Elena Kelessidi is a renowned soprano opera singer who has captivated audiences around the world with her powerful voice and emotive performances. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on October 23, 1964, Kelessidi grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. Her father was a conductor and her mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Kelessidi began her formal training at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in St. Petersburg, where she studied under the guidance of renowned vocal coach Tamara Novichenko. She quickly distinguished herself as a talented singer, and in 1988, she won first prize at the International Competition for Young Opera Singers in Sofia, Bulgaria. After completing her studies, Kelessidi made her professional debut at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, where she performed the role of Musetta in Puccini's "La Bohème." Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she soon became a regular performer at the Mariinsky Theatre, where she appeared in a variety of operas, including "Eugene Onegin," "The Queen of Spades," and "The Marriage of Figaro." In 1991, Kelessidi made her international debut at the Royal Opera House in London, where she performed the role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata." Her performance was a resounding success, and she quickly became a sought-after performer on the international opera circuit. Over the course of her career, Kelessidi has performed at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and the Berlin State Opera. She has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Valery Gergiev, Zubin Mehta, and Riccardo Muti. One of Kelessidi's most memorable performances came in 1994, when she performed the role of Gilda in Verdi's "Rigoletto" at the Metropolitan Opera. Her performance was widely praised by critics, who hailed her as a rising star in the opera world. In addition to her performances on stage, Kelessidi has also recorded several albums, including "Russian Romances," "Italian Opera Arias," and "French Opera Arias." Her recordings have been well-received by critics and audiences alike, and have helped to cement her reputation as one of the world's leading opera singers. Throughout her career, Kelessidi has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1995, she was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Russia, and in 2003, she was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian government for her contributions to the arts. Despite her many accomplishments, Kelessidi remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform regularly and is committed to mentoring the next generation of opera singers. Her passion for music and her unwavering dedication to her art have made her a beloved figure in the world of classical music, and her legacy is sure to endure for generations to come.

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