Maria Maksakova Soviet and Russian opera singer, lyric mezzo-soprano, teacher, publicist Date of Birth: 08.01.1902

1. Childhood and Early Career
2. Professional Breakthrough
3. Personal Life
4. Later Career and Honors
5. Legacy and Memory

Childhood and Early Career

Maria Maksimovna Sidorova, known as Maria Maksakova, was born in Astrakhan, Russia, on May 1, 1902. Her father, Pyotr Vasilyevich, was an employee of the Astrakhan shipping company, while her mother, Lyudmila, was a peasant from the Vyatka province. Maria lost her father at a young age and turned to singing in a church choir to help support her family.

Maria's vocal education began at the Astrakhan Music School, which had been established in 1900. During the Russian Civil War, she performed in concerts for Red Army soldiers. In 1919, she made her operatic debut in the role of Olga in Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" in the town of Krasny Yar.

Professional Breakthrough

After auditioning for the Astrakhan opera troupe, Maria impressed the impresarios with a challenging aria from "Eugene Onegin." Despite the envy of her younger colleagues, she became a soloist and improved her vocal skills under the guidance of Maximillian Schwarz, who performed under the pseudonym Maksakov.

In 1923, Maksakov joined the Bolshoi Theater, where he used his connections to secure a position for Maria. Her debut as Amneris in Verdi's "Aida" garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. Maria's subsequent performances in operas by Bizet, Rimsky-Korsakov, Wagner, and Mussorgsky established her as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos in the Soviet Union.

Personal Life

Maria Maksakova's first husband was her voice teacher, Maximillian Maksakov, who had previously been married to opera singer Ksenia Iordanskaya. Despite the age difference and Maksakov's Austrian citizenship, the couple married in 1923.

After Maksakov's death in 1936, Maria married diplomat and intelligence agent Yakov Davtyan. However, this marriage was cut short when Davtyan was arrested and executed in 1938. In 1940, Maria gave birth to her only child, Lyudmila, whose official father was Bolshoi Theater baritone Alexander Volkov.

Unofficially, it is rumored that Lyudmila's biological father was Joseph Stalin, who was a great admirer of Maria's singing. Lyudmila inherited her mother's vocal talents and became a renowned actress and singer.

Later Career and Honors

Following her retirement from the Bolshoi Theater in 1955, Maria Maksakova continued to perform as a concert soloist and teach at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS). She became a People's Artist of the USSR in 1971 and was awarded the Stalin Prize three times.

Legacy and Memory

Maria Maksakova died in Moscow on August 19, 1974. Her gravesite at the Vvedenskoye Cemetery is a testament to her enduring legacy. In her hometown of Astrakhan, a street, park, and philharmonic hall bear her name. A music festival in her honor has been held in Astrakhan since 1987.

Maria Maksakova's exceptional vocal abilities, combined with her resilience and determination, made her an iconic figure in Russian opera. Her performances and teachings continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.