Yana Mann: Poemas de Bar
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Russian Mezzo-Soprano Yana Mann will release in the Spring of 2021, her first studio album, 10 Poemas de Bar Op. 12. The music, composed by minimalist composer Julián De La Chica explores conversations that take place at 5:00 AM in a neighborhood bar.
● Read Moore: Lisa Moore & Julián De La Chica
The album — released under Brooklyn-based label, Irreverence Group Music, is a World Premiere of De La Chica's Cycle Op. 12, produced by the composer himself.
Yanna Mann
Photo by Yulia Kem
“These are casual conversations in a bar. And when I talk about a bar, I specifically mean a neighborhood bar, that is, the kind of bar where you go for a drink because you've had a long day at work; the kind of bar where you go with your best friend to tell them about a problem; the kind of bar where, if you lose your wallet, it doesn't matter anyways since you can pay the next week".
— Julián De La Chica
De La Chica says he finds his inspiration in everyday life, and many of his musical cycles come from his experiences when he first came to live in New York City. By 2016, De La Chica had premiered his Cycle Op. 6 Four Short Stories at the Standard Hotel at Carnegie Hall, along with Dominican tenor José Heredia and the Scorchio String Quartet. Similar to the Poemas de Bar cycle, it featured four real stories that happened on the terrace of the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. Another of his works, his new and award-winning film Agatha, also narrates the experiences of a Voyeur who spies on a a stranger's life through a window. And now, Mann brings the Poemas de Bar, Op. 12, 11 short poems that revolve around the most common topics of everyday life.
Indeed, De La Chica tells what he sees, what he lives.
Yana Mann
Photo by Vladimir Osnovin
The musical arrangement for Mezzo, piano and synth was made recently after De La Chica attentively heard Yana's entire musical work.
"Yana has a very intriguing voice. There is a palpable darkness to her that gives the songs that peculiar atmosphere necessary to tell a story. After several rehearsals, she has made the stories her own, and you can tell she performs them in an honest and real way. It has been a wonderful experience. She is into details, which I love.”
— Julián De La Chica
Irreverece Group Music had the opportunity to interview Yana about this new project, her musical work and other plans for the future.
1. Yana, you were born in Saint Petersburg, a city renowned for its rich cultural life. Could you tell us about your first experiences with music and, in particular, with singing?
Growing up in Saint Petersburg, I was lucky to have access to art and music, great exhibitions, theater productions, opera and ballet. I used to go almost every week to see shows or concerts.
When I was a kid, I studied in a music school. I used to sing both in a choir and as a solo artist; I even performed in cathedrals, a philharmonic hall, some museums, places like that. And, of course, I went to some competitions. At 12 years-old, I auditioned at the Mariinsky Theater and started singing there as part of the choir while performing in opera productions and concerts.
2. You also studied music at different institutions, which are known to be rather demanding in Russia. What can you tell you about those years?
I first began studying music in Saint Petersburg’s Rimsky-Korsakov Music College as a mezzo-soprano. At the same time, I worked in the Mariinsky Theatre, where I had such amazing experiences because I had the chance to work some world-rated musicians. This was a wonderful time in my life. I learned a lot and was lucky to listen to great singers and work with theater directors and conductors. When I turned 19, I decided to move to Moscow. I liked this city and wanted a change. I got accepted in the Academic Music College at the Moscow State Conservatory, and some years later I graduated. After that, I decided to study acting and got into the Russian Institute of Theater Arts. Then, 2 years after that, I went back to St. Petersburg and auditioned with Valery Gergiev and joined the Academy of Young Opera Singers at the Mariinsky Theater. At that time, my life was divided between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
“The cycle tells us the stories of people who came to this bar at 5 in the morning. It’s basically some conversations these people have about their daily lives. There are stories about sadness and pain, but also about love and separation and about loss and hope.”
— Yana Mann
3. At what point in your career did you decide to explore new musical styles and genres, such as electronic music? What kind of experiences have you had so far?
I love different styles of music. In fact, I’ve always been challenging myself and trying many things. For example, when I was 16, I joined a metal band! Sadly, I was having a hard time keeping up with my studies and my work at the theater, so I had to leave. I loved the club scene as well. I used to travel to places like Ibiza, Miami and Mykonos and I’ve always listened to great DJ sets. I’ve been a fan of electronic music since forever and I really enjoy collaborating with DJs. That’s why, three years ago, I decided to learn to produce and record my own electronic music.
Yana Mann
Photo by Vladimir Osnovin
4. Let’s talk now about your work and experiences with Julián De La Chica. How did you get to know him? When did you decide you wanted to collaborate with him? Was there something particular in his music that captivated you?
Well, Badr Farha, a film director, showed me some videos of him on YouTube. One in particular stuck with me, it was a beautiful song Gesegnete Dunkelheit sung in German by Soprano Rachel Hippert, and Julián was playing piano. It was simply so beautiful, so minimalistic yet overflowing with emotions. I fell in love with his style and was really looking forward to working together.
5. Your new album is the world premiere of De La Chica’s Cycle Op. 12, Poemas de Bar. What can you tell us about it? What is it about?
The cycle tells us the stories of people who came to this bar at 5 in the morning. It’s basically some conversations these people have about their daily lives. There are stories about sadness and pain, but also about love and separation and about loss and hope.
Composer Julián De La Chica
Courtesy by IGM
6. We know your work with De La Chica had to be carried out at a distance because of the confinement. How was this process for you? Were there any difficulties?
Yes, we had to collaborate from home because of the COVID. It was impossible for us to meet since I live in Dubai. However, that doesn’t mean the process was harsh. Julian sent me the score and his piano recordings, and from there we kept in touch every day. I got a studio at home so I was able to send my recordings to Julian, and we would discuss it, take notes and make changes.
I felt connected and inspired with the music and lyrics. I understand Julian's vision, and the idea behind this project is amazing.
Yana Mann
Photo by Vladimir Osnovin
7. Julian is known for his minimalistic compositions. He creates music with little sound and few elements. You, on the other hand, have worked with an opera repertoire which, generally speaking, is not particularly minimalistic. What could you tell us about this difference? Has it somehow affected your work with De La Chica?
More than difference, curiously both styles have things in common. For example, opera focuses a lot on the voice, because it can easily get lost behind the orchestra or the sounds of many instruments. Julian's music is more about the emotion in the voice and the story being told. The intimacy. It is as dramatic as it is elegant and because there is nothing to cover the voice, the performance becomes as a whole.
8. What are your plans following the release of this album? And when exactly will we be able to listen to it?
I'm planning to make music videos. And, of course, I want to perform it live. I can’t wait to sing together with Julian! The album is expected to come at the beginning of the year.
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9. Some of your activity in social media seems to be related to the fashion world. Is this another of your interests? Would you say there is some connection between fashion and your musical proposal?
I love fashion, and love dressing up with style, but I prefer creating my own mood. I don't necessarily follow the trends. For me, it's all about having vision and style. It depends on how I feel at the moment and how I see myself. I like unique pieces and high quality. It’s true that I enjoy collaborating with fashion brands and publish stories about fashion, though.
10. Finally, do you have any advice for young singers who are now getting started in the world in music?
My advice is to explore all kinds of music and art. Never stop practicing and learning and take your time to do it. But, above anything else, what’s most important is to do what you like and love yourself.