Semionov Viacheslav (1946 - today)

Semionov was born in 1946, in Trubchevsk, Bryansk (Russia). At the age of seven he began playing the bayan, being inspired by his father and grandfather. His father gave him his first initial lessons and he continued his studies at the Rostov Art College and the Gnessins Music Pedagogic Institute in Moscow, one of the great musical centres in Russia.

At the age of 21 his international careerbegan, as Viacheslav started to take part in international competitions: Klingenthal in Germany (1967), Sofia in Bulgaria (1968), Berlin in Germany (1973), in all of which he ended in the top three. As concert artist, Semionov gave performances in more than 30 countries.

Semionov, who can be called the founder of modern school for bayan, began teaching at the Rostov Music Pedagogical Institute. Lots of his students became prize winners at national and international competitions.
Viacheslav Semionov is often asked to give masterclasses in Russia and abroad and he is also frequently invited to judge at international competitions.

Since 1991 he plays duo with his wife, who plays the domra, a Russian folk instrument. They gave performances in China, the USA as well as in many European countries.

Semionov is well known as a composer for bayan. His compositions are standard repertoire for many accordeonists and his works are compulsary pieces for many international and national accordeon competitions. His compositions have been published in Russia and Germany.

As a performer, Semionov plays with a warm heart and a cool head, being in control of everything. His performances are of a world-class level.
Sources: musicforaccordion.com, accordions.com
For his career he received following accolades:
  • 1977 Title of "Honoured Artist of Russia
  • 1982 Vice-President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes
  • 1988 Professor at the Russian Academy of Music
  • 1994 Silver disk at the International Festival "Bayan and Bayanists" in Moscow
  • 1995 the highest possible honour "People's Artist of Russia", handed by president B. Yeltsin
                                        Works
First Sonata
Four Rhapsody: Ukraine, Belarus, Lithunia, Estonia
Don Rhapsody
Sonata no 2
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