Obraztsova Academy will open in August

In the living room on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg on August 8, an Academy of music for gifted children and adults will open, conceived by the opera singer Elena Obraztsova (1939-2015).

“To date, we are completing a three-year-old overhaul-restoration of an architectural monument of the 19th century-Gostiny Dvor,” Nadezhda Tushakova, chairman of the board of directors of the Bolshaya Gostiny Dvor company, told TASS . “Repair is carried out at the expense of the future rent, in addition, the business community helps us.”

“The Academy is the dream that Elena Vasilievna has been hatched for many years, this is what helped her to hold out in the last years of her life, despite a serious illness,” said Elena Elena Makarova, director of Elena Elena Makarova.

Both children and adults will be able to study at the Academy - an additional professional education is provided. Among the children are two age groups: 11–13 years and 14-17 years. In addition to vocals, they will study choreography, fine art, acting and other disciplines.

“The singers, known throughout the world, will come with master classes. Thomas Hempson, a brilliant baritone from the United States, Soprano Warbor Voita and Anna Netrebko have already agreed, ”said Ildar Abdrazakov, artistic director of the academy.

In addition, the Academy will constantly teach the best Russian teachers. Abdrazakov also said that students and graduates of the conservatory will be able to try their hand on stage, and young singers from different countries will come to the academy to exchange experience.

The training will be paid, but about 20 free places will be allocated for the most gifted students.