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Nikandr KhanaevSoviet opera singer (dramatic tenor), teacher
Date of Birth: 08.06.1890
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Content:
- Nikandr Sergeyevich Khanayev
- Moscow Conservatory and Opera Career
- Other Achievements and Awards
- Personal Life and Legacy
Nikandr Sergeyevich Khanayev
Early Life and EducationNikandr Khanayev was born on June 23, 1890, in the village of Pesochnya, Russian Empire. As a child, he possessed a remarkable low voice (alto) and sang in church choirs. At the age of 15, he left his family and traveled to Moscow. During World War I, he served on the front lines, returning in 1917.
Moscow Conservatory and Opera Career
After the war, Khanayev performed in amateur club concerts, where his musicality attracted the attention of professionals. In 1920, the Moscow singer Ye. D. Yeldigarova approached him and offered to study singing with her. From 1921 to 1924, he enrolled in the Moscow Conservatory under the tutelage of L. G. Zvyagina. In 1925, he joined the Opera Studio of the Bolshoi Theatre (now known as the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre).
From 1926 to 1954, Khanayev was a soloist at the Bolshoi Theatre. He performed in concerts and collaborated on the oratorios "Samson" by G. Handel, "On the Kulikovo Field" by Yu. A. Shaporin, and the 9th Symphony by L. van Beethoven. His exceptional vocal and stage presence enabled him to create memorable and authentic artistic characters.
Other Achievements and Awards
In 1943, Khanayev donated his Stalin Prize of 50,000 rubles to the Defense Fund. From 1948 to 1950, he taught at the Moscow Conservatory and headed the State Examination Commission in its vocal faculty. In 1954, he appeared in a film adaptation of "Boris Godunov" as Prince Shuisky. Khanayev's final performance with the Bolshoi Theatre was in March 1959, as Prince Golitsyn in M. P. Mussorgsky's "Khovanshchina."
Khanayev received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the titles of Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1933), People's Artist of the RSFSR (1937), and People's Artist of the USSR (1951). He was also awarded three Stalin Prizes (1943, 1949, 1950) and two Orders of the Red Banner of Labour (1937, 1951).
Personal Life and Legacy
Khanayev married Raisa (or Irada) Ilyinichna Ryvkina in 1917. Their daughter, Evgenia Khanayeva, became a renowned actress and was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1987. Nikandr Sergeyevich Khanayev passed away on July 23, 1974, in Moscow. His legacy as an outstanding opera singer and pedagogue continues to inspire generations of artists.
