Yusif Eyvazov

Before his 2015 marriage to Russian operatic superstar Anna Netrebko, Azeri tenor Yusif Eyvazov had already established himself as an emerging talent. Critic Heinz Sichrovsky has praised his "dark, mighty voice...capable of heroic outbursts as well as striking legato."

Born May 2, 1977, in Algiers, Algeria, where his meteorology professor father held a visiting teaching position, Eyvazov grew up in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital. Initially aiming to follow his father into meteorology, he shifted course after performing a popular song at a student festival, where friends encouraged him to attend the Baku Music Academy. Heeding that suggestion, he relocated to Italy in 1997 to train with Franco Corelli, a primary influence, and Ghena Dimitrova. Victories in competitions at Capriolo, Montagnana, and Milan soon drew notice from Italian conductors and casting directors.

Following his portrayal of Radames in Verdi's Aida at the Fiesole Opera, Eyvazov performed at additional Italian regional theaters. A notable advance in the Russian sphere arrived in 2010 with his casting as Cavaradossi in Puccini's Tosca at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. His connection with Netrebko likely started during a February 2014 production of Puccini's Manon Lescaut in Rome, conducted by Riccardo Muti. In March Eyvazov updated his Facebook status to "engaged" without naming the partner, while Netrebko updated hers with the name in July. They married in December and settled in Vienna with Netrebko's son from her former marriage to Uruguayan bass-baritone Erwin Schrott.

Eyvazov has focused on late 19th century and early 20th century Italian repertory, with only occasional Russian pieces. His Metropolitan Opera debut occurred in the 2015-2016 season as Calaf in Puccini's Turandot, and that season also included an appearance under the baton of Plácido Domingo in a Los Angeles Opera production of Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci. He and Netrebko undertook an Asian recital tour in the fall of 2017.