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{{Short description|Soviet and Russian opera singer}}
{{Eastern Slavic name|Vasiliyevna|Obraztsova}}
{{family name hatnote|Vasilyevna|Obraztsova|lang=Eastern Slavic}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|name = Elena Obraztsova
| name = Elena Obraztsova
|native_name = Елена Образцова
| native_name = Елена Образцова
|native_name_lang = ru
| native_name_lang = ru
|image = Elena Obrazcova.jpg
| image = Elena Obraztsova cropped.jpg
|caption = Obraztsova at the Kremlin, 2008
| caption = Obraztsova at the Kremlin, 2000
|background = solo_singer
|birth_name = Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova | birth_name = Yelena Vasilyevna Obraztsova
|birth_date = 7 July 1939 | birth_date = {{Birth date|1939|7|7}}
| birth_place = ], ], ]
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2015|1|12|1939|7|7}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2015|1|12|1939|7|7|df=yes}}
|death_place = ], ], ]
|occupation = Opera singer (]) | death_place = ], ], ]
| occupation = Opera singer (])
|years_active =
|awards = {{Order of Lenin}} | awards = ]
}} }}
'''Elena Vasilyevna Obraztsova''' ({{lang-rus|Еле́на Васи́льевна Образцо́ва||ɪ̯ɪˈlʲenə vɐˈsʲilʲɪ̯ɪvnə ɐbrɐˈstsovə}}; 7 July 1939 – 12 January 2015) was a Soviet and Russian ].<ref>{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=q43417|pure_url=yes}}|title=Yelena Obraztsova|publisher=All Music|access-date=6 June 2015}}</ref> She was awarded the ] in 1976 and ] in 1990.

'''Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova''' ({{lang-ru|Елена Васильевна Образцова}}; 7 July 1939 – 12 January 2015) was a Russian ], widely recognised as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, thanks to her outstanding stage presence and vocal abilities.<ref>{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=q43417|pure_url=yes}}|title=Yelena Obraztsova|publisher=All Music}}</ref>


==Life== ==Life==
As a child, Obraztsova lived in Leningrad through the severe ] (more than 870 days) during ].<ref name=nytobit>{{cite news|last1=Kishkovsky|first1=Sophia|title=Elena Obraztsove, 75, Jewel of bolshoi Opera, Is Dead|work=]|date=19 January 2015}}</ref> From 1954 to 1957, Obraztsova studied in the Tchaikovsky musical college in ] and frequently participated in concerts onstage of ]. From 1957 to 1958, Obraztsova studied in ]'s music school. In August 1958, Obraztsova passed the examinations and became a student at the ]. In 1963 she was invited to perform in a ] production of '']'' in Moscow.<ref name=telobit>{{cite news|title=Elena Obraztsova - Obituary|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11342919/Elena-Obraztsova-obituary.html|work=The Telegraph|date=13 January 2015}}</ref> Her introduction to the opera houses of Europe and the world was a recital in the ] in Paris. As a child, Obraztsova lived in Leningrad through the severe ] (more than 870 days) during ].<ref name=nytobit>{{cite news|last1=Kishkovsky|first1=Sophia|title=Elena Obraztsove, 75, Jewel of bolshoi Opera, Is Dead|work=]|date=19 January 2015}}</ref> In 1948, at the age of nine, she began singing in the children's chorus of the ] in Leningrad.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2015/4/Departments/Obituaries.html|title=Obituary: Elena Obraztsova|author=F. Paul Driscoll|date=April 2015|volume=79|number=10|journal=]}}</ref>
From 1954 to 1957, she studied in the Tchaikovsky musical college in ] and frequently participated in concerts onstage of ]. From 1957 to 1958, Obraztsova studied in ]'s music school. In August 1958, Obraztsova passed the examinations and became a student at the ]. In 1963 she was invited to perform in a ] production of '']'' in Moscow.<ref name=telobit>{{cite news|title=Elena Obraztsova - Obituary|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11342919/Elena-Obraztsova-obituary.html|work=The Telegraph|date=13 January 2015}}</ref> Her introduction to the opera houses of Europe and the world was a recital in the ] in Paris.


==Opera career== ==Opera career==
She played many roles throughout her career, including performances under the baton of such leading conductors as ] and ]. In December 1977 she opened the 200th opera season in ] singing '']'''s Eboli with Abbado as conductor. She first performed in New York in 1976, in Aida, and was called a "major artist" in reviews.<ref name=nytobit/> She played many roles throughout her career, including performances under the baton of such leading conductors as ] and ]. In December 1977 she opened the 200th opera season in ] singing '']'''s Eboli with Abbado as conductor. She first performed in New York in 1976, in Aida, and was called a "major artist" in reviews.<ref name=nytobit/>


In 1978, she played the title role of ''Carmen'' opposite ] in ]'s television production of the opera. She also appeared as Santuzza in Zeffirelli's film version of '']'' in 1982.<ref name=nytobit/> In her career she performed in operas with many other well-known opera singers of her generation: ], ], ]. She sang Carmen opposite ] in ]’s film of the ] opera, and appeared in Don Carlos with Domingo and ].<ref name=telobit/> In 1978, she played the title role of ''Carmen'' opposite ] in ]'s television production of the opera. She also appeared as Santuzza in Zeffirelli's film version of '']'' in 1982.<ref name=nytobit/> In her career she performed in operas with many other well-known opera singers of her generation: ], ], ], and appeared in Don Carlos with Domingo and ].<ref name=telobit/>


On 27 December 1990, she was awarded the title of the ] (mark of distinction - "Hammer and Sickle" gold medal ), ] by the President of USSR for her contribution to the development of Soviet Music.<ref name=nytobit/> On 27 December 1990, she was awarded the title of the ] (mark of distinction - "Hammer and Sickle" gold medal ), ] by the President of USSR for her contribution to the development of Soviet Music.<ref name=nytobit/>


In June 2007, Obraztsova was appointed artistic director of opera at the ] in St. Petersburg.<ref name=telobit/> She also trained young soloists in her own cultural center in St. Petersburg. Obraztsova regularly appeared on stage at the Mikhailovsky in the role of the Countess in ]'s '']''. In 2008, Obraztsova ended her artistic director contract with the Mikhailovsky to concentrate on the competition of her name and the recently announced project of International Academy of Music in St Petersburg. Obraztsova remained in collaboration with the Mikhailovsky at the General Director's Artistic Advisor. In June 2007, Obraztsova was appointed artistic director of opera at the ] in St. Petersburg.<ref name=telobit/> She also trained young soloists in her own cultural center in St. Petersburg. Obraztsova regularly appeared on stage at the Mikhailovsky in the role of the Countess in ]'s '']''. In 2008, Obraztsova ended her artistic director contract with the Mikhailovsky to concentrate on the competition of her name and the recently announced project of International Academy of Music in St Petersburg. Obraztsova remained in collaboration with the Mikhailovsky at the General Director's Artistic Advisor.


On 7 July 2009, Obraztsova's 70th birthday was marked with a special program at the Mikhailovsky Theater that included ballet performances, opera arias, excerpts from films, and jazz and piano recitals.<ref>Larisa Doctorow, "Home-grown diva", '']'', 10 July 2009.</ref> On 7 July 2009, Obraztsova's 70th birthday was marked with a special program at the Mikhailovsky Theater that included ballet performances, opera arias, excerpts from films, and jazz and piano recitals.<ref>Larisa Doctorow, "Home-grown diva", '']'', 10 July 2009.</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
She strongly supported the Soviety Union, and signed a letter in 1974 denouncing Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya for their support for Alexander Solzhenitsyn.<ref name=telobit/> She strongly supported the Soviet Union, and signed a letter in 1974 denouncing ] and ] for their support for ].<ref name=telobit/>


Obraztsova expressed her support for the ]. Greetings with her signature came to the III Delphic Games 2009 in Jeju/South Korea, under the motto "In Tune with Nature",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insea.europe.ufg.ac.at/news/Obraztsova.pdf|title=Greeting from Elena Obraztsova, 2009|format=]}}</ref> and to the IV Junior Delphic Games 2011 in Johannesburg/South Africa with their motto "Provoke, Innovate, Inspire".<ref></ref> Obraztsova expressed her support for the ]. Greetings with her signature came to the III Delphic Games 2009 in Jeju/South Korea, under the motto "In Tune with Nature",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insea.europe.ufg.ac.at/news/Obraztsova.pdf|title=Greeting from Elena Obraztsova, 2009|access-date=2011-12-17|archive-date=2020-07-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731004644/http://www.insea.europe.ufg.ac.at/news/Obraztsova.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> and to the IV Junior Delphic Games 2011 in Johannesburg/South Africa with their motto "Provoke, Innovate, Inspire".<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628141914/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/2011-Obraztsova.pdf |date=2014-06-28 }}</ref>


She was married twice, first to Vyacheslav Makarov, a physicist, and later Algis Zhuraitis, who was a conductor at the Bolshoi.<ref name=nytobit/> She had a daughter, Elena, with Makarov.<ref name=telobit/> She was married twice, first to Vyacheslav Makarov, a physicist, and later Algis Ziuraitis,<ref>family</ref> who was a conductor at the Bolshoi.<ref name=nytobit/> She had a daughter, Elena, with Makarov.<ref name=telobit/>


==Death== ==Death==
Obraztsova died on 12 January 2015 in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, while undergoing medical treatment. She was 75.<ref> {{ru icon}}</ref> Obraztsova died on 12 January 2015 in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, while undergoing medical treatment. She was 75 years old.<ref> {{in lang|ru}}</ref>


==Honours and awards== ==Honours and awards==
{{more citations needed|section|date=January 2019}}
{{iw-ref|ru|Образцова, Елена Васильевна}}
*] (1st prize) (1962) *] (1st prize) (1962)
*1970 - ] (1st prize, International Vocal Competition in Barcelona) *1970 - ] (1st prize, International Vocal Competition in Barcelona)
*] *]
*1970 Tchaikovsky prize (1st prize)<ref name=telobit /> *1970 Tchaikovsky prize (1st prize)<ref name=telobit />
*], twice (1971, 1980) *], twice (1971, 1980)
*] - for concerts and theatrical activities 1971-1972 period (1973) *] - for concerts and theatrical activities 1971-1972 period (1973)
*] (1973) *] (1973)
*] - for concert programs in 1973-1974 and the roles of Froska, Carmen, Azucena in the Operas "Simeon Kolko", ]'s "Carmen" by ], "Il Trovatore" by ] (1976) *] - for concert programs in 1973-1974 and the roles of Froska "]", ] and Azucena "(])" (1976)
*] (1976)<ref name=nytobit /> *] (1976)<ref name=nytobit />
*] (27 December 1990) - for outstanding contributions to the development of Soviet musical art<ref name=nytobit /> *] (27 December 1990) - for outstanding contributions to the development of Soviet musical art<ref name=nytobit />
*] (27 December 1990)<ref name=nytobit /> *] (27 December 1990)<ref name=nytobit />
*], 3rd class (17 June 1999) - for outstanding contribution to the development of musical art *], 3rd class (17 June 1999) - for outstanding contribution to the development of musical art
*] (2002) *] (2002)
*], 2nd class (10 June 2009) - for outstanding contribution to music and many years of fruitful creative activity *Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 2nd class (10 June 2009) - for outstanding contribution to music and many years of fruitful creative activity
*], 1st class (Russian Orthodox Church, 2009) - in consideration of his labours for the good of the Church and in connection with her 70th birthday *], 1st class (Russian Orthodox Church, 2009) - in consideration of his labours for the good of the Church and in connection with her 70th birthday

==Repertory==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Role
! Composer
! Opera
|-
| Adalgisa
| Bellini
| '']''
|-
| Amneris
| Verdi
| '']''
|-
| Azucena
| Verdi
| '']''
|-
| Carmen
| Bizet
| '']''
|-
| Charlotte
| Massenet
| '']''
|-
| Countess
| Tchaikovsky
| '']''
|-
| Dalila
| Saint-Saëns
| '']''
|-
| Eboli
| Verdi
| '']''
|-
| Federica
| Verdi
| '']''
|-
| Frosya
| Prokofiev
| '']''
|-
| Giovanna Seymour
| Donizetti
| '']''
|-
| Governess
| Tchaikovsky
| '']''
|-
| Grandma
| Prokofiev
| '']''
|-
| Hélène Bezukhova
| Prokofiev
| '']''
|-
| Hérodiade
| Massenet
| '']''
|-
| Jocasta
| Stravinsky
| '']''
|-
| Judith
| Béla Bartók
| '']''
|-
| Konchakovna
| Borodin
| '']''
|-
| Léonor de Guzman (Leonora di Gusmann)
| Donizetti
| '']''
|-
| Lyubasha
| Rimsky-Korsakov
| '']''
|-
| Lyubava Buslayevna
| Rimsky-Korsakov
| '']''
|-
| Marfa
| Mussorgsky
| '']''
|-
| Maria Akhrosimova
| Prokofiev
| '']''
|-
| Marina Mniszech
| Mussorgsky
| '']''
|-
| Marya Bolkonskaya
| Prokofiev
| '']''
|-
| Néris
| Cherubini
| '']''
|-
| Oberon
| Britten
| '']''
|-
| Orfeo
| Gluck
| '']''
|-
| Santuzza<sup>1</sup>
| Mascagni
| '']''<sup>1</sup>
|-
| Silvana
| Respighi
| '']''
|-
| The Marquise of Birkenfeld
| Donizetti
| '']''
|-
| The Princess
| Puccini
| '']''
|-
| Polina; Milovzor (Daphnis)
| Tchaikovsky
| '']''
|-
| Princess de Bouillon
| Cilea
| '']''
|-
| Prince Orlofsky
| J. Strauss II
| '']''
|-
| Ulrica
| Verdi
| '']''
|-
| Zhenya Komelkova
| Molchanov
| ''The Dawns Here Are Quiet''
|}
* <sup>1</sup> Concert performance of the opera/operetta


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category|Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova}} {{commons category|Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova}}
*{{imdb name|id=0643493|name=Yelena Obraztsova}} *{{IMDb name|id=0643493|name=Yelena Obraztsova}}
*{{FAG}}

{{Authority control}}


{{Authority control|VIAF=100236634}}
{{Persondata
|NAME = Obraztsova, Elena
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Singer
|DATE OF BIRTH = 7 July 1939
|PLACE OF BIRTH =
|DATE OF DEATH = 12 January 2015
|PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Obraztsova, Elena}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Obraztsova, Elena}}
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
]

] ]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 03:38, 9 April 2024

Soviet and Russian opera singer In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Vasilyevna and the family name is Obraztsova.
Elena Obraztsova
Елена Образцова
Obraztsova at the Kremlin, 2000
BornYelena Vasilyevna Obraztsova
(1939-07-07)July 7, 1939
Leningard, RSFSR, Soviet Union
Died12 January 2015(2015-01-12) (aged 75)
Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
OccupationOpera singer (mezzo-soprano)
AwardsHero of Socialist Labour

Elena Vasilyevna Obraztsova (Russian: Еле́на Васи́льевна Образцо́ва, IPA: [ɪ̯ɪˈlʲenə vɐˈsʲilʲɪ̯ɪvnə ɐbrɐˈstsovə]; 7 July 1939 – 12 January 2015) was a Soviet and Russian mezzo-soprano. She was awarded the People's Artist of the USSR in 1976 and Hero of Socialist Labour in 1990.

Life

As a child, Obraztsova lived in Leningrad through the severe long siege (more than 870 days) during World War II. In 1948, at the age of nine, she began singing in the children's chorus of the Pioneers Palace in Leningrad.

From 1954 to 1957, she studied in the Tchaikovsky musical college in Taganrog and frequently participated in concerts onstage of Taganrog Theatre. From 1957 to 1958, Obraztsova studied in Rostov-on-Don's music school. In August 1958, Obraztsova passed the examinations and became a student at the Leningrad Conservatory. In 1963 she was invited to perform in a Bolshoi Theatre production of Boris Godunov in Moscow. Her introduction to the opera houses of Europe and the world was a recital in the Salle Pleyel in Paris.

Opera career

She played many roles throughout her career, including performances under the baton of such leading conductors as Claudio Abbado and Herbert von Karajan. In December 1977 she opened the 200th opera season in La Scala singing Don Carlos's Eboli with Abbado as conductor. She first performed in New York in 1976, in Aida, and was called a "major artist" in reviews.

In 1978, she played the title role of Carmen opposite Plácido Domingo in Franco Zeffirelli's television production of the opera. She also appeared as Santuzza in Zeffirelli's film version of Cavalleria rusticana in 1982. In her career she performed in operas with many other well-known opera singers of her generation: Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, Ingvar Wixell, and appeared in Don Carlos with Domingo and Margaret Price.

On 27 December 1990, she was awarded the title of the Hero of Socialist Labour (mark of distinction - "Hammer and Sickle" gold medal ), Order of Lenin by the President of USSR for her contribution to the development of Soviet Music.

In June 2007, Obraztsova was appointed artistic director of opera at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. She also trained young soloists in her own cultural center in St. Petersburg. Obraztsova regularly appeared on stage at the Mikhailovsky in the role of the Countess in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades. In 2008, Obraztsova ended her artistic director contract with the Mikhailovsky to concentrate on the competition of her name and the recently announced project of International Academy of Music in St Petersburg. Obraztsova remained in collaboration with the Mikhailovsky at the General Director's Artistic Advisor.

On 7 July 2009, Obraztsova's 70th birthday was marked with a special program at the Mikhailovsky Theater that included ballet performances, opera arias, excerpts from films, and jazz and piano recitals.

Personal life

She strongly supported the Soviet Union, and signed a letter in 1974 denouncing Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya for their support for Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

Obraztsova expressed her support for the International Delphic Games. Greetings with her signature came to the III Delphic Games 2009 in Jeju/South Korea, under the motto "In Tune with Nature", and to the IV Junior Delphic Games 2011 in Johannesburg/South Africa with their motto "Provoke, Innovate, Inspire".

She was married twice, first to Vyacheslav Makarov, a physicist, and later Algis Ziuraitis, who was a conductor at the Bolshoi. She had a daughter, Elena, with Makarov.

Death

Obraztsova died on 12 January 2015 in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, while undergoing medical treatment. She was 75 years old.

Honours and awards

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Repertory

Role Composer Opera
Adalgisa Bellini Norma
Amneris Verdi Aida
Azucena Verdi Il trovatore
Carmen Bizet Carmen
Charlotte Massenet Werther
Countess Tchaikovsky The Queen of Spades
Dalila Saint-Saëns Samson et Dalila
Eboli Verdi Don Carlos
Federica Verdi Luisa Miller
Frosya Prokofiev Semyon Kotko
Giovanna Seymour Donizetti Anna Bolena
Governess Tchaikovsky The Queen of Spades
Grandma Prokofiev The Gambler
Hélène Bezukhova Prokofiev War and Peace
Hérodiade Massenet Hérodiade
Jocasta Stravinsky Oedipus rex
Judith Béla Bartók Bluebeard's Castle
Konchakovna Borodin Prince Igor
Léonor de Guzman (Leonora di Gusmann) Donizetti La favorite
Lyubasha Rimsky-Korsakov The Tsar's Bride
Lyubava Buslayevna Rimsky-Korsakov Sadko
Marfa Mussorgsky Khovanshchina
Maria Akhrosimova Prokofiev War and Peace
Marina Mniszech Mussorgsky Boris Godunov
Marya Bolkonskaya Prokofiev War and Peace
Néris Cherubini Médée
Oberon Britten A Midsummer Night's Dream
Orfeo Gluck Orfeo ed Euridice
Santuzza Mascagni Cavalleria rusticana
Silvana Respighi La fiamma
The Marquise of Birkenfeld Donizetti The Daughter of the Regiment
The Princess Puccini Suor Angelica
Polina; Milovzor (Daphnis) Tchaikovsky The Queen of Spades
Princess de Bouillon Cilea Adriana Lecouvreur
Prince Orlofsky J. Strauss II Die Fledermaus
Ulrica Verdi Un ballo in maschera
Zhenya Komelkova Molchanov The Dawns Here Are Quiet
  • Concert performance of the opera/operetta

References

  1. "Yelena Obraztsova". All Music. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  2. ^ Kishkovsky, Sophia (19 January 2015). "Elena Obraztsove, 75, Jewel of bolshoi Opera, Is Dead". The New York Times.
  3. F. Paul Driscoll (April 2015). "Obituary: Elena Obraztsova". Opera News. 79 (10).
  4. ^ "Elena Obraztsova - Obituary". The Telegraph. 13 January 2015.
  5. Larisa Doctorow, "Home-grown diva", The St. Petersburg Times, 10 July 2009.
  6. "Greeting from Elena Obraztsova, 2009" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-07-31. Retrieved 2011-12-17.
  7. Greeting from Elena Obraztsova, 2011 Archived 2014-06-28 at the Wayback Machine
  8. family
  9. Умерла знаменитая оперная певица Елена Образцова (in Russian)

External links

Categories: