Irina Mishura-Lekhtman

Mezzo Soprano

October 8, 1994

From 1985 through May, 1992, Irina Mishura-Lekhtman was the leading mezzo soprano for the MOLDAVIAN STATE OPERA; performing over twenty roles and over 250 performances throughout the Soviet Union and Europe. She also holds a B.A. in piano instruction, an M.A. in voice performance, and a Ph.D. in vocal instruction from distinguished Russian universities.

In May, 1992, Ms. Lekhtman emigrated to the United States. Facing cultural, language, and economic changes, it is not surprising, even with her performance and educational background, that it has taken some time for her talent to surface. But, beginning in 1993, Ms. Lekhtman returned to Europe for performances of Carmen and Azucena in Brussels, Antwerp, and Izmir (Turkey).

In January, 1994, Ms. Lekhtman's stock started to rise. Neeme Jarvi, worldrenowned conductor and Music Director of the DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, introduced Irina to America in the North American premiere of Tchaikovsky's "Snow Maiden" - to critical acclaim. Chandos Records also recorded this production for a Winter '94 release.

Opportunities continue to appear for Ms. Lekhtman. In addition to numerous concerts locally, she will, in August '94, repeat the "Snow Maiden" concert with the Detroit Symphony in Detroit, Interlochen, and Los Angeles - at the Hollywood Bowl. She will also make her Michigan Opera Tbeatre debut as Suzuki in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" in October '94 and her Opera Pacific debut in the same role in March '95.

"Opera News" (8/93) said this of Ms. Lekhtman: "...Star of the evening was Irina Lekhtman whose Azucena commanded the stage with a firm smooth tone." Maestro Jarvi, after working with Irina, said, "She is a very talented, wonderful singer .. she has a nice, mellow mezzo-soprano voice with a very big range. Her singing is lyrical, yet she can sing with emotion, in terms of both the text and the music. We are lucky to have her here (in Detroit)."