# Valentyn Sylvestrov

> Soviet and Ukrainian pianist and composer (b. 1937)

**Wikidata**: [Q706765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q706765)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentyn_Silvestrov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/valentyn-sylvestrov

## Summary
Valentyn Sylvestrov is a distinguished Soviet and Ukrainian pianist and composer born in 1937, recognized as a leading figure in contemporary classical music. He is celebrated for his extensive contributions to the symphony genre and his work as an author of music in various forms. His career is marked by prestigious state honors, including the Shevchenko National Prize and the title of People's Artist of Ukraine.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1937 (specific date and place not provided in source material)
- **Nationality**: Soviet and Ukrainian
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Composing symphonies and contemporary classical music; performing as a pianist
- **Employer(s)**: Ukrainian National Academy of Music (affiliated)
- **Field(s)**: Music composing, piano performance, contemporary classical music

## Contributions
Valentyn Sylvestrov has established a significant legacy in the realm of music composing and performance.
- **Music Composing**: He is an author of music in any form, specifically contributing to the post-1945 period known as contemporary classical music.
- **Symphonic Works**: He has created extended musical compositions classified as symphonies, a genre with roots extending back to 1600.
- **Recording Industry**: His work has been associated with ECM Records, a German independent record label founded in 1969, which has helped disseminate his music globally.
- **Academic Affiliation**: He maintains a professional connection with the Ukrainian National Academy of Music, a conservatoire in Kyiv established in 1863, contributing to the institution's musical heritage.

## FAQs
**What are Valentyn Sylvestrov's primary professions?**
He is a dual-role artist who functions as both a pianist, playing the piano, and a composer, authoring music in various forms. His work spans the Soviet and Ukrainian eras, reflecting a long-standing career in the arts.

**Which major awards has he received?**
Sylvestrov has been honored with the Shevchenko National Prize, a Ukrainian state award established in 1961. Additionally, he holds the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, a state honor instituted in 2000.

**Where has he been professionally affiliated?**
He is affiliated with the Ukrainian National Academy of Music, a prominent conservatoire located in Kyiv, Ukraine. This institution has been a center for musical education since its inception in 1863.

**What genre of music is he associated with?**
His work is firmly rooted in contemporary classical music, defined as the post-1945 period in classical music history. He also contributes to the broader tradition of symphonic composition.

## Why They Matter
Valentyn Sylvestrov's significance lies in his ability to bridge the Soviet and Ukrainian musical traditions through his compositions and performances. By contributing to the field of contemporary classical music, he has helped shape the artistic landscape of the post-1945 era. His association with international entities like ECM Records has facilitated the global reach of Ukrainian music, while his recognition by the state through the Shevchenko National Prize and the title of People's Artist of Ukraine underscores his cultural importance. Without his work, the canon of contemporary symphonic music would lack a distinct voice from the Ukrainian perspective, and the Ukrainian National Academy of Music would be missing a key affiliated figure in its history.

## Notable For
- Being a Soviet and Ukrainian pianist and composer born in 1937.
- Receiving the Shevchenko National Prize, a major Ukrainian state award.
- Holding the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, established in 2000.
- Composing symphonies, which are extended musical compositions.
- Contributing to the genre of contemporary classical music (post-1945).
- Being affiliated with the Ukrainian National Academy of Music in Kyiv.
- Having works released or associated with ECM Records, a German independent label founded in 1969.
- Being recognized as a human member of the unique extant species *Homo sapiens* with a specific sitelink count of 40 across various wikis.

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Valentyn Sylvestrov is a human being, a single member of the unique extant species *Homo sapiens*. He was born in 1937, placing his early life within the context of the Soviet Union, a former country in Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. His nationality encompasses both Soviet and Ukrainian identities, reflecting the geopolitical shifts of the 20th century. Ukraine, his country of origin, has a complex inception history, with its modern statehood declared on August 24, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt.

### Professional Roles and Fields
Sylvestrov operates primarily in the field of music, an art form utilizing sound. His professional identity is twofold: he is a pianist, a musician who plays the piano, and a composer, defined as a person who is an author of music in any form. His specific focus includes music composing, the action or process of creating or writing music. He is particularly noted for his work in contemporary classical music, a genre covering the post-1945 period in classical music history. Additionally, he contributes to the symphony, a type of extended musical composition that has existed since approximately 1600.

### Institutional Affiliations and Recognition
A significant part of his career involves his affiliation with the Ukrainian National Academy of Music. This institution is a conservatoire located in Kyiv, Ukraine, with an inception date of 1863. His connection to this academy highlights his role in the educational and performance sectors of Ukrainian music. His contributions have been formally recognized by the state of Ukraine. He is a recipient of the Shevchenko National Prize, a Ukrainian state award that was established on May 20, 1961. Furthermore, he holds the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, a title of honor that was instituted in the year 2000.

### International Reach and Recordings
Beyond his national achievements, Sylvestrov's work has reached an international audience through ECM Records. This organization is a German independent record label that was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Munich. The association with such a prominent label indicates the high regard for his compositions and performances on the global stage. His work is cataloged with a significant sitelink count, reflecting his widespread documentation across various knowledge bases, including 40 sitelinks on Wikipedia and numerous connections to related entities like music, composers, and pianists.

### Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Valentyn Sylvestrov is defined by his enduring presence in the world of classical music. As a composer and pianist, he has produced works that contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary classical music. His ability to create symphonies and other musical forms ensures that his influence persists in the repertoire of performers and ensembles worldwide. The specific dates and qualifiers associated with his awards and affiliations, such as the inception of the Shevchenko National Prize and the establishment of the Ukrainian National Academy of Music, serve as historical anchors for his career. His life story is inextricably linked to the history of Ukraine and the Soviet Union, making him a vital figure in understanding the cultural evolution of Eastern Europe.

## References

1. [Ukraine’s Most Famous Living Composer Is Now a Refugee. The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/arts/music/valentin-silvestrov-ukraine-war.html)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [The Fine Art Archive](https://cs.isabart.org/person/19266)
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. IMDb
10. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
11. [Source](https://www.schott-music.com/en/person/index/index/urlkey/valentin-silvestrov)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [Gramophone](https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/silvestrov-symphony-no-7-piano-concertino-lyndon-gee)
14. BBC Things
15. Discogs
16. The Fine Art Archive
17. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
18. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
19. YouTube API