Opera diva Obraztsova dies
MOSCOW – Russia’s famed mezzo-soprano Elena Obraztsova, who has performed worldwide, has died at the age of 75.
Obraztsova’s cultural foundation said in a statement she died Monday of cardiac arrest at a clinic in Germany, but didn’t provide details.
Born in Leningrad, Obraztsova as a child survived a devastating Nazi siege of the city during World War II.
In 1963, she debuted in Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater as Marina Mnisek in Boris Godunov.
She performed at many stages worldwide, including La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House.
Her parts included Azucena in Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Dalila in Saint-Saens’ Samson et Dalila and Amneris in Verdi’s Aida.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Obraztsova’s family.
Obraztsova will be buried at Moscow’s Novodevichy cemetery Thursday.