On the 9th of June the Opera Centre celebrated its leading pedagogue, people’s artist of Russia, professor of the Moscow Conservatory – Irina Maslennikova’s jubilee.
Photo by A. Gaiduk
According to the opinion of all the guests (among whom there were outstanding cultural workers, artistes, musicians, directors) the atmosphere of that evening won everybody’s favor with its unique warmth and hearfulness which became possible, undoubtedly, because of personality and unique energy of Irina Maslennikova.
The musical gifts were presented by soloists of the Opera Centre and numerous Maslennikova’s pupils – leading soloists of the Moscow music theatres, to their Tutor. The congratulation on behalf of Moscow Conservatory, in which Irina Maslennikova is a professor for more than fifty years! – had been “handed over” by its rector Tigran Alikhanov, who has performed Waltz by F. Chopin. The artistic director and chief scene director of the “Helicon-Opera” Dmitry Bertman in addition to his many original presents, has added an extra one, the main one – the contract with one of the pupils of Irina Maslennikova – Alexandra Kovalevich.
The Moscow Musical Chamber Theatre, directed by Boris Pokrovsky congratulated Irina Maslennikova with Maria Lemesheva’s, her daughter, performance. GITIS and Theatre named after N. Sac, “Novaya Opera” and Moscow Operetta have also congratulated her.
Her husband, Boris Pokrovsky, shared all the feelings of Irina Maslennikova and received declarations of love.
Unfortunately, Galina Vishnevskaya could not be present with her best friends and colleagues because she has not been in Moscow, but she has sent 92 roses and a letter, filled with love and tenderness:
Today we congratulate You, the Great Russian woman, Artiste, Singer, who has presented her crystal-clear voice to the Crown of Bolshoi Theatre, where it will stay forever with the great singers of the 20th century. “…” When in year 1952 I entered the Bolshoi Theatre, my first rehearsal was “Fidelio”, opera by Beethoven, in which part of Leonora was given to me and in which you have performed Marceline. You have already been a famous singer…
Observing the feedback, with which you have been ready to repeat eternally the same episode being asked to do that by director, rehearsing in full-voice, I had wanted to imitate you, I had tried to become a high-class professional.
Since that performance and then “Snegurochka”, our artistic friendship, strengthened by the joint views upon the opera art and, certainly, my admiration of your husband’s, Boris Pokrovsky my Great teacher genius, has begun.