Vladimir Popov, founder of the Russian Concert Orchestra of St. Petersburg, has passed away

Founder, artistic director and chief conductor of the Russian Concert Orchestra of St. Petersburg Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation Vladimir Popov died at the age of 79. This was reported on January 4 in the press service of the St. Petersburg Culture Committee.

"Gone from life conductor, honored art worker of the Russian Federation Vladimir Popov. <...> Under his leadership, the orchestra became one of the best in the country, performing both classical and contemporary works," - stated in the message in the Telegram-channel.

The press service noted that Popov made a huge contribution to the development and popularization of music on Russian folk instruments. The Committee on Culture of St. Petersburg expressed condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of Vladimir Pavlovich.

Vladimir Popov was born on June 26, 1945. He graduated from the Leningrad Conservatory, specializing in accordion, and from the Novosibirsk Conservatory, specializing in opera and symphonic conducting. From the late 1960s to the 1970s he worked as a teacher in several cities - Novosibirsk, Vladivostok and Astrakhan.

In 1991 he organized and headed a group that preserved and actively continues to develop the traditions of performing on Russian folk instruments. This ensemble became popular both in St. Petersburg and in many other cities and countries. In 2007-2014 alone, the conductor conducted more than 500 concerts. Together with the ensemble Popov performed in Russia and abroad, including such countries as Abkhazia, Armenia and Finland.

Popov was awarded the title of Honored Art Worker of Russia in 1995. In 2019, he received the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree. In addition, Vladimir Pavlovich received other state awards.