Makvala Kasrashvili Georgian singer (lyric-dramatic soprano, also performs high mezzo-soprano parts) Date of Birth: 13.03.1942 Country: Georgia

1. Makvala Kasrashvili: A Legendary Voice
2. Early Life and Training
3. International Success
4. World Premieres and Signature Roles
5. Touring and Collaborations
6. Concert and Recording Career
7. Later Career and Legacy

Makvala Kasrashvili: A Legendary Voice

Makvala Kasrashvili is a renowned Georgian soprano and mezzo-soprano, widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of our time. She has graced the stages of major opera houses worldwide, showcasing her exceptional artistry and vocal prowess.

Early Life and Training

Born in Kutaisi, Georgia, in 1942, Kasrashvili's musical talent was evident from a young age. She graduated from the Tbilisi Conservatory in 1966 and made her professional debut that same year at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow as Prilepa in Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades."

International Success

Kasrashvili quickly gained international recognition after winning several prestigious vocal competitions. Her breakthrough performance came in 1968 as Countess Almaviva in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," demonstrating her captivating stage presence and vocal agility. She became a principal soloist with the Bolshoi Theatre and performed over 30 leading roles, including Tatiana, Lisa, and Iolanta in Tchaikovsky's operas, and Natasha Rostova and Polina in Prokofiev's "War and Peace" and "The Gambler."

World Premieres and Signature Roles

Kasrashvili's repertoire extended beyond traditional opera. She premiered several roles at the Bolshoi Theatre, including Tamari in Taktakishvili's "Abduction of the Moon," Vojslava in Rimsky-Korsakov's "Mlada," and Joan of Arc in Tchaikovsky's "Joan of Arc." Her signature roles also included Desdemona and Amelia in Verdi's "Otello" and "Un Ballo in Maschera," Tosca in Puccini's "Tosca," and Santuzza in Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana."

Touring and Collaborations

Kasrashvili's career encompassed tours with the Bolshoi Theatre to prestigious venues worldwide, including Paris, Milan, New York, and London. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1979 as Tatiana and later became known as a celebrated Mozart interpreter at Covent Garden. Her collaborations with the Mariinsky Theatre included roles such as Ortrud in Wagner's "Lohengrin" and Herodias in Strauss's "Salome."

Concert and Recording Career

Beyond opera, Kasrashvili maintained an active concert career. Her vast repertoire included Russian romances, sacred music, and major choral works. Her recordings include notable performances of Polina in Prokofiev's "The Gambler," Fevronia in Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh," and Francesca in Rachmaninoff's "Francesca da Rimini."

Later Career and Legacy

Since 2002, Kasrashvili has served as Artistic Director of the Bolshoi Theatre's opera company. She continues to appear in leading roles and participates as a jury member in international vocal competitions. Makvala Kasrashvili's exceptional voice, artistry, and dedication have left an enduring mark on the world of opera and established her as a true legend of the vocal arts.