IN MEMORIAM Nina Svetlanova (1932–2024)
Manhattan School of Music mourns the loss of longtime member of the College and Precollege piano faculty Nina Svetlanova, an extraordinary musician and teacher whose profound pedagogical legacy at MSM was forged over the course of her nearly four decades at the School.
Nina Svetlanova, a pianist and a pedagogue, beloved by generations of her students at Manhattan School of Music, passed away today at her home in New York. She was 92.
Ms. Svetlanova had taught extensively until the age of 90, and had been battling cancer for the past two years. She is survived by her son Igor Lekhmus, daughter-in-law Bobby, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
One of the very few surviving pupils of the great Russian pianist and pedagogue Heinrich Neuhaus, Ms. Svetlanova came to the United States in 1975, and quickly established her reputation as a sought-after teacher, first at the Mannes College of Music and soon after at Manhattan School of Music, a post she held almost until the end of her life.
Before her immigration, she was associated with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow as a vocal coach, and then she toured the world with the renowned mezzo-soprano Zara Doloukhanova as a member of Moskonzert.
Her first husband was the legendary conductor, composer, and pianist Yevgeny Svetlanov. Her second husband was Eduard Lekhmus, Estonian tenor and opera singer. As a pedagogue she has been admired and loved by generations of students coming to New York, to learn exclusively from her. Many of her students have illustrious careers as pianists, conductors, and educators all over the world.
Ms. Svetlanova’s love for music, poetry, and dance has been a huge influence and inspiration to all her students. Her lifelong admiration for opera and her ability to recite by memory many operatic arias, especially those by Russian composers, was unmatched.
She will be greatly missed by her family, her students, legions of her admirers. Her life story can by found here: http://www.ninasvetlanova.com/MyStory/
Dear MSM Community:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Faculty Emerita Nina Svetlanova’s recent passing. Nina was a cherished colleague with a renowned reputation as a pianist and pedagogue and served on MSM’s piano faculty for nearly 40 years prior to retiring in December 2022. More information about a memorial will be shared as information is available.
Nina’s performance career spanned the world, with concerts in Europe, Australia, North America, Russia, and Asia. In addition, she joined the jury for major, international competitions and can be heard on several recordings. MSM’s initial announcement of Nina’s passing is shared on our website, here, and tributes from several members of MSM’s community follow below. We have also attached a copy of an obituary, written and shared by long-time colleagues and friends.
We also want to express our continued support as the MSM Community mourns the loss of five faculty members from two Divisions since December. Please reach out to our colleagues in Human Relations for a list of resources that are available to all employees, including short-term counseling services.
A message from President Gandre
I met Nina when I first came to MSM in 1985. From that first meeting, I felt her passion both for music and her beloved students. She was most often understated and quiet, but that belied a strong, clear, and undeterred determination in everything about which she felt strongly. Her imprint on MSM and her students over the nearly 40 years of teaching here is incalculable and will be felt here and in her former students for generations to come.
A message from Provost Joyce Griggs
I had the honor of meeting Nina upon my arrival to MSM and celebrating her at the 2019 faculty recognition dinner. She exuded warmth and style, and spoke admiringly of her faculty colleagues and students.
A message from Golda Tatz, former student, colleague, and long-time friend (MSM Precollege Faculty)
Nina radiated a unique blend of huge-heartedness, poetic soul, exquisite musicianship, wisdom, impeccable taste — an inspiration to generations of students and friends, fortunate to have been close to her. I am grateful to have been her student, associate, and a close friend.
A message from Alexandre (Sasha) Moutouzkine (Co-Head, Piano)
One of the first performances I heard in NY over 23 years ago was a concert of Nina Svetlanova’s students at the Steinway Hall on 57th Street. It was impossible not to admire her artistry, incredibly positive vibes, and the inspiration she brought to everyone and everything. A person who left a profound mark on the musical life of Soviet Moscow, having emerged from Heinrich Neuhaus’ studio, she went on to inspire generations of young musicians in New York and far beyond. Nina was incredibly supportive to me personally during my first steps at MSM as a faculty member, always radiating most positive energy and finding encouraging words. She will be greatly missed by many of us, and we are forever grateful for her enormous contribution to building up the stature of the piano department at MSM.
A message from Inesa Sinkevych (Co-Head, Piano)
An extraordinary pianist and pedagogue, Nina Svetlanova dedicated decades of her life to teaching piano at Manhattan School of Music, nurturing and educating generations of remarkable artists and highly successful musicians. I’ve had the distinct privilege of serving on the MSM piano faculty alongside Nina, learning from her wisdom and compelling teaching style, as well as enjoying stories about her artistry, wit, and caring personality from several close friends of mine, her students. Professor Svetlanova’s unmatched dedication, warm and inspiring presence, and profound knowledge will be immensely missed by our community.
A message from Dean JT Kane
Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Nina personally, her reputation preceded her long before I arrived at MSM. Her unwavering passion for teaching and her deep love for her students resonated far beyond the boundaries of NYC. Her passing will be profoundly felt by many, yet her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and inspired.
Again, we wish to express our deepest condolences to Nina’s family, friends, and former students.
Sincerely,
130 Claremont Avenue New York, New York 10027 212-749-2802
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