Cleo Mitilineou, Soprano

  • 2 Jun 2009 12:00 PM
Cleo Mitilineou, Soprano
The Greek-Cypriot soprano Cleo Mitilineou studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music-State University in Budapest-obtaining a Master degree in Singing and teaching and in Opera.

She is a recipient of several awards -including the special prize in the Don Giovanni singing competition in Verona, first prizes in the Miskolc Opera festival competition and the Haydn competition in Hungary, a semifinalist in the prestigious Cardiff singer of the world and a winner of many international scholarships, including the Magda Olivero scholarhsip in the Francisco Vinias Singing Competition in Barcelona.

She has also been an active participant in master classes by renowned opera figures such as Margarita lilova, Renata Scotto, Ileana Cotrubas, Sherril Milnes etc. Ms Mitilineou since 2001 is a principal singer at the Hungarian State Opera , appears in concerts abroad and teaches also privately. Contact her for private classes by clicking here.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
On 1995, I came to study music (singing, teaching and opera) at the Musical Academy. In 2000 I received my Masters degree with honours.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The cold- in 1995 it was one of the worse winters ever, -15, -20 degrees.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
The opera house. Is very beautiful from outside and inside even better. And don't miss a chance to see an opera performance also. I would recommend Puccini's masterpiece, La Boheme, in which i sing also.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Borjú paprikás and meggyes gyömölcs leves.delicious!!!

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Túró Rudi. Taste from paradise, perfect for the summer!

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Hihetetlen. Why? Because it was used very often by Friderikusz Sándor, Hungary's leading TV persona in my opinion, whom I had the pleasure of working with in his hit TV show Fantastic Europe. Every time i would sing or dance Greek folk dances, or I would narrate sthng juicy about the Greek people, he would go "Hihetetlen" meaning, he couldn't imagine that Greece apart from his history (mythology, arts, drama, etc) beauty and tourism has so many other exciting sides :)

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Halloumi. This is Cypriot traditional goat cheese, and it's absolutely superb. Whenever I go to Cyprus, either to perform, or for holidays, I bring many Halloumi with me, to give to my friends also, who just love it.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I can imagine myself being an author of Greek and Cypriot cuisine and a host of a TV culinary show!

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
That of an "ellen?r" you know that guy you meet every day in the metro and insists you show him your ticket even if you are late for a business appointment :(

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Kuwait, and i had a great time. Nice country, Lovely smiley people from all around the globe, great shopping opportunities. I got my first designer shoes there and i just love them :)

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In the Greek islands of course. 2 years I ago I visited Crete which is definitely a beautiful island, and this time I can't miss Mykonos (endless partying) and Santorini with its sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
The Godfather.

14. What can't you resist?
Trüffel torta from Gerbeaud and ice cream from Szamos Marcipán!

15. Red wine or white?
Red cause its good for the heart:)

16. Book or movie?
Book. Eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert! You have to read it.

17. Morning person or night person?
Morning! I want my skin to stay radiant in the future also, so no smoky places thank you!

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Poverty in the 3rd world countries!

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest, to be near to the Opera.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
You have to move your "popsi " if you want things to happen:)

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