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Bolshoi solo harp dies, aged 68

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norman lebrecht

February 26, 2017

Irina Pashinskaya, whose Swan Lake solos were admired the world over, has died in Moscow.

A professor at the Moscow Conservatoire, she was predeceased by her husband, a soloist with the Bolshoi Opera.

Comments

Grace Cloutier, Harpist says:

February 26, 2017 at 1:58 pm

I am heartbroken to hear this sad news…I had the good fortune to work with her in Ukraine as co-juror for Ukraine’s first International Harp Competition. She was loving, kind, giving, and played like a rockstar. I will never forget watching her master class…and, without warming up, she proceeded to play Prokofiev’s Prélude In C for us and nailed it as if it was nothing. What a treat! Her technique was solid as a rock and her musicality strong, bold, and beautiful (just like her). Irina, my dear, your amazing soul is missed by me and what a loss for the world… Thank you for gracing us with your presence and extraordinary gifts. I trust that you are now playing Tchaikovsky for the angels…#AlwaysInMyHeart

Suzi Raymond says:

May 27, 2022 at 11:48 am

I thought of Irina this week and sadly note her passing five years ago. She was a beautiful and extremely talented lady. It was such a pleasure to work with her as her london guide and interpreter when she gave her harp masterclasses and at rehearsals in london. She was warm and affectionate and so easy to connect with. She certainly lit up the room with her music and smile.