Ukrainian and Russian opera singer (bass).
Biography
In 1876 he graduated from the Law Faculty of the Novorossiysk University in Odesa.
He studied vocals privately in Odesa, and improved his skills in France (with U. Marchese) and Italy (with A. Buzzi).
He made his first appearance on the opera stage in Mantua (Italy), after which he sang at the Dal Verme (Milan) and San Carlo (Naples).
1883-1885 - soloist of the Odesa Opera House, 1885-1891 - soloist of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.
He had a remarkable voice in terms of strength and volume. He performed first bass roles with great success (until his death). The characteristic features of Butenko's work were high artistry and culture of singing.
Parts
Taras (Taras Bulba by Volodymyr Kashperov).
Ruslan (Ruslan and Lyudmila by Mikhail Glinka).
Pimen (Boris Godunov by Modest Mussorgsky).
Mephistopheles (Mephistopheles by Boito).
Dubrovin (A Dream on the Volga by Anton Arensky).
Ivan Susanin (Life for the Tsar by Mikhail Glinka).
Alcade (The Force of Destiny by Giuseppe Verdi).
Marcel (The Huguenots by Giacomo Meyerbeer).
Zarastro (The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart).
