Steve Barakatt Quebec musician, composer, producer Date of Birth: 17.05.1973 Country: Canada

1. Early Life and Musical Education
2. Rising Talent and International Recognition
3. Personal Life and Philanthropy
4. Musical Career and Acclaim

Early Life and Musical Education

Steve Barakatt was born on May 17, 1973, in Quebec City, Canada, to Lebanese parents. Music played a significant role in his family, and at the tender age of four, he began piano lessons. For the next fifteen years, he dedicated himself to studying classical music and jazz.

Rising Talent and International Recognition

Barakatt's talent was evident early on. At 13, he performed as a guest soloist with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. At 16, he ventured into composition and orchestration, exploring the world of music technology. His proficiency in musical programming caught the attention of renowned Japanese company Roland, who invited him to showcase their new products at the NAMM trade show in 1992. Barakatt's reputation continued to grow, leading to collaborations with world-class artists and ensembles, including the Russian Alexandrov Ensemble and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

In 2006, Steve Barakatt married former Russian gymnast and Cirque du Soleil performer Elena Grosheva. Their wedding took place in Elena's hometown of Yaroslavl, with the wedding ceremony held at the Tolgsky Monastery. The couple welcomed their daughter, Victoria, in 2008.

In 2007, Barakatt and his wife were appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors for Canada, marking the first time a couple jointly held this prestigious role within UNICEF.

Musical Career and Acclaim

Steve Barakatt's musical career spans decades of recordings and performances. He released his first solo album, "Double Happiness," at the age of 14, achieving success in Canada. His subsequent albums, released on labels like PolyGram, Universal, and Victor Entertainment, propelled his music to over 15 countries. His compositions have graced numerous television shows and sporting events, including the Monaco Grand Prix and FIFA World Cup.

Barakatt's versatility as a composer and producer has earned him accolades worldwide. He has collaborated with renowned artists from Canada, South America, and Asia. In 2003, he composed the soundtrack for the British horror anthology series "Urban Myth Chillers," featuring actor Omar Sharif.