Olga BALASHOVA, coloratura mezzo-soprano

Olga Balashova was born in Moscow in 1976.

Completed humanities studies in Moscow.

Prior to the career received training in acting and ballet. Also studied voice at "Leonardo Da Vinci" university in Paris with Elena Vassilieva. Studied voice and dramatic art at The Russian Academy of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and at later Tchaikovsky Conservatory under Prof.A. Martinov.

In Italy studied at the The Ischia International Arts Academy.

Currently studies at the Ippolitov-Ivanov Musical Institute in Moscow under Prof. Ruben Lisitsian and in Savona (Italy) at the Cilea Musical Academy under Prof. Janet Perry and Paolo Vaglieri.

She took part in many international festivals and competitions such as: Shostakovich Festival (2000, Paris), International festival of contemporary music «Moscow Autumn» (2004), International Festival (Marseilles), Festival "Nihon no Kokoro", «Meeting the Sky» (2006, Japan), «Art November» (2007, Saint-Petersburg, Moscow), International competition (2008, Savona, Italy, First prize)

Olga visited master-classes of Elena Vassilieva (France, 2000), Hitomi Somata (Japan, 2005, 2006), Vladimir Chernov (Russia, 2007), Michael Paul (Italy), Susan Ormon (Italy), Janet Perry (Italy), Alberto Dzedda, Lanfranco Marcelletti (Italy, 2008)