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Vasiliy ChernikovRussian drama artist, dancer and opera singer (bass)
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Biography of Vasily Chernikov
Vasily Mikhailovich Chernikov was a Russian drama artist, dancer, and opera singer (bass), known as one of the first professional Russian artists. He was the husband of singer and drama artist P.P. Chernikova and the father of singer and drama artist S.V. Samoilova, laying the foundation for the Samoilov acting dynasty.
Early Life and Career
Vasily Mikhailovich Chernikov's life coincided with the formative years of Russian stage art, when music and drama performances were not yet separate. The theater repertoire primarily consisted of vaudevilles and operettas with dances, and actors of the 18th century were skilled in multiple genres, possessing musical voices and the ability to dance and perform drama. Chernikov began his career during the reign of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, who made significant contributions to the development of theatrical arts in Russia and established the Russian imperial theaters. Initially, he worked in Moscow.
Role at the Court
In 1763, Chernikov was appointed as a court courier, one of the highest positions among the court servants ("in the presence of the highest court"; class IX rank), which did not imply further promotion. From May 1771, he performed as a part of the Russian court troupe in St. Petersburg (Knipper's Free Theater), where he played roles in comic operas and comedies. In 1789, he became the inspector of the St. Petersburg opera troupe until March 26, 1790.
