Elena Ostrovsky

Elena Ostrovsky, 67, of Sarasota and New York City, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025. Elena was born on September 17, 1958, to the late Vladimir and Olga Ghandzha in Saint Petersburg, Russia and attended Saint Petersburg Conservatory in Russia.

Elena was a highly acclaimed Bel Canto Soprano in Classical and New Opera, Jazz, and Art Song circles. She began her illustrious career in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she graduated from the Rimsky Korsakov Conservatory. She also performed and worked with Liya Mogilevskaya; the principal vocal coach/pianist for Bolshoi Theater – Russia’s leading opera house. Elena studied under great maestros Francisco Iglesias and Richard Barrett and performed at some of the most prestigious American venues. She made her major American debut in Francesca da Rimini (Rachmaninoff) at Carnegie Hall. Later, performing at Lincoln Center’s Merkin Hall and Avery Fisher Hall.

Elena continued to delight audiences and dedicated herself to the education and support of aspiring young singers. She participated in several auditions, festivals, and workshops in Russia, Italy, Georgia, Latvia, South Korea, & the United States, and most recently presented a series of boutique concerts in the “Salon Revival” style at galleries and privates’ homes in New York, Florida, California, and more.

Elena was a talented and accomplished musician whose career spanned across prestigious stages and international borders. A highlight of her remarkable journey was performing at Carnegie Hall, alongside the Moravian Symphony, and with the Helicon Opera. Her musical talents took her to countries including Canada, France, Austria, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Taiwan, where she left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Outside of music, Elena had a deep passion for swimming, yoga, and art collecting. Known for her creativity, spontaneity, and boundless energy, she brought optimism and enthusiasm to every aspect of life. Her passionate and vibrant spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Igor Ostrovsky; son, Alexander Ostrovsky (Jaclyn Arnold); brother, Alexey Ghandzha and several other family members and friends.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, located at 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota. Burial will occur at Palms Memorial Park immediately after the service, with a reception at the funeral home to follow, lasting until 4:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to: https://www.protezfoundation.org/donate Providing prosthetics to those impacted in the conflict in Ukraine.