Breaking: Russia has its first woman music director

Breaking: Russia has its first woman music director

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norman lebrecht

February 19, 2021

The Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg today named Alevtina Ioffe as its music director effective immediately.

Ioffe, 41, has previously been with the Natalia Sats Children’s Musical Theatre in Moscow.

Russia’s Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova says: ‘Ms Ioffe will keep her professional relations with the Natalia Sats Children’s Musical Theatre [in Moscow], and at the same time she will become a part of another major theatrical project [Mikhailovsky Theatre] in the very heart of our cultural capital [St. Petersburg]. We do hope that this collaboration will bring new creative ideas to life. Her rich experience in creating children’s repertoire will be particularly useful. Nowadays, theatres pay special attention to this sphere, and
I am sure that the Mikhailovsky Theatre is acquiring an excellent conductor, moreover a woman – a rare case for the profession – capable of both preserving traditions and unlocking the high potential of the company.’

UPDATE: The only other woman conductor in Russia was Veronika Dudakova, who led the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra from 1947 to 1991.

Comments

  • Sergei says:

    Not true. The great Veronika Dudarova was the chief conductor of many Russian orchestras during her time, including the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra.

  • Old Man in the Midwest says:

    Not sure how to say this in Russian but “she’s easy on the eyes” I’m sure I’ll be hounded by the PC Police.

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