A voice that equals the world

Madonna, why does everyone say ‘Bravo’ to you? Shouldn’t a woman be greeted with ‘Brava’? Do people not know this simple rule? Of course, they don’t! How could they? After all, as you yourself acknowledged, I am a jeweler who knows the value of gold! Erecting a monument in your honor is my divine mission, predestined by fate.

Dear friends, when you visit the theater, remember this: say ‘Bravo’ to a man, ‘Brava’ to a woman, ‘Bravi’ to an ensemble. But for Muyassar Razzakova, say "Grazie per avermi ospitata" – "Thank you for existing." Today is not her actual birthday. She was born on February 29, in a leap year. Such a day comes once every four years, but a prima donna like her is born once in a century. So before anything else, be grateful to fate for allowing you to witness such greatness and then, pay tribute to her.

Muyassar Kadirovna Razzakova was born on February 29, 1964, in the Beruniy district of Karakalpakstan. Despite her mother’s initial opposition, she chose a path in opera and the performing arts. After winning several prestigious international competitions, her mother eventually accepted her daughter’s destiny and wished her success in fulfilling her lifelong dream.

During the early years of Uzbekistan’s independence, the country was re-evaluating its cultural priorities, and a critical question arose, whether opera should remain or be abolished. At a state event, the first president of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, called upon a young opera singer and asked her why she believed the theater should not be closed. With unwavering conviction, Muyassar replied, “Uzbek youth and Uzbekistan need opera. Without opera, the world will never recognize Uzbekistan as a truly developed nation.” The president then asked if she believed that Uzbek youth would truly embrace this art form and follow in her footsteps. Without hesitation, she promised that they would, that thousands of young talents would dedicate themselves to opera. And incredibly, Muyassar Razzakova kept her word. Today, countless aspiring singers knock on the doors of the conservatory, dreaming of becoming opera performers. The theater’s repertoire has reached unprecedented creative heights.

Thanks to her uncompromising character, dedication, hard work, and unique talent, Muyassar Razzakova has earned a deep place in the hearts of our people and is widely recognized among Uzbeks as the prima donna and queen of the opera stage From a young age she reached artistic and professional heights that had never been achieved in the country before Today she holds the honorary titles of People’s Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan as well as the prestigious Orders of "Dustlik" and "Outstanding Merit"

The unfading star of the global opera stage, the pride of Russian opera, and a voice beyond comparison, Elena Obraztsova, after attending Muyassar Razzakova’s concert in Moscow, stepped into her dressing room, bowed, embraced her, and said, "You are a prima donna"

Every word Obraztsova spoke was true. For over a quarter of a century, Muyassar Razzakova performed the most complex and iconic classical and national operatic works at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre – the leading opera and ballet institution in Central Asia, without a single understudy.  Her rich cultural legacy has rightfully earned a place in the hearts of opera lovers.

The prima donna with unparalleled mastery performed the role of Violetta in ‘La Traviata’ by Giuseppe Verdi, the role of Gilda in ‘Rigoletto’ by Giuseppe Verdi, the role of Oscar in Un Ballo in Maschera by Giuseppe Verdi, the role of Lucia in ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ by Gaetano Donizetti, the role of Rosina in ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ by Gioachino Rossini, the role of Dilorum in ‘Dilorum’ by Mukhtar Ashrafi, and the role of Aykhon in the world-famous opera ‘The Tricks of Maysara’ by Suleiman Yudakov

Today, Muyassar Razzakova shares her legacy as a professor at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, guiding the next generation of opera singers. Many of her students have won international awards and now perform on Uzbekistan’s national opera stage.

Recently, she performed at a concert at the conservatory, singing the very pieces that made her a legend. I was among the fortunate few in attendance that evening. At the end of the performance, I had the honor of meeting the prima donna in person and congratulating her.

Her voice remains a force of nature – a brilliant, commanding sound with stunning technical precision. Even in maturity, she sings with breathtaking ease, effortlessly tackling the most challenging arias.

To be a contemporary of such an extraordinary artist is a privilege beyond words. On behalf of the ELLE Oʻzbekiston editorial team, I wish our prima donna health, creative triumphs, and endless applause. Brava, Maestra!!!