Professor of Saratov Conservatoire is awarded by the President of Russia

Professor of Saratov State L.V. Sobinov Conservatoire, the Head of Vocal Department, People’s Artist of the USSR Leonid Smetannikov is awarded an Order «For Merit in Culture and Arts». The Decree «On awarding State awards of the Russian Federation», was signed on May, 5 by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

The order was awarded «for the great contribution to the development of Russian culture and arts, and for the many years of fruitful activity». Last December, Leonid Smetannikov became a laureate of IX National Opera Awards «Onegin» in category «The Legend».

«Name of this singer is well-known all over the whole world, - People's Artist of Russia Hibla Gerzmava said at the ceremony. – Many generations grew up listening to his voice. He is not only a Legend, he is a whole era of Russian performance!»

Working at the Vocal Department of Saratov Conservatoire, Leonid Smetannikov has brought up a galaxy of brilliant vocalists. As a soloist of Saratov Opera Theater, he has performed almost all the leading parts, created for lyric baritone. Among them are Figaro («The Barber of Seville» by G. Rossini), Valentin («The Faust» by Ch. Gounod), Germont («La Traviata» by G. Verdi), and Onegin («Eugene Onegin» by P. Tchaikovsky), Eletsky («The Queen of Spades» by P. Tchaikovsky), Don Giovanni («Don Giovanni» by W.A. Mozart) and many other roles.

Read more about Leonid Smetannikov here