Nikolay Baskov

Nikolay Viktorovich Baskov is a Russian singer (Tenor), honored artist of Russia (2001). In 2004, he received the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine (2004). Baskov supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Date of Birth: 15.10.1976

Place of Birth. Education. He was born in Moscow. In 2001, he graduated from the Russian Gnesin Academy of Music, majoring in chamber and opera singing. In 2003, he completed his postgraduate studies at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He also studied singing for several years with the honored artist of Russia L. Shekhova.

Career. In 1998, he won the first prize at the All-Russian Competition of Young Opera Singers. In 1999, he was a second prize winner at the 'Grande Voce' competition in Spain.

After his victory in 1998, Nikolay Baskov was offered the role of Lensky in P. Tchaikovsky's opera 'Eugene Onegin' at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre. He became the youngest Lensky in the history of world opera, marking a breathtaking start to the singer's artistic career. Later, Nikolay successfully played roles such as Vladimir Igorevich in A. Borodin's 'Prince Igor', Yurodivy in M. Mussorgsky's 'Boris Godunov', Ishmael in G. Verdi's 'Nabucco', Alfredo in G. Verdi's 'La Traviata', Spakos in J. Massenet's 'Cleopatra', Cavaradossi in G. Puccini's 'Tosca', and others.

In 2000, a video was filmed for the musical composition 'In Memory of Caruso...'. Thanks to this work, Nikolay Baskov topped the Russian charts on radio and television. The singer's career quickly transcended academic halls, widening his fan base. Nikolay's solo albums began selling millions of copies. He was the first and remains the only artist in Russia who sings both in the crossover style and in the pop style.

His music pieces became hits, and his videos were appreciated on music channels such as Muz-TV and MTV. The artist received several Russian awards, including 'Ovation', 'Golden Gramophone', 'Muz-TV', 'Style of the Year', and 'Singer of the Year'.

In 2000, Nikolay had a memorable meeting with the legend of world opera, the great soprano of the 20th century Montserrat Caballé. After a series of joint performances, the primadonna even offered Nikolay regular training to improve his vocal technique. Their voices resonated on famous opera stages in Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries around the world.

In addition to performing classical works, Baskov frequently performed on stage with interpretations of opera arias, Neapolitan songs, musicals, contemporary pop, and entertainment music. He was a frequent guest and participant in musical and non-musical events. Baskov is the host of several television projects, including 'Saturday Night' on the 'Russia' channel.

In Ukraine, the singer formed an artistic duo with Ukrainian singer Taisiya Povaliy.

From 2011 to 2016, Nikolay was a professor at the Department of Singing at the Moscow State Humanities University M. O. Sholokhov. Since 2016, he has been at the Institute of Art of the Moscow State Pedagogical University.

In 2016, Nikolay Baskov announced the opening of his own music production center.

During the 2018 presidential elections, he joined the Putin Team movement that supported Vladimir Putin.

Awards. Honored Artist of Russia. Honored Artist of Ukraine (2004). Honored Artist of Moldova (2007). Honored Artist of the Chechen Republic and Ingushetia (2007).

Received the highest state award of the Republic of Belarus - the Order of Francisk Skaryna, the Gold Medal of the Peace Foundation (for peace and charity). Received the title 'Golden Voice of Russia'.

In September 2015, a draft law was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for the revocation of the title 'Honored Artist of Ukraine' from Nikolay Baskov.

Discography. 'Honor' (2000), 'Honor Extra' (2000), 'Masterpieces of the Century' (2001), 'World 25' (2001), 'Never Say Goodbye' (2004), 'Let Me Go' (2005), 'The Best Songs' (2005), 'For You Alone' (2007), '69 Best Songs in mp3' (2008), 'Romantic Journey' (2011), 'Play' (2016).

Personal Life. Ex-wife (2001-2008) - Svetlana Borisovna Shpigel, daughter of producer Baskov Boris Shpigel.

10.09.2023