On the eve of the Bvlgari High Jewelry Gala Event at the Heydar Aliyev Center—an event that has become the talk of the town in recent days — NARGIS had a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity. We met with acclaimed opera singers, Italian soprano, Carmen Giannattasio and Yusif Eyvazov, Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.
I want to welcome you to Baku. We are deeply grateful to you for coming and giving an interview to NARGIS Magazine.
Yusif: It is an honour for me to welcome Carmen to my hometown. As they say in Italian — Benvenuta!
Carmen, this is your first time in Baku. What are your impressions so far?
Carmen: This is my first time in Baku, and I am truly excited. The city feels incredibly vibrant. Although I haven’t had the chance to see much yet, I was already impressed by the astonishing scenery on my way from the airport to the hotel. Baku is a fascinating blend of architectural styles that coexist beautifully — one of them, as far as I know, even being the work of an Italian architect invited to the city. I’m very much looking forward to discovering more of this beautiful place.
This is not the first time you have performed together. Do you remember when you first met?
Yusif: We have actually known each other for quite a long time, but unfortunately missed several opportunities to perform together. Once, for example, I had to cancel an entire production. Finally, last year, we met at a major concert in honour of Luciano Pavarotti at the Arena di Verona, which made me very happy.
Carmen: That’s true. We were friends long before becoming professional partners.
Yusif: Exactly. Chemistry between artists is essential in our profession. Opera is as fragile as we are.
Carmen: I would add that trust between professional partners is crucial. You go from meeting each other for the first time and shaking hands to suddenly becoming friends.
Yusif: With Carmen, I had a very good feeling from the first moment we met. More recently, we collaborated on an incredible production of Tosca in Oman. We rehearsed there for two weeks, getting to know each other even better. It was an absolutely fabulous experience.
What was your favourite part of performing in Oman?
Yusif: My favourite moment is when my character is no longer alive, and she comes onto the stage exclaiming, “Mario, Mario! Wake up, we need to go.”
Carmen: It sounds amusing, despite being such a tragic moment.
What is your view on the connection between opera and high jewelry?
Carmen: I believe there is a very strong connection, as I see jewelry as a form of art. Jewelry in general expresses creativity, passion and dedication; Bvlgari High Jewerly in particular embodies the utmost craftmanship ever. It is no less a virtuoso work of art than opera itself.
Yusif: I absolutely agree. There is a clear connection. Divas of all times - starting with Maria Callas and even before her – have always paid great attention to jewelry. It is an essential element of high-profile occasions such as premieres and opening nights, carefully chosen to complement the overall artistic concept. As Carmen said, beautiful music and beautiful art should enhance one another.
Yusif, you seem to favour the Monete collection, which is rather unusual for a man. What draws you to it?
Yusif:. The Monete collection by Bvlgari is special for me because no other jewelry brand masters ancient coins as if they were precious gemstones. Octo Finissimo is another Bvlgari collection that deeply impressed me. The watch case is incredibly thin. I still cannot understand how watchmakers managed to fit an entire movement inside. Unbelievable! It pairs beautifully with both diamonds and gold. I love beautiful things that sparkle, it’s part of my personality
Carmen: I so much love Monete too. Coming from the south of Italy, a region rich in archaeological treasures and cultural heritage, I feel a deep connection to the art and history of my country.
Do you see a link between Azerbaijani and Italian cultures?
Carmen: I see Yusif as a true Italian.
Yusif: Carmen is from Napoli. Baku and Napoli share very similar cultural values. They are like brothers — two kindred cities. If you look closely at their coastlines, you’ll notice a striking resemblance.
Carmen: Their landscapes are so much alike—as if taken from a postcard.
Yusif: Here in Azerbaijan, we know and appreciate Italian art in its various forms, from music and cinema to cuisine. I can confidently say that many young Italians are no longer familiar with legendary artists like Ricchi e Poveri or Toto Cutugno, while here they remain very much loved.
Carmen: Perhaps that is why we feel such a strong connection.
How did you choose your career?
Carmen: I didn’t really choose it myself - I was chosen. Music chose me. It’s a long story.
Yusif: As strange as it may sound today, when I first began studying music, I dreamed of becoming a pop singer.
Carmen: And he certainly could have. I once heard him sing pop at the Arena di Verona. He began with a beautiful, dramatic, almost Aida-like voice and then suddenly switched to pop. I remember thinking, “How can he do that? I can’t.”
Yusif: However, as I continued studying classical music, it became clear that I belong there.
How do you balance your great organisational skills with being one of the world’s leading tenors?
Yusif: It is certainly not easy, I assure you. But for now, it is manageable.
What is love for you?
Carmen: For me, love is like a motor—the engine of the universe. It is the force that drives everything forward.
Yusif: This question alone deserves a separate interview. To me, love is a moment of infinite happiness. Of course, no one can be happy all the time—it is a fleeting state, a brief period of pure inner joy. Love is not only about people loving one another; it is about the boundless love we feel for the world around us. It manifests itself in everything—music, art, jewellery. And when you fall in love with someone, you cannot even explain why. You simply love, and that is the beauty of it.
What is your favourite role and why?
Carmen: My favourite role is Tosca, which I have performed all over the world. I feel deeply connected to her character—full of jealousy and passion—and we even share certain behavioural traits.
Yusif: For me, it would be The Queen of Spades by Tchaikovsky. I cherish all my roles, but this one is particularly complex and unpredictable.
What pieces have you chosen to wear for the Bvlgari High Jewelry Gala Event tonight?
Carmen: I would prefer to keep it a secret.
Yusif: All we can say is that it will be a surprise.
Carmen: I am especially fond of the Divas’ Dream collection because it is timeless and versatile. It can be spectacular as a High Jewelry piece, but also discreet and sophisticated that you can wear on many occasions and always looking elegant and refined.
Yusif: Indeed, even a simple piece may look wonderful, not to speak about High Jewelry generously embellished with diamonds and gemstones. It is so easy for ladies, they can find a jewel suitable for any occasion. Unlike men, for whom it is usually limited a watch. The one I’m wearing today is Octo Finissimo. With this collection, Bvlgari made a revolution. Do you see how thin this one is? Just 1.8 mm.
Carmen: Yes, it is indeed a collection of record-breaking timepieces, the thinnest in the world. I love watches. I wear them every single day.
And what about gemstones? Which ones do you prefer?
Carmen: I believe in the power of gemstones. My favourites are emerald, as it complements my eyes, and sapphire.
And what about your favourite quote?
Carmen: As Paulo Coelho once said: “When you really want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it.”
Yusif: I would like to add that it is important to remember that even in moments of deepest sorrow, we must still find the strength to smile. This is particularly true for artists.
Thank you, Carmen and Yusif, for sharing your thoughts and insights with us. We look forward to seeing your performances and continued collaboration in the world of opera.
