An interview with CITI University graduate D. Dagvadorj, Cultural Merit Worker of Mongolia and soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia.
— How did you first become involved in opera? Did you sing as a child?
— I sang, danced and played instruments from childhood. I initially dreamed of becoming a pop singer. I ultimately completed two years of pop vocal study and two years of opera study.
— When did you graduate from CITI University, and who was your teacher?
— I graduated in Opera Performance in 2010 under A. Sainbayar, a Cultural Merit Worker of Mongolia. My teacher gave me a deep understanding of opera and broadened my knowledge of the arts through every lesson. His guidance and methods were important in helping me enter the profession. I also hold the university in great respect.
— Could you describe some of your competition achievements?
— After graduation in 2010, I began singing with the Erdenet Song and Dance Ensemble at the Erdenet enterprise’s Culture and Arts Complex. In 2019, I won first place at the Third Baikal International Vocal Competition in Ulan-Ude, Russia. This encouraged me to pursue opera more deeply. I subsequently received contract offers from the Buryat State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Mariinsky Theatre in Vladivostok. I joined the Buryat theatre as a soloist, seeking to improve my skills and represent Mongolia responsibly. My roles there included Don José in Bizet’s Carmen and Radamès in Verdi’s Aida. My awards include the Grand Prix at the 13th L. L. Linkhovoin International Vocal Competition in 2020 and a prize named after People’s Artist of Russia Darima Lkhasaranovna Linkhovoin. In 2021, I was a finalist in the Vencero international opera competition in Naples, Italy, marking the centenary associated with Enrico Caruso. In 2022, I won first place at the Sixth K. I. Bazarsadaev International Vocal Competition.
In 2022, I also received a special prize at the first Voice of Kamen international competition in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In 2023, I was selected among the top 16 opera singers from more than 800 applicants in 38 countries at the first Hibla Gerzmava International Competition for Vocalists and Accompanists in Russia. At the 12th Isaac Dunayevsky International Vocal Competition, I won first prizes in the over-35 categories for classical vocals, pop singing and patriotic pop songs, as well as Best Performer awards for the Isaac Dunayevsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff repertoires, the latter marking Rachmaninoff’s 150th anniversary. In 2023, I won first place at the Engagement international opera competition supported by Russia’s Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, and third place at the first international professional singing competition named after Mongolia’s People’s Artist A. Enkhtaivan.
Since 2024, I have worked as a soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre in Vladivostok. I sang Don José in Carmen in 2024 and Radamès in Aida in January 2025. I am now preparing to sing Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth on 20 February 2025.
— What has been the greatest challenge on your path as a singer?
— There is still much to learn. Classical performance requires discipline and skill, with challenges arising every day. I have a tenor voice and must take care of it. This profession requires continuous learning and development.
— Which singer inspires you?
— I listen to the Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti and take inspiration from him.
— How do you assess opera’s development in Mongolia?
— Mongolia established an opera theatre early among Asian countries. It stages national operas alongside international works, and Mongolian singers perform abroad. I see these as signs of the field’s development.
— How are Mongolian audiences’ attitudes changing?
— International achievements by a new generation of Mongolian singers have increased public interest. Young people are becoming more interested in attending opera.
— What is most important for presenting Mongolian opera internationally?
— I believe policy should support selecting and restaging national operas, creating new productions, promoting them internationally and performing them on international stages.