Maria Guleghina made her 1987 international debut as Amelia in a production of Un ballo in maschera at La Scala, performing opposite Luciano Pavarotti. Since then, the operatic soprano has built a career focused on the Italian repertory, establishing herself as a regular presence in major European and international opera houses over the last several decades.
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Born in 1959 in Odesa, she received her formal vocal training at the Odesa National Music Academy under the guidance of Evgeny Nikolaevich Ivanov. Her professional stage career commenced in 1985 with a performance as Yolantha at the State Opera in Minsk. During her early years in the Soviet Union, she was recognized as an Honored Artist of the Belarusian SSR in 1987 while employed at the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus.
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Following her success at La Scala, Guleghina performed across Europe in cities including Vienna, Munich, Hamburg, and London. Her repertoire expanded to include leading soprano roles in works such as I due Foscari, Manon Lescaut, Tosca, and Nabucco. She performed as Lisa in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1992 and appeared as Maddalena in Andrea Chénier at the Metropolitan Opera in 1991. Over her career, she logged over 160 performances at the Metropolitan Opera and starred in 15 different productions at Teatro alla Scala.
Later Roles and Public Appearances
In 2018, she transitioned to Wagnerian roles, debuting as Kundry in Parsifal at the Mariinsky Theatre under the direction of Valery Gergiev, a role she performed again in 2019. Beyond traditional opera, she participated in high-profile public events, including the closing ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the 2014 Winter Paralympics opening ceremony, where she performed a Cossack Lullaby.
Diplomatic and Charitable Contributions
Guleghina has utilized her status in the arts to serve in various philanthropic and honorary roles. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is a member of the Honorary Board of the International Paralympic Committee. Her contributions to public life and art have been recognized with the Order of the Holy Princess Olga.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Odesa
- Citizenship: Luxembourg, Belarus, Soviet Union
- Education: Odesa National Music Academy
- Major debut: La Scala, 1987
- Honors: Honored Artist of the Belarusian SSR (1987)
- Roles: Over 160 performances at the Metropolitan Opera
- Charity: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Questions readers ask
What is Guleghina's primary vocal repertoire?
She is primarily associated with the Italian operatic repertoire, though she has performed a wide range of dramatic soprano roles.
Where does she currently reside?
She is a citizen of Luxembourg and resides there with her family.
Achievements
- Order of the Holy Princess Olga
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera
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