Reflecting on the secrets of Irina Ponarovskaya’s success, colleagues and fans unanimously note her performing talent, the astonishing timbre of her voice, and her delightful sense of style. Strange that almost nobody talks about her strong, practically steel-like character. Yet it is exactly that character that allows her to delight us with high art for many years.
Irina became a star not thanks to— but despite everything. Yes, she was born into a musical family, but the path to fame at times was very thorny. Becoming a celebrity of world level was helped not by special connections or influential patrons, but by wonderful natural gifts, faith in herself, and the ability to move only forward—no matter what—even with health issues.