Marina Devyatova: A Journey Through Life and Music
Marina Devyatova: A Journey Through Life and Music
Marina Devyatova has firmly established herself as a renowned performer of folk songs. Although her childhood repertoire consisted solely of “Cheburashka” and “The Blue Wagon,” her parents nurtured her talent relentlessly. The moment she realized her destiny was during one of her father’s concerts, where she found herself on a grand stage. Since then, Marina has been adding to her collection of creative achievements and performing in various cities and countries. On March 5th, her concert will take place in the “Minsk” concert hall in our capital. Meanwhile, Marina shared her innermost thoughts in our “Alphabet” series.
Pride: The Driving Force
Pride, perhaps, is the stimulus for our development and self-sufficiency. An artist cannot fully realize their potential without a sense of pride. However, it’s essential to know when to keep it hidden and when to let it shine, especially during moments of genuine happiness. For me, these moments are the warm reception and applause from the audience. I can’t help but feel joy and pride. My pride drives me to seek new melodies, record new songs, and create new programs, ensuring that my listeners experience true pleasure from my art.
The Allure of the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées, immortalized in the works of Erich Maria Remarque, holds a magnetic allure, even for those who have already visited. Paris, in general, evokes a sense of Remarque and romance. The Champs-Élysées is a place I would love to visit with my husband, but he hasn’t invited me yet. (Smiles.)
Love: The Ruling Emotion
Love is the emotion that governs the world; it is the queen that every home needs. Love brings both joy and trials. Sometimes, it takes stress to make us reevaluate our actions and perspectives, turning our worldview by 360 degrees. Love is essential for all of us, from nature and its manifestations to every individual. This wonderful emotion has inspired countless beautiful works of art, mended what seemed broken, and emerged in crucial moments. Love is the driving force of life.
Compassion: A Silent Virtue
Compassion should be shown discreetly and sincerely, not for show. I don’t like to boast about it, but my close friends know that I am always ready to lend a helping hand and offer support. To me, compassion also means perceiving others, their actions, and events with kindness. The word “compassion” itself is derived from “kind” and “heart.” Let us be kind and compassionate!
Traditions: The Organizing Principle
Traditions bring order to our lives. I love gathering my friends and colleagues every year for my birthday—a joyous event that has evolved into a tradition: celebrating my birthday on stage, in a new city each time. In 2015, we were in Minsk, and for the next two years, we celebrated in St. Petersburg. I hope to continue this tradition! However, I have stopped performing on Red Square during New Year’s Eve to spend the holiday with my husband and daughter, nurturing our family traditions.
Ulyana: The Light of My Life
Ulyana, my daughter, is the meaning of my life, my little angel. I cherish every moment with her, like any normal mother. Sometimes, I have to follow her progress via Skype due to my touring life, but we manage. She always rejoices at my return and has started speaking her first words and taking her first steps. I soak in every moment spent with her and admire my daughter more than anything in the world.
Recorded by Evgenia Krasnova
Photo: Ruslan Elkvist
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