THE MUSIC: The complete role of Elena in Verdi's "I vespri siciliani" can be considered a "soprano assoluta" role, ideal for a heavier lyric soprano with a wide vocal compass (both high notes and low notes) and considerable dramatic punch, but also able to put over this showy florid bolero in the last act. “Mercè dilette amiche," with its intricate scales, turns, mordents, grace notes, and long trills is so infectious it has over the years been lifted out of the opera by lighter coloratura sopranos who could never sing the entire role, and performed as a concert selection. Elena Ustinova is one such singer, who interpolates a sustained final High E6.

THE SONGBIRD: Elena Ustinova [Елена Устинова] was born in Leningrad in 1954. She studied music and dance there, and then graduated from St. Petersburg Conservatory and became a soloist at St. Petersburg Opera Theater. She was a laureate in the Glinka Competition in 1979 and the Maria Callas Grand Prix in Athens in 1983, and took the Lenin Prize that same year. Her roles included Violetta, Gilda, Rosina, Musetta, Donna Anna, Adele, the Queen of Shamakhan and Glinka's Swan Princess. She participated in tours to France, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and United States.

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