The opening brought true the great singer’s longtime dream of giving Russia a place where young singers could hone their performing skills and that would give them a chance to present the Russian school of opera singing at the world’s premier venues. The opening ceremony came as part of the City Day celebrations and Galina Vishnevskaya was joined by Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov who did so much to make this one of a kind concert and educational center happening. The ceremony was attended by a posse of celebrities among them Mstislav Rostropovich, Tamara Sinyavskaya, Badri Maisuradze, Alexander Voroshilo, Irina Antonova, Anatoly Iksanov, Vyacheslav Zaitsev, leading politicians, diplomats and business people. Highlighting the whole event was a concert given by the Centre s students and the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Ponkin.
“The Centre boasts state-of-the-art equipment. The participants had a chance to appreciate the acoustics of the somber Blue Hall and the young performer’s vocal qualities during a short concert. In the end, those gathered were in for a nice surprise. Galina Vishnevskaya was handed the Casta Diva award in the most touted Dame of the Opera nomination.”
Vechernyaya Moskva, September 2, 2002
“The prima donna described this day as one of the happiest in her whole life, something she had been waiting for a long, long time to bring true her much-cherished longtime dream of building a posh snow-white building of an Opera Art Centre in the heart of Moscow.”
Moskovsky Komsololets, September 3, 2002
“The season which has just opened has already been rich in fascinating events. One major highlight was the inauguration in Ostozhenka Street in downtown Moscow of an Opera Centre all inspired by the outstanding Russian diva Galina Vishnevskaya who had long cherished the idea of opening such an institution in Russia.”
Parlamentskaya Gazeta, September 17, 2002
Welcome to the Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Centre!