Russian Children's Welfare Society
Encyclopedia
The Russian Children's Welfare Society is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City
with branches in Moscow, Russia, San Francisco and Hollywood, California. It was founded in 1926 to help Russian children whose families had fled to other countries after the onset of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992, the Society has refocused all of its efforts solely to Russia. Vladimir Fekula
has been the President and C.E.O. of the Russian Children’s Welfare Society for the past 11 years. The RCWS funds scholarship programs, medical procedures, pediatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and orphanages throughout Russia.
The direction of the Russian Children's Welfare Society support has been steered by many of the 20th century's tumultuous events. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 prompted the emigration of large numbers of Russians to Europe, Asia, North and South America. By the early thirties, the Society had ten branches operating throughout the United States and was sending money and material assistance to schools and organizations assisting Russian children in locales as diverse as Estonia, Poland, Finland, France, Germany, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Harbin, Shanghai and Istanbul.
The occupation of many of these countries during World War II suspended much of the Society's work, which was prohibited after American entry to the war in 1941. After the liberation of France in 1944, the Society worked very closely with the American Committee for Assistance to France and managed to send $25,000 in cash, food and clothing. By 1945, RCWS assistance was providing hot breakfasts in French schools, serving approximately 1,100 children.
During WWII, the Society's leadership decided to professionalize its operations. RCWS eventually gained recognition by the Presidential War Relief Control Board as an approved charity for work abroad during the war. By 1950, the Society was again sending relief to 14 countries.
Among the long-term volunteers of the RCWS was Princess Vera Constantinovna of Russia
(1906-2001), a great-granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia
and the youngest child of Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia
. Princess Vera was born in Imperial Russia and was a childhood playmate of Nicholas II’s younger children. At the age of twelve she escaped revolutionary Russia and spent the rest of her life in exile, first in Europe and from the 1950s in the United States. Starting November 1952 till 1969, Princess Vera worked at the Russian Children’s Welfare Society, assisting with day to day activities of the organization. She passed away at the Tolstoy Foundation’s elderly care home in Nyack, NY at the age of 94. Princess Vera was the last member of the Romanov dynasty who was born in Russia.
With the dawn of the Cold War, it became all but impossible for the Society to send aid to countries that fell behind the "iron curtain." The Society did carry on its work helping Russian children in western European countries, particularly France, as well as the Far East, South America and the United States.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Society shifted its focus and resources to assist impoverished children living in Russia. The Society received a $4.5 million bequest from the estate of Virginia P.and John Engalitcheff, Jr. in 1990.
During the 2007–2010, the Society disbursed over $2 million in direct aid to children in Russia through its medical programs, scholarships and by supporting orphanages, homeless shelters, hospitals, rehabilitation centers for disabled children and schools.
, an American non-profit organization whose mission is to assist children born with cleft lip and palate worldwide. The project involved two of the most prominent Russian hospitals for children's facial reconstructive surgery: The Moscow Medical Stomatological Institute and the Moscow Center for Children’s Maxillofacial Surgery. In December 2002, in order to help raise the standards of cleft care outside of Moscow, RCWS and MMSU hosted its 1st Training Symposium for 250 cleft practitioners, sponsored by The Smile Train and the Russian Ministry of Health.
According to the Russian government statistics 1 in 3 orphanage graduates will become homeless, 1 in 5 unemployed, 1 in 7 will commit a crime, and 1 in 10 will attempt suicide. To date, the RCWS's scholarship program has been enormously successful in helping its' students avoid these pitfalls by providing a complete support structure to students as they transition from living in an orphanage to attending a university on their own.
, the current President of the RCWS. To this day, the latter two still debate which one gets the credit for coming up with the name "Petroushka" during that first meeting. The late Helen Basilevsky, (grand daughter of White Guards General Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel
), designed the "Petroushka" emblem which is still used on all of its invitations and programs. The first Ball was held at the now defunct Delmonico Hotel; it sold out and was an overwhelming success. It has become one of New York most vibrant and anticipated annual events, attracting upwards of 700 dinner and dancing guests. Past Petroushka Ball events were held at the Pierre
, Plaza
(for over 30 years) and Waldorf=Astoria hotels. Since 2002, the Ball has featured Opera greats such as Anna Netrebko
, Dmitri Hvorostovsky
, Rolando Villazon
, Elina Garanca
, Elena Obraztsova
, Matthew Polenzani
, Maria Guleghina
, Diana Damrau
. Kate Lindsey
, Piotr Beczala
and Paul Groves
, as well as soloists from the American Ballet Theatre
, Bolshoi Theater, Novaya Opera and the Spivakov Foundation. The 47th consecutive Petroushka Ball is scheduled for February, 10, 2012 and will be held at the Waldorf =Astoria Hotel. Featured guest performers include Olga Borodina
and Ildar Abdrazakov with the kind permission of the Metropolitan Opera
.
, Soprano, making her Carnegie Hall debut, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky
, Baritone, accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Luke's. Both Anna and Dmitri are Honorary Directors of RCWS. RCWS also hosted a fashion event with supermodel Sasha Pivovarova
and designer Randi Rahm
to raise funds for children with facial deformities. In 2010, the Society partnered with Bonhams Auction house for a sports gala that featured a number of Olympians, among which was champion figure skater Johnny Weir
.
Organizations must provide a complete application detailing the project for which they are seeking support as well as a budget. The Society annually prepares audited financial statements which carry and unqualified opinion in conformity with Generally Accepted Acounting Principles.
RCWS issues an official agreement stating the dollar amount of the grant and how it is to be spent
Russian banks will not authorize release of funds without such an agreement and require invoices from grantee organizations that match items and services designated in the agreement
The Director of our Moscow office visits grantee organizations to check up on the society's projects
RCWS representatives in Russia, as well as RCWS Board members make periodic visits
Organizations are required to submit midyear and final reports detail expenditures and overall achievements.
Honorary Directors
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
with branches in Moscow, Russia, San Francisco and Hollywood, California. It was founded in 1926 to help Russian children whose families had fled to other countries after the onset of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992, the Society has refocused all of its efforts solely to Russia. Vladimir Fekula
Vladimir Fekula
Vladimir Fekula was born in New York City on 25 May 1936.Fekula had a distinguished career on Wall Street spanning more than forty years...
has been the President and C.E.O. of the Russian Children’s Welfare Society for the past 11 years. The RCWS funds scholarship programs, medical procedures, pediatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and orphanages throughout Russia.
History of RCWS
This year, the Russian Children's Welfare Society celebrates the 85th anniversary of its founding in 1926. The original organizers announced their commitment to improving the lives of Russian children throughout the world at the 125th Street YMCA in New York City. They embarked on their mission with a modest contribution that was sent to support Russian shelters in Latvia, and their legacy lives on in the Society's many programs today.The direction of the Russian Children's Welfare Society support has been steered by many of the 20th century's tumultuous events. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 prompted the emigration of large numbers of Russians to Europe, Asia, North and South America. By the early thirties, the Society had ten branches operating throughout the United States and was sending money and material assistance to schools and organizations assisting Russian children in locales as diverse as Estonia, Poland, Finland, France, Germany, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Harbin, Shanghai and Istanbul.
The occupation of many of these countries during World War II suspended much of the Society's work, which was prohibited after American entry to the war in 1941. After the liberation of France in 1944, the Society worked very closely with the American Committee for Assistance to France and managed to send $25,000 in cash, food and clothing. By 1945, RCWS assistance was providing hot breakfasts in French schools, serving approximately 1,100 children.
During WWII, the Society's leadership decided to professionalize its operations. RCWS eventually gained recognition by the Presidential War Relief Control Board as an approved charity for work abroad during the war. By 1950, the Society was again sending relief to 14 countries.
Among the long-term volunteers of the RCWS was Princess Vera Constantinovna of Russia
Princess Vera Constantinovna of Russia
Princess Vera Constantinovna of Russia, , was the youngest child of Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia and his wife Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mavrikievna. A great-granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, she was born in Imperial Russia and was a childhood playmate of Nicholas II’s ...
(1906-2001), a great-granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia
Nicholas I of Russia
Nicholas I , was the Emperor of Russia from 1825 until 1855, known as one of the most reactionary of the Russian monarchs. On the eve of his death, the Russian Empire reached its historical zenith spanning over 20 million square kilometers...
and the youngest child of Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia
Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia
Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia was a grandson of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia, and a poet and playwright of some renown...
. Princess Vera was born in Imperial Russia and was a childhood playmate of Nicholas II’s younger children. At the age of twelve she escaped revolutionary Russia and spent the rest of her life in exile, first in Europe and from the 1950s in the United States. Starting November 1952 till 1969, Princess Vera worked at the Russian Children’s Welfare Society, assisting with day to day activities of the organization. She passed away at the Tolstoy Foundation’s elderly care home in Nyack, NY at the age of 94. Princess Vera was the last member of the Romanov dynasty who was born in Russia.
With the dawn of the Cold War, it became all but impossible for the Society to send aid to countries that fell behind the "iron curtain." The Society did carry on its work helping Russian children in western European countries, particularly France, as well as the Far East, South America and the United States.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Society shifted its focus and resources to assist impoverished children living in Russia. The Society received a $4.5 million bequest from the estate of Virginia P.and John Engalitcheff, Jr. in 1990.
During the 2007–2010, the Society disbursed over $2 million in direct aid to children in Russia through its medical programs, scholarships and by supporting orphanages, homeless shelters, hospitals, rehabilitation centers for disabled children and schools.
Maxillofacial Surgery
The Russian Children’s Welfare Society is currently working with the Russian Aid Foundation on a project entitled “Give Beauty Back to the Children” to raise funds for the Moscow Center for Maxillofacial Surgery to treat children with facial deformities.Helping Children With HIV/AIDS
In 2007, RCWS started working with the Foundation «Future without HIV/AIDS» and the All Russia Pediatric Aids Center in St. Petersburg, which provides assistance to infected orphans and pregnant women. At the Pediatric AIDS Center there is a community of 40 sick and orphaned children who receive the attention of a dedicated staff of medical and educational professionals who foster their emotional development and integration into society.Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Project
Over the last several years, RCWS has purchased specialized arthritis equipment for the Moscow Institute of Rheumatology and Sechenov Medical Academy. The Society has also helped facilitate training for Russian rheumatologists in New York and in Russia.Joint Project With Smile Train
In the fall of 2000, RCWS partnered with The Smile TrainThe Smile Train
Smile Train is a not-for-profit, 501 organization based in New York City with the mission of providing free corrective surgery for children with cleft lip and palate in about 80 developing countries. Founded in 1999, Smile Train focuses on providing free cleft-related training for doctors and...
, an American non-profit organization whose mission is to assist children born with cleft lip and palate worldwide. The project involved two of the most prominent Russian hospitals for children's facial reconstructive surgery: The Moscow Medical Stomatological Institute and the Moscow Center for Children’s Maxillofacial Surgery. In December 2002, in order to help raise the standards of cleft care outside of Moscow, RCWS and MMSU hosted its 1st Training Symposium for 250 cleft practitioners, sponsored by The Smile Train and the Russian Ministry of Health.
Scholarship Program
RCWS launched a scholarship program to help orphans transition to independent adult life and attain higher education. Since then, the number of participants has grown from 3 in the 2003-2004 academic year to 42 students in 2010-2011. To date, 18 scholarship recipients have completed their schooling and found employment. Currently, RCWS is supporting 42 students in the Pskov, Yaroslavl, Moscow and Velikiy Novgorod regions of Russia.According to the Russian government statistics 1 in 3 orphanage graduates will become homeless, 1 in 5 unemployed, 1 in 7 will commit a crime, and 1 in 10 will attempt suicide. To date, the RCWS's scholarship program has been enormously successful in helping its' students avoid these pitfalls by providing a complete support structure to students as they transition from living in an orphanage to attending a university on their own.
Orphanages
RCWS is committed to giving orphans a sense of care and love once absent in their lives while also preparing them for the future. Many of the estimated 700,000 orphans in Russia are currently unprepared to take care of themselves or find a job, factors greatly contribute to the high rate of homelessness, prostitution,crime, drugs and even suicide amongst former orphans. RCWS helps orphanages meet basic needs as well as promote comprehensive programs that help children develop into healthy and independent adults.Solba Orphanage
One of the RCWS partners, Solba, is an orphanage for girls near the picturesque Nikolo-Solbinsky Convent in Russia that currently supports 30 talented young girls.In 2009–2010, RCWS transferred $85,070 to cover the roof and other renovation expenses at the Solba Orphanage building, as well as support the theatre program.Granny Program
Seven years ago, RCWS initiated the "Granny Program" to aid grandmothers who lacked financial resources to care for their orphaned grandchildren. After its initial run, the program expanded to include any broken families in strained circumstances, struggling to care for orphaned children. The "Granny Program" currently supports 11 families.New Year Party
Every year, the Russian Children’s Welfare Society hosts a New Year’s celebration known as “Yelka” for over 1000 orphaned and sick children. In addition to the party, RCWS sends out festively clad volunteers and Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus) to distribute gifts at various children’s hospitals.Petroushka Ball
In old Russia, one of the most popular puppet theatre characters was Petroushka. No matter his misfortune, he always bounced back to entertain the crowd. Igor Stavinsky, Michael Fokine and Alexandre Benois created a masterpiece ballet “Petroushka”, featuring the luckless but undefeated Petroushka who had fallen in love with a graceful ballerina.The Petroushka Ball, a traditional Russian ball held annually in New York City, is the primary fundraising event for the Russian Children's Welfare Society (RCWS). The Ball was started in 1965 as a expansion of a small tea dance, by a group of members of the Society (Mr. and Mrs. Serge C. Bouteneff, Mrs. Ivan P.Obolensky, Mrs. Diane Eristavi, Princess Sergei Belosselsky-Belozersky) with a Junior Committee that was formed including Helen Basilevsky, Mafalda Chanler, Amy Gristede, Andre Kotchoubey, and Beatrice and Vladimir FekulaVladimir Fekula
Vladimir Fekula was born in New York City on 25 May 1936.Fekula had a distinguished career on Wall Street spanning more than forty years...
, the current President of the RCWS. To this day, the latter two still debate which one gets the credit for coming up with the name "Petroushka" during that first meeting. The late Helen Basilevsky, (grand daughter of White Guards General Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel
Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel
Baron Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel or Vrangel was an officer in the Imperial Russian army and later commanding general of the anti-Bolshevik White Army in Southern Russia in the later stages of the Russian Civil War.-Life:Wrangel was born in Mukuliai, Kovno Governorate in the Russian Empire...
), designed the "Petroushka" emblem which is still used on all of its invitations and programs. The first Ball was held at the now defunct Delmonico Hotel; it sold out and was an overwhelming success. It has become one of New York most vibrant and anticipated annual events, attracting upwards of 700 dinner and dancing guests. Past Petroushka Ball events were held at the Pierre
Pierre
Pierre is a masculine given name. It is a French form of the name Peter . Pierre originally means "rock" or "stone" in French...
, Plaza
Plaza
Plaza is a Spanish word related to "field" which describes an open urban public space, such as a city square. All through Spanish America, the plaza mayor of each center of administration held three closely related institutions: the cathedral, the cabildo or administrative center, which might be...
(for over 30 years) and Waldorf=Astoria hotels. Since 2002, the Ball has featured Opera greats such as Anna Netrebko
Anna Netrebko
Anna Yuryevna Netrebko is an Russian operatic soprano. She now holds dual Russian and Austrian citizenship and currently resides in Vienna. She has been nicknamed "La Bellissima" by fans.-Biography:...
, Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Aleksandrovich Hvorostovsky , is a leading baritone opera singer from Russia.Hvorostovsky was born in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. He studied at the Krasnoyarsk School of Arts under Yekatherina Yofel and made his debut at Krasnoyarsk Opera House, in the role of Marullo in Rigoletto...
, Rolando Villazon
Rolando Villazón
Emilio Rolando Villazón Mauleón is a Mexican tenor. He settled in France and in 2007 became a French citizen.-Early life and education:...
, Elina Garanca
Elina Garanca
-Biography:Garanča was born in the Latvian city of Riga into a musical family, her father a choral director, mother a lieder singer and singing teacher. Her mother Anita is a professor at the Latvian Academy of Music, an associated professor at the Latvian Academy of Culture, a vocal music teacher...
, Elena Obraztsova
Elena Obraztsova
Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova 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....
, Matthew Polenzani
Matthew Polenzani
Matthew Polenzani is an American lyric tenor, born in Evanston, Illinois. He has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Seattle Opera, and other companies. He has also sung with numerous symphony orchestras. Polenzani earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in...
, Maria Guleghina
Maria Guleghina
Maria Agasovna Guleghina is a Ukrainian-Russian soprano opera singer, particularly associated with the Italian repertory.-Biography:Maria Guleghina was born in Odessa, Ukraine , to an Armenian father and a Ukrainian mother, where she studied voice at the Music Conservatory with Evgeny Nikolaevich...
, Diana Damrau
Diana Damrau
Diana Damrau is a German lyric coloratura soprano of the operatic stage.-Biography:Diana Damrau was born in 1971 in Günzburg, Bavaria, Germany, and began her operatic studies with Carmen Hanganu at the Musikhochschule in Würzburg. After graduating from music conservatory she worked in Salzburg...
. Kate Lindsey
Kate Lindsey
Kate Lindsey is a mezzo-soprano opera singer from the United States.Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Music Degree with Distinction from Indiana University. Her many awards include the 2007 Richard F. Gold Career Grant, the 2007 George London Award in memory of Lloyd Rigler, the 2007 Lincoln Center...
, Piotr Beczala
Piotr Beczala
Piotr Beczała is a Polish operatic tenor.Piotr Beczała was born in southern Poland and initially trained in Katowice. His first engagements were with the Landestheatre in Linz, after which he became a regular member of Zurich Opera. Between 2004-2006, Beczała made several major international house...
and Paul Groves
Paul Groves
Paul Groves is an English former footballer who notably captained and managed Grimsby Town. He was naturally a central midfield player, but later in his career was used as a central defender...
, as well as soloists from the American Ballet Theatre
American Ballet Theatre
American Ballet Theatre , based in New York City, was one of the foremost ballet companies of the 20th century. It continues as a leading dance company in the world today...
, Bolshoi Theater, Novaya Opera and the Spivakov Foundation. The 47th consecutive Petroushka Ball is scheduled for February, 10, 2012 and will be held at the Waldorf =Astoria Hotel. Featured guest performers include Olga Borodina
Olga Borodina
Olga Vladimirovna Borodina is a leading dramatic mezzo-soprano, known for her roles in Russian operas at her home company, the Mariinsky Theatre, and for her international performing and recording career in a varied repertoire.Borodina made her debut in Samson and Delilah at the Royal Opera House...
and Ildar Abdrazakov with the kind permission of the Metropolitan Opera
Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera is an opera company, located in New York City. Originally founded in 1880, the company gave its first performance on October 22, 1883. The company is operated by the non-profit Metropolitan Opera Association, with Peter Gelb as general manager...
.
Other Events
Over the years, the Russian Children’s Welfare Society has hosted a long and varied list of events and maintains contact with some of the world’s best classical performers, from American Ballet Theater Principal Dancers to stars of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2007 ,RCWS participated in a fundraiser at Carnegie Hall. The sold out concert featured two of the leading opera singers in the world, Anna NetrebkoAnna Netrebko
Anna Yuryevna Netrebko is an Russian operatic soprano. She now holds dual Russian and Austrian citizenship and currently resides in Vienna. She has been nicknamed "La Bellissima" by fans.-Biography:...
, Soprano, making her Carnegie Hall debut, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Aleksandrovich Hvorostovsky , is a leading baritone opera singer from Russia.Hvorostovsky was born in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. He studied at the Krasnoyarsk School of Arts under Yekatherina Yofel and made his debut at Krasnoyarsk Opera House, in the role of Marullo in Rigoletto...
, Baritone, accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Luke's. Both Anna and Dmitri are Honorary Directors of RCWS. RCWS also hosted a fashion event with supermodel Sasha Pivovarova
Sasha Pivovarova
Sasha Pivovarova is a Russian model. She is perhaps best known for her consecutive 6-season run with Prada.-Modeling career:As an art history student at the Russian University for the Humanities, Pivovarova never dreamed of becoming a model until friend and photographer Igor Vishnyakov took photos...
and designer Randi Rahm
Randi Rahm
Randi Rahm is an American fashion designer based in New York City and raised in Long Island.She a classically trained concert pianist and musician...
to raise funds for children with facial deformities. In 2010, the Society partnered with Bonhams Auction house for a sports gala that featured a number of Olympians, among which was champion figure skater Johnny Weir
Johnny Weir
John Garvin "Johnny" Weir is an American figure skater. He is a three-time U.S. National Champion , the 2008 Worlds bronze medalist, a two-time Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, and the 2001 World Junior Champion....
.
Financial Information
Through the Society’s prudent investments and frugal financial practices, they are able to channel 100% of their donations to help sick and needy children with overhead being met in its entirety through internal sources. RCWS has put in place a thorough system of checks and balances to make sure grants are used for their intended purpose:Organizations must provide a complete application detailing the project for which they are seeking support as well as a budget. The Society annually prepares audited financial statements which carry and unqualified opinion in conformity with Generally Accepted Acounting Principles.
RCWS issues an official agreement stating the dollar amount of the grant and how it is to be spent
Russian banks will not authorize release of funds without such an agreement and require invoices from grantee organizations that match items and services designated in the agreement
The Director of our Moscow office visits grantee organizations to check up on the society's projects
RCWS representatives in Russia, as well as RCWS Board members make periodic visits
Organizations are required to submit midyear and final reports detail expenditures and overall achievements.
Notable Friends of RCWS
- Anna NetrebkoAnna NetrebkoAnna Yuryevna Netrebko is an Russian operatic soprano. She now holds dual Russian and Austrian citizenship and currently resides in Vienna. She has been nicknamed "La Bellissima" by fans.-Biography:...
, Soprano, Metropolitan Opera and the Kirov Opera - Dmitri Hvorotovsky, Baritone, Metropolitan Opera
- Maria GuleghinaMaria GuleghinaMaria Agasovna Guleghina is a Ukrainian-Russian soprano opera singer, particularly associated with the Italian repertory.-Biography:Maria Guleghina was born in Odessa, Ukraine , to an Armenian father and a Ukrainian mother, where she studied voice at the Music Conservatory with Evgeny Nikolaevich...
, Soprano, Metropolitan Opera - Anton SikharulidzeAnton SikharulidzeAnton Tarielyevich Sikharulidze is a Russian pair skater. With Elena Berezhnaya, he is the 1998 and 1999 World champion, 1998 Olympic silver medalist and 2002 Olympic champion....
, Figure Skater, Gold Medalist at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Silver Medalist at the 1998 Winter Olympics - Elena ObraztsovaElena ObraztsovaElena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova 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....
, Mezzo-Soprano, Voice Coach at the Bolshoi Theater, Founder of the Elena Obraztsova Competition - Rolando VillazonRolando VillazónEmilio Rolando Villazón Mauleón is a Mexican tenor. He settled in France and in 2007 became a French citizen.-Early life and education:...
, Tenor, Metropolitan Opera - Maria Butyskaya, Figure Skate, 1999 World Champion, Six-time Russian Champion, Three-time European Champion
- Ignat SolzhenitsynIgnat SolzhenitsynIgnat Aleksandrovich Solzhenitsyn is a Russian-American conductor and pianist who is the conductor laureate of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the principal guest conductor of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.-Career:...
, Pianist, Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia - Veronika Part, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theater
- Paul GrovesPaul GrovesPaul Groves is an English former footballer who notably captained and managed Grimsby Town. He was naturally a central midfield player, but later in his career was used as a central defender...
, Tenor, Metropolitan Opera - Matthew PolenzaniMatthew PolenzaniMatthew Polenzani is an American lyric tenor, born in Evanston, Illinois. He has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Seattle Opera, and other companies. He has also sung with numerous symphony orchestras. Polenzani earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in...
, Tenor, Metropolitan Opera - Irina DvorovenkoIrina DvorovenkoIrina Dvorovenko is a classical ballet dancer. She was born in Kiev, in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union. She began her ballet training at the age of 10 at the Kiev Ballet School. She joined the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Kiev in 1990 as a soloist, rising to the rank of Principal...
, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theater - Suzanne MassieSuzanne MassieSuzanne Massie is an American author and played an important role in the relations between Ronald Reagan and the Soviet Union in the final years of the Cold War. Reagan first became interested in Massie when he read her book Land of the Firebird: The Beauty of Old Russia...
, author - Diana VishnevaDiana VishnevaDiana Vishneva is a prima ballerina with both the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, and American Ballet Theatre in the United States. She was born in St. Petersburg and was trained at the Vaganova Choreographic Institute and upon her graduation in 1995, joined the company of the Mariinsky Theatre...
, Prima Ballerina, American Ballet Theater, Kirov Ballet - Alexei YashinAlexei YashinAlexei Valeryevich Yashin is a Russian professional ice hockey player. He is currently a member of CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League...
, Professional Hockey Player, Russian Super League - Natalia Glebova, Miss Universe 2005
- Yuri Medvedev, Clown, Cirque du Soleil
- Sasha CohenSasha CohenAlexandra Pauline "Sasha" Cohen is a U.S. figure skater. She is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, a three-time World Championship medalist, the 2003 Grand Prix Final Champion, and the 2006 U.S. Champion.-Personal life:...
, Three-Time World Champion Figure Skater - Elena Garanca,Mezzo-Soprano, Metropolitan Opera
- Irina DvorovenkoIrina DvorovenkoIrina Dvorovenko is a classical ballet dancer. She was born in Kiev, in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union. She began her ballet training at the age of 10 at the Kiev Ballet School. She joined the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Kiev in 1990 as a soloist, rising to the rank of Principal...
, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theater - Maxim Beloserkovsky, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theater
- Daniel Ulbricht, Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet
- Ekaterina Semenchuk, Mezzo-Soprano, Metropolitan Opera
- Kate LindseyKate LindseyKate Lindsey is a mezzo-soprano opera singer from the United States.Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Music Degree with Distinction from Indiana University. Her many awards include the 2007 Richard F. Gold Career Grant, the 2007 George London Award in memory of Lloyd Rigler, the 2007 Lincoln Center...
, Mezzo-soprano, Metropolitan Opera - Diana Damreau, Soprano, Metropolitan Opera
- Maija KovalevskaMaija KovalevskaMaija Kovalevska is a Latvian soprano opera singer.Kovalevska rose to international prominence in 2006 after winning the Operalia, The World Opera Competition, judged by Plácido Domingo...
, Soprano, Metropolitan Opera. - Piotr BeczalaPiotr BeczalaPiotr Beczała is a Polish operatic tenor.Piotr Beczała was born in southern Poland and initially trained in Katowice. His first engagements were with the Landestheatre in Linz, after which he became a regular member of Zurich Opera. Between 2004-2006, Beczała made several major international house...
, Tenor, Metropolitan Opera - Evgeny PlatovEvgeny PlatovEvgeny Arkadievich Platov is a Russian former ice dancer. He is best known for his partnership with Oksana Grishuk from 1989–1998...
, figure skater - Victor Petrenko, figure skater
Board of Directors
- President and Chief Executive Officer, Vladimir FekulaVladimir FekulaVladimir Fekula was born in New York City on 25 May 1936.Fekula had a distinguished career on Wall Street spanning more than forty years...
, Director and Manager, Credit Review and Risk Management Department, Credit Suisse First Boston (ret.)
- Chairman of the Board,Dr. Igor P. Holodny, Director of Radiation Safety and Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center (ret.)
- Treasurer,John L. Pouschine, Managing Director, Pouschine Cook Capital Management, LLC
- Peter A. Basilevsky, Partner, Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP
- Beatrice M. Fekula, Volunteer, Lenox Hill Hospital
- Dr. Cyril E. Geacintov, President and CEO, DRG International, Inc.
- Michael A. Jordan, Senior Vice President, Alforma Capital Markets
- Nadia Lipsky, Vice President Marketing and Product Development, Innovative Health Management, LLC
- Eugenia Makhlin, Global Partnerships, Facebook
- Thomas McPartland, Executive Vice President and Board Director, ELMA Philanthropies Services (U.S.), Inc.
- Georges Nahitchevansky, Partner, Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
- Serge M. Ossorguine, President and Founder, Serge Audio, Inc.
- Raisa Scriabine, Executive Producer, LinkTV and President, Scriabine Foundation.
- Peter Tcherepnine, President, Loeb Partners Management, Inc.
Honorary Directors
- Dmitri HvorostovskyDmitri HvorostovskyDmitri Aleksandrovich Hvorostovsky , is a leading baritone opera singer from Russia.Hvorostovsky was born in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. He studied at the Krasnoyarsk School of Arts under Yekatherina Yofel and made his debut at Krasnoyarsk Opera House, in the role of Marullo in Rigoletto...
, Baritone, Metropolitan Opera
- Suzanne MassieSuzanne MassieSuzanne Massie is an American author and played an important role in the relations between Ronald Reagan and the Soviet Union in the final years of the Cold War. Reagan first became interested in Massie when he read her book Land of the Firebird: The Beauty of Old Russia...
, Author
- Anna NetrebkoAnna NetrebkoAnna Yuryevna Netrebko is an Russian operatic soprano. She now holds dual Russian and Austrian citizenship and currently resides in Vienna. She has been nicknamed "La Bellissima" by fans.-Biography:...
, Soprano, Opera, Metropolitan Opera
- Maestro Yuri TemirkanovYuri TemirkanovYuri Khatuevich Temirkanov is a Russian conductor of Circassian origin.Yuri Temirkanov has been the Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic since 1988.-Early life:...
, Music Director and Chief Conductor of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra; Guest Conductor of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra; Conductor Laureate of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London
- Dr. Eugene S. Troubetzkoy, Vice President, Blue Sky Studios, Inc.; former President, Russian Children’s Welfare Society
- Jeffrey Vanderveen, Vocal Division, Universal Music Group
- Diana VishnevaDiana VishnevaDiana Vishneva is a prima ballerina with both the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, and American Ballet Theatre in the United States. She was born in St. Petersburg and was trained at the Vaganova Choreographic Institute and upon her graduation in 1995, joined the company of the Mariinsky Theatre...
, Prima Ballerina of the Mariinsky Theater Ballet and the American Ballet Theater