Sergey Zakharov Singer Date of Birth: 01.05.1950 Country: Russia

1. Sergey Zakharov - Biography
2. Rapid Rise to Stardom
3. An Icon of Russian Music
4. A Diverse Repertoire
5. Award-Winning Career
6. International Recognition
7. Awards and Recognition

Sergey Zakharov - Biography

Sergey Zakharov is a singer who has been a soloist of the State Pop Orchestra under the direction of Leonid Utesov since 1972. He was born on May 1, 1950, in Nikolaev, Ukraine. His father was a serviceman, which led to frequent relocations for the family. Sergey graduated from an eight-year school in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, and then enrolled in a radio engineering technical school. His musical talents became evident during his service in the army, where he was a singing corporal. Recognizing his potential, he was first sent to the Song and Dance Ensemble "Druzhba" of the Central Asian Military District House of the Soviet Army, and in 1971 he was prematurely demobilized and sent to Moscow to continue his musical education. In Moscow, Sergey Zakharov studied for two years in the musical comedy department of the Gnessin Music School, in the class of Margarita Iosifovna Landa, and then graduated from the vocal department of the Musorgsky Leningrad Music School. Since 1972, Zakharov has been a soloist of the State Pop Orchestra under the direction of Leonid Utesov. From 1973 to 1985, he was a soloist of the Leningrad Music Hall.

Rapid Rise to Stardom

Sergey Zakharov's star rose incredibly quickly. The appearance of the young singer with his rare and beautiful baritone voice, gentle and soulful singing style, and vibrant stage presence caught everyone's attention. Concert halls, radio and television studios all opened their doors to him, and composers from Leningrad and Moscow started creating works for him. In the summer of 1974, Sergey Zakharov won two major European competitions, "Golden Orpheus" and "Sopot-74." He actively expanded his repertoire and performed extensively in our country and abroad, including Germany, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Poland. "A star of the highest magnitude has appeared on the pop music horizon, and with each new rise, it shines brighter and brighter," said Mario Gensollen, the "golden voice of Peru," about Zakharov.

An Icon of Russian Music

"Sergey Zakharov is a unique phenomenon in the world of music. I am sure that this singer will receive new prizes, new awards at international festivals and competitions," said the popular Polish singer Jerzy Polomski. Later, Sergey Zakharov received several more top awards at international competitions in Dresden and Zelena Gora, as well as the "Bratislava Lyre" and the "Golden Nightingale" in Buenos Aires. His participation in the musical film "Heavenly Swallows," in which he played the lead role, brought him wide popularity in our country. It was an unprecedented achievement for a young performer.

A Diverse Repertoire

Sergey Zakharov's lyrical songs have become part of the golden fund of Soviet pop music. Later, his attention increasingly turned to the most lyrical vocal genre - romance, especially the old-fashioned kind. "Zakharov's performance of old romances," writes a critic, "is filled with such sincerity of emotion that they are perceived as complete dramatic miniatures." Another characteristic feature of Zakharov's work is his exploration of classical music. In his concerts, he performs romances by Tchaikovsky, arias from operas by Rubinstein, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and fragments from operettas such as "Maritza," "The Circus Princess," "Silva," and "The Bells of Corneville."

Award-Winning Career

In 1988, Sergey Zakharov's artistic achievements were recognized with the honorary title of "Merited Artist of the Russian Federation," and in 1996 he rightfully became a People's Artist of Russia. However, his mastery continues to evolve, and year after year, his artistry becomes more mature and perfected. In recent years, the singer has created large concert programs such as "Favorite Melodies," "I Loved You...," "Russian Romances and Songs," "Centrifugal Force," "On Fragile Keys of the Soul," "Academic Russian Romance," "Waltz, Song, and Romance...," and "Evening Bells!..."

International Recognition

Sergey Zakharov has toured in 41 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Israel, and Latin America, showcasing his talent. He has performed at renowned venues such as the October Concert Hall, the Rossiya Concert Hall, and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. Sergey Zakharov also has his own recording studio. He has hosted several radio programs, with the most famous ones being "On Fragile Keys of the Soul" and "Don't Forget." As an honorary guest, he has participated in the international festival "Slavic Bazaar" for five consecutive years and has performed at the international festivals "Romansiada" and "Golden Schlager."

Awards and Recognition

Sergey Zakharov has been awarded the International Order "For the Increase of Good on Earth." This order was established in 1996 and was quickly included in the UNESCO register of awards. It is made of gold, silver, and diamonds. The order has been awarded to nearly a hundred people from 25 countries, including Pope John Paul II, Nobel Prize laureate Mother Teresa, American astronaut Kalpana Chawla, surgeon Christiaan Barnard, and Japanese national hero Takao Doi. Among the Russians who have received this honor are Elena Obraztsova and Alla Pugacheva. Sergey Zakharov has also been awarded the Russian Order of Friendship.

Throughout his career, Sergey Zakharov has released numerous albums, including:

• "Sergey Zakharov Sings"
• "Russian Romances"
• "Centrifugal Force. Pop Songs"
• "On Fragile Keys of the Soul"
• "Russian Romances and Songs"
• "About You and About Me"
• "Romance, You My Old-fashioned One"
• "Touch of Love"
• "Oh, If Only I Could Express in Sound..."
• "Stay with Me, My Darling..."
• "Mystery"
• "Autumn Woman"
• "The Best"
• "Hear Me, My Dear..."
• "I'm Going Alone on the Road..."
• "S. Zakharov - N. Kalinin" "Solo Concert"
• "Unknown Zakharov"
• "Star Show"
• "Anniversary"