Irina Arkhipova facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Irina Arkhipova
Born	Irina Konstantinovna Arkhipova (1925-01-02)2 January 1925 Moscow, RSFSR, USSR
Died	11 February 2010(2010-02-11) (aged 85) Moscow, Russia
Resting place	Novodevichy Cemetery, Moscow
Occupation	Singer (mezzo-soprano, contralto)
Title	Hero of Socialist Labour (USSR,1984)
Awards	Order of St. Andrew (Russia,2005)

Irina Konstantinovna Arkhipova (Russian: Ири́на Константи́новна Архи́пова; born January 2, 1925, in Moscow – died February 11, 2010, in Moscow) was a famous opera singer from the Soviet Union and later Russia. She was known for her powerful voice, first as a mezzo-soprano and later as a contralto. She performed leading roles in operas in Russia, including at the famous Bolshoi Theatre, and also sang across Europe and in the United States. She was recognized as a People's Artist of the USSR in 1966 and a Hero of Socialist Labour in 1984.

Who Was Irina Arkhipova?

Irina Arkhipova was born in Moscow. Before she became a singer, she studied architecture at the Moscow Architectural Institute. She finished her studies there in 1948. After that, she decided to follow her passion for music and studied at the Moscow Conservatory.

Her singing career began in 1954 when she performed in Yekaterinburg (then called Sverdlovsk). In 1956, she joined the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, which is one of the oldest and most famous opera and ballet theaters in the world. In 1963, she became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. She was given the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1966, which is a very high honor for artists in the Soviet Union.

What Were Her Career Highlights?

Irina Arkhipova was most famous in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, she became an international star. She sang many different types of opera roles, including those from Russian and Italian operas. People admired her perfect singing technique and her ability to express deep emotions through her voice.

One of her most well-known roles was Marfa in the opera Khovanshchina by Modest Mussorgsky. She recorded this role in 1972. Even when she was 72 years old, Arkhipova made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in March 1997. She played the role of Filipyevna in the opera Eugene Onegin.

Irina Arkhipova passed away in Moscow on February 11, 2010, at the age of 85.

What Operas Did She Perform In?

Irina Arkhipova performed in many famous operas. She was known for her powerful voice in roles by great composers. Some of the operas she sang in include:

• Giuseppe Verdi
  • Aida (as Amneris)
  • Don Carlos (as Eboli)
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • Eugene Onegin (as Filippyevna)
  • The Queen of Spades (as the Countess)
• Modest Mussorgsky
  • Boris Godunov (as Marina)
  • Khovanshchina (as Marfa)
• Georges Bizet
  • Carmen (as Carmen)

What Awards Did She Receive?

Irina Arkhipova received many important awards and honors throughout her life for her amazing contributions to music. Some of these include:

• Hero of Socialist Labour (1984) – This was one of the highest awards in the Soviet Union for achievements in work.
• Order of St. Andrew (2005) – This is Russia's highest order of chivalry.
• Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 2nd class (1999) – For her outstanding work in culture.
• Three Orders of Lenin (1971, 1976) – Another very high Soviet award.
• Lenin Prize (1978) – A major state award in the Soviet Union.
• State Prize of the Russian Federation (1996)
• People's Artist of the USSR (1966) – The highest artistic honor in the Soviet Union.

Irina Arkhipova was even listed in the Russian Book of Records as the most awarded Russian singer. A small planet, number 4424, was named "Arkhipova" in her honor in 1995.

Images for kids

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  Irina Arkhipova on a 2012 Russian stamp

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  Irina Arkhipova receiving the Order of St. Andrew

See also

In Spanish: Irina Arjípova para niños