Dudarova, Veronika (1916–)

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Dudarova, Veronika (1916–)

Russian orchestra conductor. Name variations: Veronika Borisovna Dudarova. Born Dec 5, 1916, in Baku; studied piano with P.A. Serebriakov at Leningrad Conservatory (1933–37) and conducting at Moscow Conservatory with Leo Ginsburg.

Was the 1st woman to head a major orchestra in the Soviet Union (1947); became chief conductor of Moscow State Symphony Orchestra (1960) and made a large number of recordings for Melodiya, including the folksy Chaikin Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra, and 4 of Tchaikovsky's least-known orchestral works (The Storm, Fate, The Voyevode, and the very early Overture in F major); conducted the memorial concert for the centennial of Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky's death (1993); conducting her newly created Symphony Orchestra of Russia, made a number of highly acclaimed recordings, often of little-known Russian symphonic works, including Miaskovsky's Sixth "Revolutionary" Symphony (1992). Designated a People's Artist of the USSR (1977).

See also Women in World History.