we said. So what's your love with Italy? Well, I have to say that Italy is just, it's like a second home for me. You know, having learned the language, I feel very much at home. And of course, having the children half Italian, it's a real pleasure to spend the time and to be in touch with Italian culture and enjoy Italian music because of also my classical music training. And of course, Italian opera is you know, the base for— it was where opera was born. So for me, Venice, whenever I get the chance, and it's just getting in touch with the roots of this fantastic, fantastic musical genre. And yeah, so I have to say that Italy is very deep in my heart. So would you say that Italian opera is a sort of mirror of Italian characters? Italian life? Well, yes and no, because Italian opera, if you take Verdi, is a lot of drama. But I must say that as Italian people, I do find them more upbeat and cheerful. You know, say for example, Russians, where there is a lot of melancholy, but at the same time there is always raffinatezza and beautiful beautiful lyricism that you find in Italian opera, that's very, very appealing. You know, the luscious melodic lines, gorgeous harmonies, and of course the symmetry that you find also in the architecture as in music. And yes, so, so love it. So if we had to choose an Italian operatic aria to listen to, which one would that be? I would love to share with you O Mio Babbino Caro. It's a really known and loved piece and I enjoy to sometimes also sing it as an encore in my performances. Wonderful. Let's listen to O Mio Papino Caro by Puccini. Mamma mia, dai! And this was O mio bambino caro by Puccini, sung live by Lola G. We will be back after a short break. WRS, Women's Radio Station, voice of women worldwide. Sarah's Universal Soul Show. What does your soul or spirituality mean to you? Welcome to Future Classical Woman Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Woman's Radio Station. Welcome back, I'm Russ Kane. You're listening to In Conversation With on Woman's Radio Station. I'm Angie. And I'm Patsy. And we're open. To see what other programs we have on Woman's Radio Station, head to our website, womansradiostation.com. I'm Isabelle Manivi, an executive coach. Do you want to change a negative into a positive? We can do this by coaching you to rewire your brain using simple visualization techniques. In 20 years of practice, I've seen this transform lives. For more information, look on Women's Radio website, call me on 07984 422 1111, 0171. I'm listening. Mireille Bill Limited. We are a virtual PA consultancy. We provide remote administrative services. Our offering is diverse. We manage your calendar. We update your client database. We take care of your property in France and in London. We also offer bookkeeping and translation services. Would you like to know more? Please call 077 868 48 998 for further information. Mirai B Limited, making the life of the business owner successful. Let Women's Radio advertise your brand or business. It's so affordable and effective, reaching out to all women. Call us on 020 7437 7066 now. Are you struggling with money? Turn to us as a national charity helping people struggling to make ends meet. Job loss, illness, or bereavement can cause a real financial crisis. We give practical help to get people back on track. Whether you're thinking of having a baby, trying to get out of an unhappy relationship, or just unsure what benefits you may be entitled to, we can help. Visit turn2us.org.uk. I'm Angie. And I'm Patsy. And we're open to share our own personal stories dealing with life events, staying positive through the tough times. Share your stories too— what worked, what didn't. Join us each week for Open. We know you're gonna love it. Women's Radio Station is a not-for-profit community interest company. Supporting women is our passion. We're currently welcoming donations to help towards our running costs to keep this important initiative alive. To donate, simply head to our website. Every little will help. Welcome back to Future Classic Women. Welcome to Women Awards on Women's Radio Station, the program where we search for the most amazing new female artists on the classical panorama. Today we are talking to Lola G, one of the most promising soprano of the young generation. Lola, we've been talking about Italian opera and discovering new songs. Which one would you say was your inspiration to do, you know, what you're searching with your music as an opera singer, classical opera singer? Yes, when I studied piano, I came across a recording of Renata Tibaldi as well as Maria Callas. And when I heard these two voices, very different voices, but nevertheless absolutely stunning and brilliant, Absolutely, I must say that for me it was like I couldn't stop listening, and the music itself, because the interpretation, the way that they were able to make each phrase alive with feeling, each word have a significance, it really moved me and touched me. And of course the timbre, the timbre, the quality of the voice. So for me, Tibaldi is really really like angelic voice. And Carla's like a tiger on a stage with so much blood, blooded passion. So two different artists, but I would say these two sopranos have really, really inspired me to search for my own voice. Do you have any favorite contemporary opera singer? From modern sopranos, I must say that I really love a dear friend of mine, Carmen Giannatasio. Oh, she's an Italian soprano who's been now singing in all major opera houses. I'm thrilled and delighted for her. I really love her as an artist. Because she has what they say, a full package, beautiful voice and elegance. And she's really classy and a great, great actress on the stage. So I'm delighted for her and I follow and she's a real inspiration for me. And if we had to talk about you as an opera singer, what would be your dream role? Well, As I was saying, my dream role, absolutely without any shadow of a doubt, would be Tatiana in Anyegin by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. I love that opera. Yes, I mean, it is perfect from every angle, you know, the length, the beautiful, beautiful melodies. Of course, Pushkin, Alexander Pushkin, who you know, the god and the founder of Russian literature. And so we all adore Pushkin. And, you know, my knowledge, let's say, being able to speak Russian, I can really savor and appreciate every word and every word. And Tchaikovsky just did the most amazing, amazing job of setting the words and the story to music. You wanted to listen to an excerpt from Tatiana's letter scene from the opera. Onegin. Can you tell us more about this scene so that we can, you know, people that have not seen the opera as well know what's happening? Well, Tatiana is a young girl who is a dreamer. At the same time, she has a real pure heart. And so, so she meets this young man, Onegin, whom she falls in love with, and she decides to confess her love in a letter. And she writes this letter in the night. And this scene shows her writing the letter and all the range of emotions that she's going through, because first she's not sure, then she decides she will tell him, then she says, "No, I'm not sending this." So she starts to write again. And then, of course, all the Pushkin poetry, you can see that it was used in such a beautiful way, the way that it builds up to the climax. And the middle part, actually towards the end, where it says, "Are you my angel or are you the seducer?" It's the most beautiful lyrical part. And it's very— it's very almost angelic quality to it, but it's like the culmination of the piece, of the scene. Wonderful. I'm really curious to listen to it. Wonderful. Let's listen to Tatiana's Letter from Ionyegin's opera by Tchaikovsky, sung by Lola. And this was Tatiana's Letter Scene by Onegin-Tchaikovsky, sung live by Lola. That's right, it was a concert dedicated to Alexander Pushkin, which I did with pianist Samson Soye in Lerici, beautiful, beautiful part of Italy. It was the Festival of Music and Poetry, which was started by Italian conductor Gianluca Marciano. So it's an annual festival, and I had the pleasure to be a part of it this summer. Beautiful. We will be back after a short break. WRS, Women's Radio Station. Voice of Women Worldwide. This is Amy Liu, Voice of China at Women's Radio Station. Welcome to Future Classical Woman Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Women's Radio Station. After a long day, I like to sit in my bath with a glass of wine and listen to Women's Radio. I'm Russ Caine, you're listening to In Conversation With on Women's Radio Station. To see what other programs we have on Women's Radio Station, head to our website, womensradiostation.com. .com. Are you looking to enhance your career? Are you looking to grow your business? Well then why not visit wearethecity.com? wearethecity.com is a website for working women. It's full of inspirational stories of women that have been there, seen it, and done it. We also feature events, women's networks, and other articles that may help you to progress both in terms of your connections and business ideas. Visit wearethecity.com www.thecity.com and take your business or career to the next level. Mireille Bill Limited, we are a virtual PA consultancy, we provide remote administrative services. Our offering is diverse, we manage your calendar, we update your client database, we take care of your property in France and in London. We also offer bookkeeping and translation services. Would you like to know more? Please call 077 868 8888. 48 998 for further information. Miray B Limited, making the life of the business owner successful. Would you like to host your own radio show? Would you love to be doing what I'm doing right now and be a radio presenter on women's radio station? If you're passionate on your subject or topic, we'd like to hear from you wherever you are in the world about what's happening in your country, town, or city. It's your station, your voice to women of the world. So contact us, send an email to involved@womensradiostation.com. I'm Isabelle Manley, an executive coach. Do you want to change a negative into a positive? We can do this by coaching I allow you to rewire your brain using simple visualization techniques. In 20 years of practice, I've seen this transform lives. For more information, look on Women's Radio website. Call me on 07984 422 171. I'm listening. Women's Radio Station is a not-for-profit community interest Company, supporting women is our passion. We're currently welcoming donations to help towards our running costs to keep this important initiative alive. To donate, simply head to our website. Every little will help. Welcome back to Future Classic Women Awards on the Women Munich radio station, the program where we search for the most amazing new female artists on the classical panorama. Today we're talking to Lola G, an exciting Russian soprano with this— with the Russian twist. So tell us about your latest album, Lola. Well, this is my baby, um, you know, I'm, I'm really excited because it was always a dream since I started writing And since I wrote my first song a few years back, I shared it with a friend in New York, and she said, "Wow, that's beautiful. You should keep writing." So I took on her advice, and I started, you know, writing more songs. And before I knew it, I had enough material to create an album. So I have actually did an EP. And then another album, and then finally last year my album Undreamt Dreams was released, and it's an album that was recorded in Italy and then mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. And tell us a little bit about this style, because you are an opera singer and you are a composer, but your songs are not— I wouldn't You can say they're not crossover songs. That's right. I started writing, as I said, that was not something that I studied piano, then the voice, and then writing found me, I guess, because I wanted to create something unique and to find a unique expression for my own voice. And as an artist. And so for the love of different kinds of music, the style of songs that you can hear in the album cannot be defined by the genre. I would say, yes, you can say crossover because I've got a lyric voice, but at the same time, you can hear the elements of jazz and film music and pop when you hear my songs, and they are all my songs, my own music and lyrics. So of course, very personal to me. Yeah, they're original songs. Yeah, we've been talking with other guests before, like the Ayoub Sisters or the Athena Trio as well. Um, we really, really, um, we're trying to cut through the boxes, you know, to try to open up, um, classical music, opera or instrumental, to say, you know, that, well, opera at the time used to be the pop music of the time, isn't it? I think as modern artists, we have to break through the barriers and boundaries, especially in the time we live in. Yeah. I feel that it's very important that the music can reach people wherever they are and whatever their status. Absolutely. There is a group, I mean, that I really love, that is the Queen. Freddie Mercury, you know, he could be a great tenor. Bohemian Rhapsody. That's totally a crossover song. Yes. If you want, it's rock, but he's putting in the middle, you know, some operatic things. And yet the voice actually, if he wanted, he could sing opera for sure. Yeah, but because it's born as a rock group, it's considered rock. Yes. So as you're born a classical singer, you're considered the classical crossover, but in reality it's just an amazing new, new exciting, actually new album, new composition, new music that is just music. That's right. That's right. Without having to classify it and pigeonhole it. Absolutely. With the only purpose to excite people, the people that they listen to it be moved and be— yes, to reach people's hearts. I think that's it. And from this album, what would you like us to listen to? Well, since we are in London on a rainy autumn day, I would love to share with our wonderful audience the track which is called London Rain. Let's listen to it. I'd better get inside. Knowing, yet staying still and quiet. Rain falling down. Tears washed by the raindrops. It's inside my home. falling. Flowing, the time is passing by. Falling, the rain is coming down. Moving, it's It's gonna be alright. Knowing yet feeling left behind. Rain falling down. Tears washed by the raindrops. Tears inside my heart. Oh, it's time I move. It is time I go stay abroad. Lights that sparkle and touch the ground. They fall. Hearts touched by the glow of the falling lights, awaking, smiling, playing, playing and failing, hope and Strain. What am standing down? Falling down. Wash by the rainstorm. Rain's off-roading. Time is going. Smiling, falling. Rainbows reaching And this was Lola's latest song from the album Undreamt Dreams, Prayer. Lola, how did this— London Rain. How did this album was born, apart from, you know, telling us the urge of— Well, it was a very fascinating process between the birth of my children. So I have recorded it, the vocals in Italy when I was 7 months pregnant. Oh, wow. I edited in the studio with a baby in the studio, 4 months bouncing, with actually being fantastic baby in the studio. So it can work, you know. Oh, yeah. And then I mastered it when my second baby was born because they are very close. With the age. So it's extremely, you know, emotional time, but at the same time full of positive emotion and vibes. So what would you say— we've been talking, you know, this is the women's radio station, we are talking about feminism as well, you know, women having a career. So how difficult it is to be a mother and to try to, you know, write and sing and record? Well, as you know yourself, it's a juggling act. You have to make time for everything, especially as I feel that, you know, being a mom is such a privilege and such a blessing that, of course, for me, the children, the family is always will be in the first place. At the same time, music is my soul. So it's very important that I continue because when I'm happy, they're happy. Yes. So to cut, you know, to make it, you know, in very simple terms. And so I have to think about myself and of course think about them. And music is our life. Absolutely. All right, well, I, uh, on this thought, uh, we would, we will leave you and we will be back after a short break. WRS Women's Radio Station, voice of women worldwide. Sarah's Universal Soul Show. What does your soul or spirituality mean to you? Welcome to Future Classical Woman Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Women's Radio Station. Welcome back, I'm Russ Kane. You're listening to In Conversation With on Women's Radio Station. I'm Angie. And I'm Patsy. And we're open. To see what other programs we have on Women's Radio Station, head to our website womensradiostation.com. I'm Isabel Manvey, an executive coach. Do you want to change a negative into a positive? We can do this by coaching you to rewire your brain using simple visualization techniques. In 20 years of practice, I've seen this transform lives. For more information, look on Women's Radio website. Call me on 07984 422 171. I'm listening. Mirai B Limited. We are a virtual PA consultancy. We provide remote administration administrative services. Our offering is diverse. We manage your calendar, we update your client database, we take care of your property in France and in London. We also offer bookkeeping and translation services. Would you like to know more? Please call 077 868 48 998 for further information. Mireille B Limited, making the life of the business owner successful. Let Women's Radio advertise brand or business. It's so affordable and effective, reaching out to all women. Call us on 020 7437 7066 now. Are you struggling with money? Turn to us as a national charity helping people struggling to make ends meet. Job loss, illness, or bereavement can cause a real financial crisis. We give practical help to get people back on track. Whether you're thinking of having a baby, trying to get out of an unhappy relationship, or just unsure what benefits you may be entitled to, we can help. Visit turn2us.org.uk. I'm Angie and I'm Patsy and we're open to share our own personal stories dealing with life events, staying positive through the tough times. Share your stories too. What worked? What didn't? Join us each week for Open. We know you're gonna love it. Women's Radio Station is a not-for-profit community interest company. Supporting women is our passion. We're currently welcoming donations to help towards our running costs to keep this important important initiative alive. To donate, simply head to our website. Every little will help. Welcome back to Future Classic Women Awards on Women's Radio Station. Our guest today is Lola G, soprano, Russian soprano, and amazing composer. We just heard some, one song from your latest album. What would you say was the most exciting moment in your career then? Certainly the release of the album, because it's really a result of many hours in the studio and out of the studio and the whole process of recording and editing. And it's a self-produced album, so it's just, you know, a lot of effort, a lot of amazing experiences. As you will hear, it's 11 songs. It's a work of love, isn't it? Yes, that's right. But I've put my heart into each of them. There is one thing that strikes me from your album is the lyrics are amazing. So you wrote the lyrics, right? That's right. I have 2 songs that I collaborated with my godfather, Nicholas Kolas. Otherwise, they're all my lyrics. That is amazing. I mean, so you're not only a composer, you're also a writer then. Have you written anything else? So far, they are my songs. I haven't written any prose or stories. Okay. Any plan in that direction, maybe? Maybe. Maybe. Who knows? Never say never, isn't it? That's right. Yes. And there is a beautiful song from this album. It's called Prayer. I'd love to listen to it. Would you say something about this song? Yes, it's the last song in the album. We put it like a bonus track because I guess it stands out from the other ones. It's more towards lyrical side while the other songs are more towards pop. And this song was a— it's a prayer. I guess the prayer to find strength, to find courage. For me personally, it's It was in a time where I was praying for having a baby. So that's the story. But I mean, I haven't put it in my lyrics, but for me, this was the inspirational point. I guess that's how the song was born. That's very special. Let's listen to it then. Holding on, longing to pray, longing to hope. Is there a lot of hope here in the dark? Close my eyes, I let the night step in. All around me is a silence in the wind. Many moons have shone down from the sky. Hear my call, hear my cry. Nowhere to hide, nowhere to run. You are the light of Oh, hear my lonely, hear my prayer. Oh, hear my call, hear my prayer. Weeks and days, the time just flying by, but my wish is always deep inside me. You alone can see inside my heart. You alone, all alone. I want the courage to understand all that is meant to be. Hear my longing! Hear my prayer! Oh Lordy! Hear my call! Hear my prayers! Oh— And this was Prayer from the latest album by Lola Gee. Um, Lola, now it's time for the odd questions. So what would you say was the funnest or most most embarrassing moment in your career, if you had any, of course? Well, of course. I guess looking back when I was around 17, 18, I was doing a final recital, a very complicated 5-part Bach fugue, Liszt virtuoso piano piece. And so I I did a good job. I mean, I had great marks. But after I finished playing and I was walking off, I just slipped and I fell right flat out. So it's a bit— yeah, so it was embarrassing. But did the audience laugh? No. I guess a little bit. That's pretty hard. At least it was at the end. Can you imagine if you had to get up again? That's right. That's right. At least the recital was over. Absolutely. Well, do you have any strange hobby to free your mind or relax? Strange hobby? Or normal hobby, of course. Well, I think nothing strange, really. I mean, I'm a foodie. I love food. I love eating. I don't count calories. I guess I'm quite lucky because, you know, I can you know, miss a dinner and miss a kilo. But, and food is just such a joy, you know, and having the Italian connection, you know what that means. Do you cook? Yes, I love cooking, easy baking. And of course, always looking for exciting new sort of foodie experiences. And but, you know, also into sort of clean food. I mean, I love to source my food. I mean, not necessarily organic. I always have— the taste is the factor, you know, taste in life. Everything has to taste beautifully. Okay. Oh, well, so on this, I would say, would you like to listen to a fun song? Do you have any more upbeat songs? Of course. Of course. There are a number of love songs, and You Are the One is It's a very upbeat declaration of love. And so, yeah, I'm really happy to share it with you all. Let's listen to it then. Life gives one chance. I had my plans, but you appeared, stealing my heart. And then I knew you were the one. There's no better place than to be near you. There's nowhere else I'd rather You make me smile like no one else. You let my heart up every day. When the dark clouds make our days gray and the bad news, I'm aware we can We find strength in each other. Take one step, one day at a time. We're strong together. We'll find our way. I recognized the moment I met you. You're the one I waited for. There's no better place meant for me near you. There's nowhere else I'd rather be. You make me smile like no one else. You let my heart go. And on this beautiful song, "You Are the One" by Lola Gee, I'd like to say thanks, Lola, for being with us today. Thank you, Stefania. It's been a real pleasure. It was amazing. And you've been listening to Future Classic Women Awards on Women's Radio Station, live every day at 10 AM and 10 PM London time. If you have any questions that you would like to ask to our guest or nomination for our Future Classic Women Awards, please email presenters@womensradiostation.com or tweet us @WomensRadioStn for a chance to win 2 tickets at our concert of the finalists of Future Classic Women Awards. If you want to listen to it again or catch up on our previous programs, you can head to the presenter's page, Stefania Passamonte, Future Classic Women Awards, on the womensradiostation.com. Thank you for listening. WRS, Women's Radio Station, voice of women worldwide. This is Amy Liu, voice of China at Women's Radio Station. Welcome to Future Classical Women Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte, on Women's Radio Station. After a long day, I like to sit in my bath with a glass of wine and listen to Women's Radio. I'm Russ Cade, you're listening to In Conversation With on Women's Radio Station. To see what other programmes we have on Women's Radio Station, head to our website womensradiostation.com. Are you looking to enhance your career? Are you looking to grow your business? Well then why not visit wearethecity.com? wearethecity.com is a website for working women. It's full of inspirational stories, stories of women that have been there, seen it, and done it. We also feature events, women's networks, and other articles that may help you to progress both in terms of your connections and business ideas. Visit wearethecity.com and take your business or career to the next level. Mirai B Limited— we are a virtual PA consultancy. We provide remote administrative services. Our offering is diverse we manage your calendar, we update your client database, we take care of your property in France and in London. We also offer bookkeeping and translation services. Would you like to know more? Please call 077 868 48 998 for further information. Mireille B Limited, making the life of the business owner successful. Would you like to host your own radio show? Would you love to be doing what I'm doing right now and be a radio presenter on Women's Radio Station? If you're passionate on your subject or topic, we'd like to hear from you wherever you are in the world about what's happening in your country, town, or city. It's your station, your voice to women of the world. So contact us, send an email to involved@womensradiostation.com. I'm Isabelle Manivy, an executive coach. Do you want to change a negative into a positive? We can do this by coaching you to rewire your brain using simple visualization techniques. In 20 years of practice, I've seen this transform lives. For more information, Look on Women's Radio website. Call me on 07984 422 171. I'm listening. Women's Radio Station is a not-for-profit community interest company. Supporting women is our passion. We're currently welcoming donations to help towards our running costs to keep this important initiative alive. To donate, simply head to our website. Every little will help. Radio station.