Saule Iskakova | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Saule Sabitovna Iskakova |
| Occupation | Actress (voice) |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Awards | Honored Artist of the RSFSR |
Saule Sabitovna Iskakova (Russian:Сауле Сабитовна Искакова) is aKazakhstan-bornRussian actress (voice).
Saule Iskakova was born inTemirtau,Kazakhstan. She trained for the theater at theSaint Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy from which she graduated in 1993.
Ms. Iskakova is currently a soprano soloist with theZazerkalye State Theater in St-Petersburg and performs with the tango ensembles Anima, Primavera, and Soledad-orquesta. In addition to theater music, Ms. Iskakova gives concerts and recitals of classical music and German lieder. Her role as Despina inCosì fan tutte highlights a special interest in the music of Mozart. The St. Petersburg Gazette praised her performance in the Mozart anniversary concert at the Zazerkalye State Theater and described her voice as "absolutely smooth with crystal clear tone."[1]
Her voice is instantly recognizable in Russia as the voice-over for Disney film characters Mulan (Mulan andMulan II), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Megara and Calliope (Hercules), as well as Minnie Mouse.
In 2004, Ms. Iskakova became involved with tango and the music ofÁstor Piazzolla. She appeared with Horacio Ferrer,[2] Piazzolla's lyrical collaborator, during his visit to St-Petersburg in 2004. In 2005, Ms. Iskakova and the ensemble Anima were awarded[3] the "Premio della critica" (the critics prize) award at Piazzolla Music Awards festival at Casale Monferrato, Italy. She appeared at the 2007World of Tango FestivalArchived 2008-11-21 atarchive.today in Tampere, Finland, and at the 2008, 2009, and 2010White Nights Tango FestivalArchived 2008-06-24 at theWayback Machine in St-Petersburg.
In February, 2011, Ms. Iskakova was named anHonored Artist of the Russian Federation (Заслуженная артистка Российской Федерации).[4]
Video authorized and provided by Ms. Iskakova: