The results of the IV International Competition of Vocal and Conducting Skills have been announced. The jury of the prestigious creative competition, headed by the outstanding Russian conductor and choirmaster Boris Tarakanov, has named the winners. Among them are the soloists of the Astrakhan State Song and Dance Ensemble, Evgeny Kozhayev and Valentina Karpova.
Over its seventeen years of existence, the renowned Astrakhan ensemble has toured various countries and regions of Russia. Many of its artists have participated in international and Russian competitions, winning prestigious awards.
Valentina Karpova has been a member of the ensemble since its inception. Evgeny Kozhayev, a graduate of the Chelyabinsk State Institute of Culture, joined the ensemble two years ago. Their creative duo was formed recently, when they performed the lyrical and soulful song “The Scarlet Dawn on the Lake” based on the work of the great Russian poet Sergei Yesenin at the premiere of a program dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the poet’s birth. This performance earned them victory in the “Academic Vocal Duo” category at the 4th International Vocal and Conducting Competition.
The creative union continues its work. Evgeny Kozhayev and Valentina Karpova performed the popular Soviet pop hit of the 1960s, “It's Snowing,” at the New Year's Eve performance in the Astrakhan Kremlin. The song will be included in the “From Christmas to Maslenitsa” concert, which will take place on January 29, 2026, at the Astrakhan State Opera and Ballet Theater.
Photo by Astrakhan State Song and Dance Ensemble.