Grigory Smirnov – composer and keyboards player

Born in 1982 in Novosibirsk (Siberian city in Russia), I started to play piano when I was five years old, and then guitar and accordion also. From that time I have also been composing music in different ways – from improvisation to writing scores and electronic compositions. I studied piano at the Novosibirsk Music College (1996-2000) and composition at the Novosibirsk State Conservatoire (2000-2006) with professor Yuri Yukechev (the chairman of the Siberian Organization of the Russian Composers Union). After graduation I often spend my time in Moscow learning great achievements of the world arts and looking for new pathways in developing my professional ideas.

For the last several years I attended different masterclasses and workshops in Russia, including the ones with Carl Bergstrøm-Nielsen (Denmark), David K. Gompper (USA), Ulrike Haage (Germany), Gérard Zinsstag (Switzerland), Bradley Williams / “Chicago Summer Jazz School” (USA). I also much appreciate personal consultations with such notable contemporary classical composers as Krzysztof Penderecki, Vladimir Tarnopolski, Kirill Volkov, Boris Tishchenko, Sergei Slonimsky, David K. Gompper and others.

Among my awards is a prize of the IV International Prokofiev Competition (2003, St. Petersburg) for Sonata "Stained Glasses" for two pianos.

I compose chamber, orchestral, choral and electronic music. While I am mainly a classical composer, my direction ranges from contemporary classical style to experimental, jazz, electronic and synthesis of all that. Some my music has been published by Edition Svitzer (Denmark).

In addition to composing music I play piano, electronic keyboards and organ. I perform both prepared works and free improvisations – solo and with ensembles.

I am happy to meet here many creative people from all over the world who love music and other arts. Also when somebody has interesting ideas of collaboration I am always very glad to learn about it. So please feel free to write me! :)