The name of the famous Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is known worldwide, his works have become masterpieces of Russian art and a symbol of classical music in Russia. However, few know that his talent was able to flourish thanks to the support of Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck, the widow of a major railway magnate and a well-known patron of the arts at that time. She provided Tchaikovsky with assistance at a moment when his financial situation was critical and threatened bankruptcy. Thanks to her support, Pyotr Ilyich continued his creative work and produced many great pieces. Their acquaintance began in 1870, and until 1890, Nadezhda Filaretovna transferred over 85,000 rubles to the composer, a significant sum at the time that allowed him to live comfortably. During this time, Tchaikovsky dedicated several musical works to her, although they hardly met due to his reclusiveness and reluctance to interact with women.

Unfortunately, at the end of her life, Mrs. von Meck was nearly bankrupt, having lost the fortune she inherited from her husband. She died of tuberculosis on January 13, 1894, and was buried in the family crypt at the Novoe Alekseevsky Monastery cemetery. Her burial site was lost, as it was destroyed by the Bolsheviks in the 1930s along with the monastery's necropolis. The estate of Plescheyevo, which belonged to her, was looted and destroyed after the revolution. From 1919, for six years, a children's labor camp was located at the estate.

The name of this noble woman was forgotten for many decades. It was only in 1969 and 1970 that she was mentioned for the first time in films about Tchaikovsky. In our time, many historians and cultural figures are once again turning to the memory of Nadezhda Filaretovna. Last year, a play based on the correspondence between Tchaikovsky and von Meck was performed, and various commemorative events are being organized, including those by the descendants of Nadezhda Filaretovna.