Viktor Kalinnikov

Russian composer, conductor and music educator Viktor Kalinnikov (1870–1927) studied at the seminary in Oryol, then at the Moscow Philharmonic School, taking lessons in oboe and music theory. He played in various theatre orchestras, and taught singing at schools in Moscow. From 1899 to 1901, he headed the orchestra of the Moscow Art Theatre. Victor attended then taught at the Moscow Synodal School of Russian Orthodox Church music, where he composed 24 sacred choral settings for the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy. He wrote also symphony and chamber music, choral songs and arrangement of folk music. From 1922 to 1926, he taught at the Moscow Conservatory.