Joined the Mariinsky theatre (Kirov Opera) in 1963.
Her repertoire includes: Amneris (Aida), Azucena (Il trovatore), Marina Mnishek (Boris Godunov), the Countess (The Queen of Spades), Helen Bezukhova, Akhrosimova (War and Peace), Babulenka (The Gambler), Clariche (The Love for Three Oranges), Kashcheevna (Kashchei the Immortal), Naina (Ruslan and Liudmila), Carmen (Carmen), Konchakovna (Prince Igor), Ulrika (Un ballo in maschera), Princess Eboli (Don Carlo), Federika (Luisa Miller), Maddalena (Rigoletto), Sorceress (The Fiery Angel), Charlotta (Werther), Liubava (Sadko), Dalila (Samson and Dalila).
In addition to her engagements at the Mariinsky Theatre Irina Bogacheva has performed at the world's major opera houses such as La Scala, Metropolitan Opera House, Covent Garden, Opera de Bastille among others.
With the Mariinsky Theatre she has toured throughout the United States, Japan and Europe.

Awards include:
Prizewinner of the International Vocal competition in Rio de Janeiro 
(Grand Prize and Gold Medal, 1967);
Honoured Artist of Russia (1970);
People's Artist of Russia (1974);
People's Artist of USSR (1976);
The USSR State Award (1984).