Russian opera star Anna Netrebko receives Austrian citizenship

VIENNA (AFP) — Russian diva Anna Netrebko officially became an Austrian citizen in Salzburg, a few days after giving a glorious performance at the city's famous Music Festival.

The Austrian council of ministers decided last week to give the 34-year-old soprano Austrian citizenship without requiring her to pass a test like most common mortals, because of her "particular merits."

The brunette opera singer will also be allowed to retain her Russian citizenship, unlike other foreigners who must renounce their former nationality when they become Austrian.

Netrebko is a real pop star in Austria, a country where classical music is ever-present, even in the pages of tabloid newspapers.

In Salzburg, she just made her mark in a television version of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," a year after performing with Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon in a glamourous production of Verdi's "La Traviata." Alongside Villazon and ...