Nelly Lee
Nelly Lee (1942–2015) was a Russian soprano of Korean descent celebrated for her work in opera, chamber music, and avant-garde vocal repertoire. An Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation, she is recognized for her wide-ranging talent, which led to performances at international festivals and on tours around the world.
Early life and training
Origin: Nelly Lee was born on February 5, 1942, in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic (part of the USSR).
Heritage: She was of Korean descent but pursued her career as a Russian soprano.
Education: Lee honed her vocal talents at the prestigious Leningrad Conservatory.
Career highlights
Versatile repertoire: Lee's singing career was marked by her ability to perform a large and diverse range of musical styles, including early music, classical Russian and modern Russian repertoire, and the avant-garde.
Premieres and commissions: Many works were written specifically for her, and she was the first to premiere them.
International tours: She toured internationally with several renowned conductors, with performances taking her to France, Germany, England, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Notable recordings: Her discography includes recordings of vocal works by Johann Sebastian Bach. A 1987 recording featured her singing Bach Cantatas BWV 78 and BWV 140.
Recordings: Other albums include "Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Vocalise" (1986), "3 The Top", "Next to You", and "Mystery Box".
Later life and legacy
Recognition: Lee was awarded the title of Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation for her contributions to music.
Death: She passed away on December 2, 2015, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, at the age of 73.
Enduring influence: Her wide array of recordings and performances ensure her legacy continues to influence and inspire.