IRINA GULYAEVA ART AGENCY

Art Agency by Irina Gulyaeva

Today we have a special interview with the owner of the Art Agency Irina Gulyaeva, she was born in Moscow and studied singing with distinction at the Gnesin State University and the Conservatory in Vienna. Since 2001 she has an art agency that represents young musicians and she was also the mastermind behind All for Autism charity concert. Today we bring you a little interview about her career and how she started in the classical music world.

Tell us about your art agency

I founded art agency in Vienna in 2001 and now it represents mainly young performers and conductors in the field of classical music. Earlier, I worked with leading Russian orchestras under the leadership of Yuri Bashmet, Mikhail Pletnev, and Vladimir Fedoseyev, as well as with leading international opera houses, including the Bolshoi Theater, Mariinsky Theater, La Scala, Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and others. In Russia, I organized tours with the orchestra for such famous performers as Montserrat Caballé, as well as opera gala concerts, such as the concert of Hibla Gerzmava in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein in 2015.

In 2010 in the concert hall of Wiener Stadthalle I organized a crossover duo of Anna Netrebko and Philip Kirkorov. In 2011 – a classical concert of pop singer Nikolai Baskov with the orchestra of the Schönbrunn Palace followed.

In 2014, I taught pop vocals at the Prayner Conservatory in Vienna. From young and talented singers, I formed the band Wo/Men, who were selected for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in the Top 16.

In 2015, I was an artistic consultant in the children’s opera The Snow Queen, which premiered under the patronage of Anna Netrebko on June 12, 2015.

I represent the interests of a vibrant palette of international artists and also promote Russian culture to contribute to cultural exchange between countries. Now, we have some big projects like children balls in Vienna, charity concerts “All for Autism” in the Musikverein and also a regular concert series “From Mozart to Gershwin”, creating a creative platform for new musical talents.

How do you discover new talents?

Usually, I find new talents through auditions in different cities around the world. In addition, I am in constant communication with a variety of producers and other art agencies – of course, this art of communication helps to find new young and talented singers.

What does art mean to you?

Art is something that is always around us and in ourselves, what we can create and develop, and that’s beautiful.

What makes Art Agency of Mag. Irina Gulyaeva different from other agencies?

I’m searching mainly for new voices, new faces, young talents, who have the opportunity to show themselves in the musical field. In addition, I’m not afraid to combine pop music and classics, as well as pop artists and opera soloists. Musikverein gave us unique permission to perform in the genre of crossover within the charity concerts “All for Autism”, which makes it possible for performers to act in genres, which are not usual for them or to mix them – I think it’s great!

Is there a specific formula for finding the right talent for a specific concert?

A good memorizing voice plays a big role, but also an unlimited desire to sing and to work hard.

How many talents are represented by Art Agency of Mag. Irina Gulyaeva?

At the moment, these are about 6-8 soloists performing in different areas. Now we are focusing on the concert series with the participation of young soloists.

What’s your recommendation for young talents who want to get into agencies? What’s a good age to start and what should they expect?

Desire to work, great faith in yourself and immense love for music are the components of success. It is very important not to be afraid and to try all the time.

At the moment, the music market is younger, now there are soloists of 18-19 years who have a beautiful voice and excellent performance skills, and are able to fascinate the audience – it’s phenomenal.

To know more about Irina, please visit: Irina Guyaeva

Copyrights: Elena Foto: Prokhovora / Make-Up: Ilga Gulajaeva / Hair: Christina Kiselyova