Elena Obraztsova: Donizetti - La Favorita, ’O Mio Fernando’

Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova (Russian: Елена Васильевна Образцова) (b. in Leningrad, now St Petersburg Russia, on 7 July 1939) is a Russian mezzo-soprano, widely recognised as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, thanks to her outstanding stage presence and the vocal abilities. She has played many roles throughout her career, including performances under the baton of such leading conductors as Claudio Abbado and Herbert von Karajan. In December 1977 she opened the 200th opera season in La Scala si