Galina Vishnevskaya

Галина Павловна Вишневская

Opera Soprano, Bolshoi Theatre Prima Donna, Human Rights Dissident, Order of Merit

Born Oct 25, 1926

Leningrad, Russia

Passed Away Dec 11, 2012 Moscow, Russia

Lifespan 86 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Without inner freedom, an artist cannot create anything that will live in eternity."

Archival Overview

Legendary Russian soprano, prima donna of the Bolshoi Theatre, and fierce champion of human rights who with her husband Mstislav Rostropovich sheltered Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and defied the Soviet regime.

Biographical Record

Galina Pavlovna Vishnevskaya survived the brutal Siege of Leningrad as a teenager, serving in air defense units before winning a place at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1952. Blessed with an electrifying dramatic voice and passionate acting, she reigned as the undisputed queen of Soviet opera, starring in 'Eugene Onegin', 'Aida', and 'Tosca'.

Married to virtuoso cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, the couple sheltered dissident writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in their home in the late 1960s, resulting in intense state harassment and exile in 1974, followed by the stripping of their Soviet citizenship in 1978. Benjamin Britten composed the soprano part of his 'War Requiem' specifically for her. Returning triumphantly in 1990, she founded the Moscow Opera Centre.

Key Life Milestones

1962

Benjamin Britten's War Requiem

Had the soprano role in Benjamin Britten's iconic masterwork composed specifically for her voice.

2002

Opening of Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Centre

Established her world-class opera training academy in Moscow to nurture new generations of vocal talent.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Novodevichy Cemetery
Moscow, Russia

                         GPS: 55.7250, 37.5539                    

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