Eliana Pretorian, soprano
Click here to see a picture and official biography
Eliana Pretorian sang the role of Zerlina in British Youth Opera’s production of Don Giovanni. This is the first time any of the Primi Divi have seen her, but we all, particularly Fit Crit, who reviewed her performance, hope it won’t be the last. She not only has an exceptionally lovely voice, she has a very strong stage presence, and is a very confident physical performer. Although I don’t suppose she’s the only singer in the world who can do the splits, I suspect she’s one of the very few who would do the splits and sing at the same time – and do both perfectly.
Eliana was born in Romania and has studied choreography, universal languages and physics, in addition to singing. She won the first prize in the Romanian National Singing Competition two years running, and then went to the Royal College of Music in 2001. She has won many other awards, and was the youngest finalist in the 2005 Kathleen Ferrier Awards. Opera roles include Adele Die Fledermaus and the Princess/Nightingale L’Enfant et les Sortileges for the RCM.
Eliana’s plans include Adina L’elisir d’amore with the Guildford Philharmonic/Opera South in Haslemere.
Reviews:
Zerlina Don Giovanni (BYO) Times Hilary Finch
Princess/Nightingale L’Enfant et les Sortileges (RCM) Seen and Heard Evan Dickerson
Adele Die Fledermaus (RCM) The Stage Edward Bhesania
Recordings:
Eliana has, sadly, made no recordings. I hope she will make some soon.