Vladimir Kokonin Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Date of Birth: 04.03.1938 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career in the Bolshoi Theater
3. Ministry of Culture of the USSR
4. Return to the Bolshoi Theater
5. Management Roles at the Bolshoi Theater
6. Achievements and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Vladimir Mikhailovich Kokonin was born in Moscow on March 4, 1938. From 1946 to 1955, he attended the Central Music School at the Moscow State Conservatory. He went on to study clarinet at the Moscow State Conservatory from 1955 to 1960.

Career in the Bolshoi Theater

After completing his postgraduate studies at the Conservatory in 1965, Kokonin joined the Bolshoi Theater as an orchestra musician. He worked there until 1967, while also engaging in pedagogical and literary activities.

Ministry of Culture of the USSR

In 1967, Kokonin's career took a significant turn when he was invited to join the Ministry of Culture of the USSR. He held various responsible positions in the management of musical institutions before becoming Deputy Director of the All-Union Concert Association "Gosconcert USSR" in 1970.

As Deputy Director, Kokonin played a pivotal role in organizing international cultural exchanges, bringing renowned artists such as the Teatro alla Scala, Comédie Française, and Philadelphia and Boston Symphony Orchestras to Russia. He also coordinated major festivals featuring prominent Soviet musicians like Shostakovich, Svetlanov, and Oistrakh.

Return to the Bolshoi Theater

In 1981, Kokonin returned to the Bolshoi Theater as Deputy Director for Repertoire. He introduced a clear planning methodology for the theater's creative process, which is still in use today. Under his leadership, the opera troupe successfully toured Russia and other Soviet republics.

Management Roles at the Bolshoi Theater

From 1988 to 1991, Kokonin served as General Director of the Bolshoi Theater and the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. From 1991 to 1995, he was General Director of the Bolshoi Theater, and from 1995 to 2000, Executive Director.

During his tenure, Kokonin made significant contributions to the theater's artistic rejuvenation. He fostered the return of renowned opera director Boris Pokrovsky, who introduced masterpieces like "Mlada" and "The Night Before Christmas" by Rimsky-Korsakov, and "Orleanskaya Deva" and "Eugene Onegin" by Tchaikovsky.

Achievements and Legacy

Kokonin's leadership at the Bolshoi Theater is characterized by innovative reforms. He introduced artistic production workshops, a foreign relations department, and a foundation for the theater's development. He also separated the Kremlin Palace of Congresses from the theater's structure.

Kokonin's efforts culminated in the recognition of the Bolshoi Theater as a particularly valuable state object of culture, directly subordinate to the Russian government. He also implemented a contract system for recruiting creative personnel into the troupe.

Vladimir Kokonin is a Meritorious Artist of the Russian Federation. He continues to live and work in Moscow.