First opera singer to merit a place in TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" (2007).
Although St. Petersburg is her home, has a special affection for San Francisco since it was where she launched her American career.
She studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory for many years, and upon
completing her schooling, she got a job cleaning at the theater.
Applied for Austrian citizenship in Vienna (March 2006).
Her performance as "Donna Anna" in "Don Giovanni", conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt
at the 2002 Salzburg Festival, made her a superstar of opera in
Europe.
She originally wanted to be an actress, but her voice teachers told her
she'd have a better shot at singing.
Much admired for her sumptuous voice and her great personal
beauty.
Named "Musician of the Year" by Musical America magazine (2008).
Was in a relationship with Erwin Schrott from 2007 to 2013. They have a son together, Tiago Aruã Schrott (b. September 5, 2008).
(December 29, 2015) Married her boyfriend of 22 months Yusif Eyvazov following a year-long engagement.
Won the International Rimsky-Korsakov Vocal Competition in St.
Petersburg (1996).
Her favorite partner on stage is Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón.