Talent, charisma and a certain magnetism - these qualities were especially noted by the colleagues of the great Russian singer of the opera Irina Maslennikova. About her brilliant career, personal life and other interesting elements of the biography will be discussed in this article.
Singer Biography
Irina Ivanovna Maslennikova was born in the capital of Ukraine , Kiev in 1918. Since childhood, having the ability to music, at the age of twenty the girl entered the conservatory in the class of Palyaeva. It was in 1938 that the artist’s career began, as teachers, noting the talent of the young singer, repeatedly attracted her to participate in productions of the Kiev Opera. Thus, at the beginning of Maslennikova’s track record, the following performances appear: “The Wedding of Figaro” and “Fra Devilo”.
Three years later, in 1941, Irina Maslennikova was enrolled in the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theater as an intern. And so, at the very beginning of her professional career, the singer, along with the whole troupe, was evacuated to Ufa in connection with the outbreak of World War II.
Over the next two years, the artist works in Irkutsk, and in 1943 he moved to Moscow, where he began performing in the Bolshoi Theater troupe. From the very first days, the leading parties in the most famous opera productions trust the singer. Until 1960, she was one of the leading soloists of the theater, an opera prima.
Until the end of her life, the artist was engaged in teaching at the best schools in the country. The opera diva died in 2013 in Moscow, the city in which she lived for more than half a century. She was 94 years old.
Personal life
Irina Maslennikova was legally married to Sergei Lemeshev, a talented opera singer. The first beauty of the theater, a true artist, a talented soloist with a beautiful voice - all women liked him without exception.
Irina Maslennikova was completely in his taste: a beautiful, young, slender, well-educated talented girl could not help but attract his attention.
They met at a time when Sergey was already married to Lyubov Varzer, who also performed at the Bolshoi Theater. Lemeshev was never deprived of female attention, and he often stared at the young soloists. So, while his wife went on tour, Sergey began an affair with Irina Maslennikova.
The singer became the only wife of the artist who gave him a daughter. The girl was called Maria. Now she, like her parents once, performs in the theater.
Off Stage Activities
In addition to active creative activity, Irina Maslennikova, who at that time was a recognized opera diva not only of the Soviet, but also of a global scale, taught at various educational institutions. For 18 years, from 1956 to 1974, she taught vocal classes at GITIS. Since 1974, the singer taught at the Moscow State Conservatory, already having the title of professor, which Irina Ivanovna received in 1972. Since 2002, the national artist was engaged with young talents at the Center for Opera Singing. Galina Vishnevskaya.
Thus, in her long life, Irina Ivanovna not only performed leading roles in the most famous operas of the world, but also made a huge contribution to the classical vocal education of young artists.
Performed Works
As mentioned above, the opera singer began her professional career in 1943. During this period, she performed the main roles in the productions of Rigoletto, The Siberian Barber, and The Snow Maiden.
Then for 15 years, the artist sang in La Traviata, Great Friendship, Romeo and Juliet, Ivan Susanin, Ruslana and Lyudmila, Morozko, Don Juan, Lakme, Pebble , “Sorochinsky fair”, “Carmen”, “Fidelio”, “Nikita Vershinin”, “Bohemia”, “Tsar’s bride” and many other classical works of opera art that brought her world fame and allowed her to tour around the world and abroad in the best theaters.
Ranks and awards
The opera singer received her first award in 1947, almost at the beginning of her career. It was the 1st prize of the World Festival of Students and Youth, held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
The next award in the form of an honorary title came to the performer in 1951. She received the title "Honored Artist of the RSFSR" for her contribution to the development of domestic opera art.
In 1957, I. Maslennikova was awarded an even more honorary title, namely, People's Artist of the RSFSR. Recall that this title is awarded for special merits in the field of music, theater, pop, circus and cinema. In the days of the Soviet Union, however, as now, this title is included in the award system of the state.
Then in 1972, in connection with active teaching, Maslennikova received the title of professor.
Then, in 1976, the artist was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and in 2002 - the Order of Friendship for the popularization of Russian culture and contribution to the establishment of friendly relations with other countries.