Nina Svetlanova, a cherished piano teacher at the Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College of Music, has passed away at her home in New York. She was 92 years old.
Svetlanova retired two years ago after a battle with cancer. She is survived by her son Igor Lekhmus, daughter-in-law Bobby, three grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
This obituary is prepared by Constantine Orbelian, Martin Labazevitch, and Golda Vainberg-Tatz:
As one of the last surviving students of the esteemed Russian pianist and pedagogue Heinrich Neuhaus, Svetlanova emigrated to the United States in 1975. She quickly earned a reputation as a sought-after teacher, first at Mannes College of Music and later at the Manhattan School of Music, where she continued to teach until near the end of her life.
Prior to her move to the U.S., Svetlanova was affiliated with the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow as a vocal coach and toured internationally with the renowned mezzo-soprano Zara Doloukhanova as part of Moskonzert.
Her first husband was the legendary conductor, composer, and pianist Yevgeny Svetlanov, and her second husband was Eduard Lekhmus, an Estonian tenor and opera singer.
Generations of students traveled to New York specifically to study with her. Many of them have gone on to distinguished careers as pianists, conductors, and educators worldwide.
Svetlanova’s passion for music, poetry, and dance profoundly influenced and inspired her students. Her deep admiration for opera and her remarkable ability to recite operatic arias, particularly those by Russian composers, set her apart. She will be deeply missed by her family, her students, and her many admirers.
