Artist description With a voice often described as "liquid-silver," Rufina is like a breath of fresh air. It is a voice of uncommon beauty, elegance and grace with a depth of integrity and honesty seldom heard today. This is a voice that excels in the dramatic soprano roles of Verdi and the Russian composers, and spans a seemingly endless range of styles, emotions and genres.

Music Style Operatic, classical, children's music

Musical Influences Russian Opera, Art and Folk songs, Italian Opera, New Age, World Music, Harmonic Overtones

Similar Artists Renee Fleming, Galina Vishnevskaya, Zinka Milanov

Artist History Born in the United States of Russian parentage, Rufina Anatolevna James is a superb interpreter of Russian art songs and arias and enjoys drawing upon her Russian heritage in concerts and recitals. Her voice and ability to execute a beautiful vocal line allow her to also excel in Italian opera, particularly the dramatic soprano roles of Verdi. Ms. Anatolevna-James has performed leading operatic roles in Europe, Canada and the United States. A few of her recent highlights include singing Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera and Leonora in Il Trovatore at the Silezian State Opera Theater in the Czech Republic, after which she performed in Prague's historic recital hall, The Old Stone House. Last fall, she sang the role of Mozart's Countess in The Marriage of Figaro in Boston and performed to an audience of thousands in Japan. Some of the roles she has performed in the United States include Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, the Mother in Hansel and Gretel, and Carmen, as well as numerous recitals, concerts and oratorios, and orchestral appearances, including a particularly thrilling performance of the Beethoven 9th Symphony with the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Her voice has been heard in television commercials and studio recordings. In 1998, she was the Grand Prize winner in the Art Song Division of the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra's International Vocal Competition.

Albums Rufina Sings; Sweet Dream Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes

Press Reviews ". . . possessed of a beautiful, clear voice." - The Sonoma State Star, CA. "Assured, insolent, and superb (as) Carmen." - The Valley Journal, CO. "Anatolevna is an excellent choice for the saucy Carmen; everything about her is suited for the role, from her clear, easily understood singing voice to the fluid, almost dance-like movements of her hands and body. Add to this the ability to act. . ." - The Glenwood Post, CO. The late conductor, Georg Tintner, felt her performance of Leonora in Il Trovatore (Verdi) was "triumphant!" It has been said that this is a voice that has everything. Listen to her Ave Maria and decide for yourself.

Location Northern, CA - USA

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