Elena Zhidkova is a Russian mezzo-soprano who has established herself as one of the leading classical music artists of her generation. Born on December 22, 1975, in Moscow, Russia, Zhidkova showed an early interest in music and began studying piano at the age of six. However, it was not until she was a teenager that she discovered her true passion for singing. Zhidkova began her vocal training at the Moscow State Conservatory, where she studied under the guidance of renowned vocal coach Irina Maslennikova. She quickly distinguished herself as a talented singer, and in 1997, she won first prize at the International Rimsky-Korsakov Competition in St. Petersburg. Following her success at the competition, Zhidkova began to receive invitations to perform at major opera houses and concert halls around the world. In 1998, she made her debut at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, where she performed the role of Olga in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin. This performance was widely praised by critics, and it marked the beginning of Zhidkova's rise to international fame. Over the next few years, Zhidkova continued to perform at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Vienna State Opera. She also began to receive invitations to perform at major music festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival and the Bayreuth Festival. One of the highlights of Zhidkova's career came in 2007, when she was invited to perform the role of Kundry in Wagner's Parsifal at the Bayreuth Festival. This was a particularly significant achievement for Zhidkova, as the Bayreuth Festival is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious Wagner festival. Her performance was widely praised by critics, and it cemented her reputation as one of the leading Wagnerian singers of her generation. In addition to her work in opera, Zhidkova has also established herself as a highly sought-after concert performer. She has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors, including Daniel Barenboim, Sir Simon Rattle, and Valery Gergiev. Throughout her career, Zhidkova has received numerous awards and accolades for her work as a classical music artist. In 2002, she was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Russia, and in 2010, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a performing artist in Russia. She has also been the recipient of numerous international awards, including the Echo Klassik Award and the International Opera Award. Despite her many achievements, Zhidkova remains committed to her craft and continues to work tirelessly to perfect her art. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile mezzo-sopranos of her generation, and her performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.

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