An outstanding Russian opera diva who became world-famous for her portrayal of Carmen in Bizet’s opera, Irina Arkhipova, has passed away, aged 85.
The award-winning versatile artist performed at some of the word’s most prestigious theaters, including London’s Covent Garden and Milan’s La Scala.
The landmark singer was the soloist of the Bolshoi Theater for over thirty years, performing some of the most coveted arias in the repertoire.
According to many, her death has put an end to an entire epoch of the Russian vocal art.
Arkhipova’s life trajectory was not ordinary. One of Russia’s most acclaimed opera singers to-be first majored in architecture before she realized that music was the be-all and end-all of her life.
The singer was praised not only for her impeccable technique and an authentic bel canto, but also for her beaming energy, which she shared with the public and fellow singers.
Archipova has brought up several generations of Russian opera singers, spreading her passion for singing across the country and overseas.
She gave master classes all over the world and also performed as a concert artist, with almost a hundred songs in her repertoire.