Elena Obraztsova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elena Obraztsova
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| Елена Образцова | |
Obraztsova at the Kremlin, 2000
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| Born |
Yelena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova
7 July 1939 |
| Died | 12 January 2015 (aged 75) |
| Occupation | Opera singer (mezzo-soprano) |
| Awards | Hero of Socialist Labor |
Elena Obraztsova (born July 7, 1939 – died January 12, 2015) was a famous Soviet and Russian mezzo-soprano opera singer. A mezzo-soprano is a female singer with a voice range between a soprano (highest) and a contralto (lowest). Elena was known for her powerful voice and amazing acting skills on stage. She received top honors like the People's Artist of the USSR in 1976 and Hero of Socialist Labour in 1990, which are very special awards in her country.
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Early Life and Training
Elena Obraztsova grew up in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia. She lived through the difficult Siege of Leningrad during World War II, which was a very long and hard time for the city.
When she was nine years old, in 1948, Elena started singing in the children's choir at the Pioneers Palace in Leningrad. This was her first step into the world of music.
She continued her music studies at the Tchaikovsky musical college in Taganrog from 1954 to 1957. She often performed in concerts there. Later, she studied at a music school in Rostov on Don. In 1958, Elena was accepted into the prestigious Leningrad Conservatory, one of the best music schools.
In 1963, while still a student, she was invited to perform in the famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. This was a huge opportunity for a young singer. She also performed in Paris, which introduced her to audiences across Europe and the world.
A Star on the Opera Stage
Elena Obraztsova became a very successful opera singer, performing many different roles. She worked with some of the greatest conductors, like Claudio Abbado and Herbert von Karajan.
In 1976, she made her debut in New York, performing in the opera Aida. Critics praised her as a "major artist." In 1977, she helped open the 200th opera season at La Scala in Italy, singing the role of Eboli in Don Carlos.
Elena also appeared in popular film versions of operas. In 1978, she played the main role of Carmen in a TV production directed by Franco Zeffirelli. She also appeared as Santuzza in his 1982 film of Cavalleria rusticana. She sang alongside other famous opera stars like Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo.
For her amazing contributions to music, she received the Hero of Socialist Labour award and the Order of Lenin in 1990.
Later in her career, in 2007, Elena became the artistic director of opera at the Mikhaylovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. She also helped train young singers at her own cultural center. She continued to perform, often playing the Countess in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades. In 2009, her 70th birthday was celebrated with a special show at the Mikhailovsky Theater.
Personal Life
Elena Obraztsova was married twice. Her first husband was Vyacheslav Makarov, a physicist, and her second husband was Algis Ziuraitis, a conductor at the Bolshoi Theatre. She had a daughter named Elena with her first husband.
She also supported the International Delphic Games, which are like the Olympic Games but for arts and culture. She sent messages of support to these events, encouraging young artists.
Death
Elena Obraztsova passed away on January 12, 2015, in Leipzig, Germany, at the age of 75. She was undergoing medical treatment at the time.
Honors and Awards
Elena Obraztsova received many important awards for her musical talents:
- Glinka State Prize of the RSFSR (1962, 1973)
- Viñas prize (1970)
- Tchaikovsky prize (1970)
- Honoured Artist of the RSFSR (1973)
- People's Artist of the RSFSR (1973)
- Lenin Prize (1976)
- People's Artist of USSR (1976)
- Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1971, 1980)
- Hero of Socialist Labour (1990)
- Order of Lenin (1990)
- Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 3rd class (1999) and 2nd class (2009)
- Casta Diva prize (2002)
- Order of the Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow, 1st class (2009)
See also
In Spanish: Yelena Obraztsova para niños
