“The colors of her voice are the colors of her native land”

This event took place on the occasion of the 142nd anniversary of the world-famous opera singer. The celebration took place at the Krushelnytska Museum, located on the street named after her. The album includes 26 arias from operas, folk songs, and ballads. The rare recordings were made between 1902 and 1951. The Day learned from the museum’s employees that these records are peculiar in that they have not been restored: “they are noisy, but retain the original timbre of the singer’s voice.”

 The opera diva’s anniversary was also an occasion to put on display Krushelnytska’s personal items from the collection of her niece, Odarka Bandrivska, as well as original photos of the singer and her family.

 Let us recall that Krushelnytska, who was born on September 23, 1872 and died on November 16, 1952, was recognized as the world’s most prominent opera singer during her lifetime. Her many awards and honors included the title of the Wagnerian Diva of the 20th Century. Legendary Enrico Caruso, Titta Ruffo, and Fyodor Chaliapin felt honored to share the stage with her. Italian composer Giacomo Puccini presented the singer with his portrait, dedicated “To the Most Beautiful and Enchanting Madama Butterfly.” Krushelnytska’s successes at operas all over the world were successes and signs of recognition for the Ukrainian music and art as well.

 The Lviv Opera House was named the Krushelnytska Opera House in 2006, while its director-general Tadei Eder had a bronze statue of Krushelnytska, cast by Yaroslav Skakun, installed in the Mirror Hall of the institution. Eder also made sure that a bust of Krushelnytska was installed at the Museum of La Scala, where she once sang.

 Finally, we would do well by quoting author, scholar, and translator Andrii Sodomora, who once told The Day’s reporter about Krushelnytska: “For all of us, she will serve as the highest example of what one has to be to not get lost in this globalized world, which we can only confront with our inner warmth and the song thread that connects us to our land. Krushelnytska’s voice is the voice of her country. She heard the land sing, and the colors of her voice are the colors of her native land.”