Irina Arkhipova

Irina Arkhipova Konstantinovna (Russian Ирина Константиновна Архипова; born January 2, 1925 in Moscow, † February 11, 2010 ibid ) was a Soviet- Russian opera singer ( mezzo-soprano primarily, occasionally old ).

Arkhipova first studied architecture, then singing. In 1954, she debuted in Sverdlovsk, 1956, she was a permanent member of the Bolshoi Theatre. In the 1960s and 1970s, it reached the peak of her career and became an international star, both in Russian and Italian repertoire. Vocally, she has been compared due to their warm voice, their technical perfection and their immense expression skills with Christa Ludwig. Her recording of the greatest mezzo soprano parts of the Russian repertoire, the Marfa Modest Mussorgsky's Khovanshchina from (1972, under the leadership of Boris Chaikin ) is still regarded as unmatched.

In 1993, Irina Arkhipova Foundation Arkhipova Foundation, which works for the promotion and support of young singers.

She was married to the Russian heroic tenor Vladislav Ivanovich Piawko. In 1961 she was awarded the title People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1966 and the title of People's Artist of the USSR.

Arkhipova died on February 11, 2010 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Moscow. She was buried in the Novodevichy Cemetery.