We searched for a long time to find an actress who could embody Ida Varpakhovskaya, the mother of our heroine Anna Varpakhovskaya.
Anastasia Pogorelova is an opera singer (coloratura soprano) and actress.
She was born on April 17, 1992, in Moscow and grew up in Zhukovsky, a city of aviation and science, where the love of culture and art thrived.
In 2010, she graduated from the Galina Vishnevskaya College of Musical and Theatrical Arts, performing across Russia and internationally in Italy, Spain, and Bulgaria. In 2015, she completed her studies at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, where she trained under People’s Artist of the RSFSR Valentina Levko.
Since 2016, she has lived in Canada, performing on operatic, concert, and theater stages. Anastasia has a deep passion for contemporary and folk music. She writes and performs original songs, participates in bard festivals across Canada and the US, and has recorded an album, «Songs of Beloved Bards» (VKHstudio, arrangements by Viktor Khomenko and Aslan Gotov).
Beyond performance, Anastasia is devoted to teaching. She dedicates her time and passion to her vocal studio in Richmond Hill, helping students develop their voices and artistry.
We are honored that Anastasia Pogorelova has joined the project «GULAG. Witnesses», bringing to life the story of Ida Varpakhovskaya—a woman who survived the camps while preserving her strength and love for music.
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