Yulia Petrachuk, soprano

“No one cares about opera and ballet anymore,” Timothée Chalamet said.
And as an opera and classical music producer who cares deeply about the art form’s future, I’ll say this: that’s a reality we have to face.

What was even more uncomfortable was watching parts of the opera world react like an offended aristocracy. Some theaters even used Timothée’s name as a discount promo code — as if his name can only be associated with “cheap tickets” and being “not sophisticated enough.” That isn’t confidence. It’s arrogance.

And the irony? His comment brought attention. In many places, performances sold out. Instead of getting curious — why does his generation feel this way? What do young people think opera is? — parts of the industry rushed to declare: “We’re fine. We’re successful.”

But we’re not fine. Public funding for the arts in the U.S. is limited, and institutions are increasingly pushed to chase private money just to survive. If opera wants a future, we don’t need wounded pride. We need curiosity, humility, and real change.

This episode is where Across Oceans began. 💙

My very first guest was opera director Daria Zholnerova, and we recorded our conversation back in September in Lebanon🇱🇧— between suitcases, schedules, and that exact moment when you realize: we should hit “record” and start.

The interview was originally in Russian and already was posted, and today I’m releasing an English version, created with the help of AI translation. 👩🏽‍💻
It’s the same conversation — now accessible to more listeners across borders.

✨ This is Part 1 of our long interview.
In Part 1, Daria talks candidly about:
• admissions and training in creative universities in Russia vs. the U.S.
• how different systems shape confidence, responsibility, and professional habits
• what’s “normal” inside the industry — and why outsiders often don’t see it
• the unglamorous reality behind international careers

🎥 Part 1 (English version) will be released today at 6:00 PM on my YouTube channel in podcast (link under BIO)
🇷🇺 The original Russian version with subtitles is already available (link under BIO)

As a producer, I am constantly reminded why I love what I do. 🥰
A project that had been in preparation for several months finally came to life on the stage of the historic Hermitage Atrium! This was not just a concert — it was a celebration of the immense talent of composers and artists who poured their hearts into this unforgettable evening.

It was a joy to see “A Gershwin Herald” by Joseph Heart, which I was fortunate enough to bring from the United States to Russia, resonate so deeply with the audience and become a true celebration. 💥

I watched with immense pride as Daiana Hofmann, a conductor whose artistry is truly inspiring, brought the energetic world of Gershwin to life on stage. Her mastery, musical intuition, and ability to captivate the audience set a high bar for excellence.

I also want to highlight the phenomenal Mikhail Benediktov, whose performance on the piano was absolutely mesmerizing. Every touch of the keys transformed the intricate scores of Hart and Gershwin into touching and vibrant musical stories that struck a chord with every listener in the hall.

And, of course, my deepest admiration goes to Wm Joseph Heart, the composer who entrusted us with the premiere of his work. “A Gershwin Herald” became the centerpiece of the evening, reviving the spirit of 1920s New York and reminding us why Gershwin’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

To my dear artists — you were incredible. Evenings like this prove that music has the power to bridge time and space, creating moments that stay with us forever.

And, of course, thank you to our wonderful audience for your energy, applause, and love of music. You are the ones who made this night so special.

🎉 Here’s to many more evenings like this, where music comes alive and inspires us all!

P.S. As always, I was responsible for the technical aspects of the evening, including managing the live broadcast — so please, don’t judge too harshly! 😃
By the way, you can still watch the broadcast on Lyrica Classic Entertainment Inc. YouTube channel!