Legendary Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Passes Away at 92, Leaving an Enduring Legacy

Rodion Shchedrin, the renowned Russian composer celebrated for his ballets like «Anna Karenina» and «Carmen Suite,» has passed away at the age of 92, as reported by Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre on Friday.

Described by the Bolshoi as “one of the greatest contemporary geniuses,” Shchedrin was the husband of the late ballet icon Maya Plisetskaya, and his compositions have graced the stages of major theaters across the globe.

A statement from the Bolshoi read, “Rodion Shchedrin was a remarkable phenomenon, symbolizing an entire era in global musical culture.”

According to the state news agency TASS, citing sources close to the composer, he died in Germany.

Born in Moscow on December 16, 1932, Shchedrin achieved worldwide recognition with his work «Carmen Suite» in 1967, featuring Plisetskaya at the Bolshoi, which solidified their status as a prominent cultural duo during the Soviet era. Plisetskaya, one of the most esteemed ballerinas of the 20th century, passed away in 2015 at the age of 89.

Shchedrin’s works often drew inspiration from Russian literature and folklore, seen in his ballets «The Little Humpbacked Horse» and «The Seagull,» as well as the opera «Lolita.» Over his prolific career, he composed more than 80 pieces, including symphonies and concertos, leaving behind what the Bolshoi described as “a priceless artistic legacy that resonates in the hearts of audiences.”

Reporting contributed by AFP.