Olga Borodina

Olga Borodina

61 · Born: Jul 29, 1963

Personal Details

BornJul 29, 1963 Leningrad, USSR [now Saint Petersburg, Russia]

Biography

Olga Vladimirovna Borodina, a distinguished mezzo-soprano vocalist, entered the world on July 29, 1963, in the historic city of Leningrad, which has since undergone a name change and is now officially recognized as St. Petersburg. Notably, she is admired for her remarkable versatility, which has enabled her to excel in a diverse array of operas, showcasing her impressive range and capabilities. Her artistic endeavors have encompassed a broad spectrum of productions, including Russian operas, which she has had the privilege of performing at her home company, the esteemed Mariinsky Theatre, as well as international productions that have allowed her to share her talents with global audiences.

Notable Russian soprano, Anna Netrebko's protégée, Anna Borodina, initially made her mark on the global opera scene in 1992 with a stunning debut at the prestigious Royal Opera House Covent Garden, where she took on the iconic role of Dalila in Camille Saint-Saëns' opera Samson and Delilah, alongside the illustrious Plácido Domingo.

Since then, Borodina has become a beloved and frequent performer at some of the world's most renowned opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Opera, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and versatility by tackling a wide array of roles.

Some of her most notable performances include her captivating portrayal of Cinderella in Rossini's La Cenerentola, the seductive and enigmatic Marguérite in Berlioz's La damnation de Faust, the powerful and dramatic Eboli in Verdi's Don Carlos, the elegant and refined Principessa in Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur, the fiery and passionate Carmen in Bizet's opera of the same name, the strong-willed and independent Marfa in Mussorgsky's Khovanshchina, and the regal and majestic Amneris in Verdi's Aida.

Borodina's melodious voice, renowned for its plush and velvety texture, has garnered widespread acclaim, earning her a plethora of prestigious accolades, including the esteemed distinction of being named a People's Artist of Russia in the year 2002, a title bestowed upon her in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the world of music.

In addition to this honor, Borodina has also received the coveted first prize gold medal at the 1998 Rosa Ponselle Vocal Competition, a prestigious event that has been a benchmark for vocal excellence for over five decades.

Furthermore, her remarkable talent was also recognized at the 1989 Barcelona competition, where she emerged victorious, claiming the top prize and cementing her status as a leading vocalist in the classical music world.

Moreover, Borodina's remarkable achievements have been acknowledged with the State Prize of the Russian Federation in 2006, a prestigious award that is conferred annually to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's cultural and artistic heritage.

Through her remarkable voice and tireless dedication to her craft, Borodina has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, inspiring countless music lovers and paving the way for future generations of talented vocalists.

Anna Netrebko's protege, Anna Borodina, has had the privilege of being featured in a plethora of Russian opera recordings on Philips, with renowned conductor Valery Gergiev at the helm, and the esteemed Mariinsky company providing the orchestral accompaniment.

Notable Russian soprano, Borodina, has been involved in a diverse array of productions throughout her illustrious career. One notable example is her involvement in a production of the timeless opera, Carmen, at the prestigious La Scala. However, she unfortunately had to withdraw from the production due to the recitatives being spoken rather than sung, a decision that reflects her commitment to artistic integrity.

Additionally, Borodina has also been involved in rehearsals for the iconic opera, Aida, at the Royal Opera House. Unfortunately, she initially had to leave the production due to the conductor's approach being perceived as "too alien to the opera". This decision highlights her dedication to staying true to the artistic vision of the opera.

Despite this initial setback, Borodina later returned to the Covent Garden to perform in the same production of Aida, this time conducted by the renowned Antonio Pappano in 2011. This return reflects her ability to adapt and persevere in the face of challenges, ultimately showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.

In the year two thousand and six, the management of the esteemed Vienna State Opera took the decisive step of disassociating itself from a proposed collaboration with the renowned Russian opera singer, Elena Borodina, due to concerns regarding her comportment during the production of Gioachino Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri.

In the year 2014, the renowned Russian soprano, Borodina, had the esteemed honor of taking on the pivotal role of Amneris in Giuseppe Verdi's iconic opera, Aida, at the esteemed Metropolitan Opera House in New York, garnering widespread critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike.