Vytautas Taranda, the deputy director of the Imperial Russian Ballet, has died in Moscow. Reports from Life, citing the Shot Telegram channel, outline a sudden demise attributed to heart problems. Taranda did not reach his 59th birthday by a week, and his passing was mourned by colleagues and spectators alike.
According to Shot, Taranda passed away at his wife’s home, where she was present at the time. The report adds that the artist had recently wrestled with an alcohol issue and spent much of his days resting, receiving assistance from others for daily tasks and performances.
Magomed Kulbuzhev, the general director of the Russian Imperial Ballet, characterized the death as abrupt, noting that Taranda’s condition had not previously indicated a deterioration. He added that a formal determination of the exact cause would come from medical experts after a full examination.
Earlier, at the Moscow Satire Theater, a memorial service was held for Alexander Shirvindt, a renowned People’s Artist of the RSFSR. Attendees reportedly offered thunderous applause and shouted “bravo” as the coffin departed the stage after the service. Statements of condolence came from officials who expressed sympathy to the artist’s family and friends. For further coverage, see attribution to socialbites.ca.
A former Italian singer was quoted wondering why a Russian concert tour was undertaken, prompting reflections on international artistic exchange and the reasons artists travel for performances across borders, as noted by observers familiar with the event and its public responses.