The opera soloist of the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre Ksenia Khovanova entered into the long list of the II Russian National Opera Award “Onegin” - 2017 in the nomination “Debut” (female) for performing Fatima in César Cui’s “The Prisoner of the Caucasus”.

“The Prisoner of the Caucasus” in the theatre’s repertoire is a real gift of fate for the theatre’s artists. The opera comprises beautiful arias that allow singers to display their temperament and vocal skills.

The soloists took full advantage of the opportunity. Ksenia Khovanova (as Fatima) proved her skills by the dramatic reading of the role and a ringing, heavenly timbre”. “Thick soprano voice, almost mezzo timbre - Ksenia Khovanova (as Fatima) confidently coped with the heights the role demanded”, - that’s what music critics said about the singer after the première.

The first “Onegin” awarding ceremony was held in St.Petersburg in 2016 and received a wide public response. Its founders are Honoured Artist of Russia Igor Tarasov and People's Artist of the Russian SFSR Sergei Leiferkus. Its goal is to promote Russian opera art, primarily in Russia. It’s a kind of special opera alternative to the theatre award "Golden Mask”. “Onegin” combines nominees from 25 opera houses in Krasnoyarsk, Yekaterinburg, Moscow, Ufa and St.Petersburg.

The Expert Council under the leadership of People's Artist Vladimir Vaneyev consists of People's Artist of Russia Irina Dolzhenko, chief director of the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theatre Konstantin Balakin, conductor and People's Artist of Kabardino-Balkaria Mikhail Golikov, president of the “Centre for support of cultural initiatives “Kultura ryadom” Igor Tarasov, vice-president of the National Opera Award “Onegin” Vladimir Tyulpanov, music critics Tatiana Elagina and Andrei Khripin.

The winners will be announced at the Alexandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on October 29. The gala concert will feature Argentinian tenor José Cura, the Albanian singer Inva Mula, the soloist of the Berlin State Opera Anna Samuil, the soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre Vasily Gerello, the “Novaya Opera” soloist Alexei Tatarintcev and the Bolshoi Theatre soloist Alexei Tikhomirov.

People's artist of Russia Vladimir Efimov, opera soloist Alexander Murashov, the director of the theatre Svetlana Guziy and art director of the theatre Sergei Bobrov are also invited to the honouring ceremony in St. Petersburg along with Ksenia Khovanova.

Also, this year Ksenia Khovanova entered the top five of the world's best soprano at the international Elizabeth Connell Prize competition. Entering into the long list of the “Onegin” award is another high recognition of the young singer’s talent.