The hallmark of the city of Saratov is rightfully the Saratov Conservatory named after L. Sobinov. The unique Gothic architecture, which is not repeated anywhere else in the buildings of the city, is distinguished by its sophistication, chimeras and turrets. And the music and chants coming from the windows of the building attract the eyes and ears of guests and residents of the city.
Historical background
The Saratov Conservatory was destined to become the third music school in Tsarist Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The history of the school as an educational institution began in 1895, but the starting point for the history of the building in its current location dates back to 1902. The school was built according to the project of Petersburger Alexander Yang, and later there were many dissatisfaction with the appearance of the building. In the Saratov newspapers of that time, he was called nothing more than an "elevator".
Then the architect Kallistratov took up the reconstruction. Probably, thanks to Nemetskaya Street (now Kirov Avenue), on which the Saratov Conservatory was located, the building acquired Gothic turrets, gargoyles and lancet vaults and opened in1912. By 1918, the institution received the status of a state institution, and in 1935 the conservatory became named after the tenor Leonid Sobinov.
Faculties of the Conservatory
The Saratov Conservatory offers applicants the following faculties and speci alties for admission.
| Faculties | Speci alties and departments |
| Faculty of secondary vocational education | Speci alties: "music theory", "solo and choral performance", "conducting", "vocal art" |
| Performing Faculty of Higher Education | Department of Conducting, Department of Orchestral String Instruments, Department of Wind and Percussion Instruments, Department of Piano |
| Theoretical-Performing Faculty of Higher Education | Department of Academic Singing, Department of Folk Instruments, Department of Music History, etc. |
| Faculty of training scientific and pedagogical personnel | "Assistant internship", "attachment", "doctorate", "additional education and retraining" |
| Theatrical department | Speci alty: "acting art". Specialization: "artist of drama theater and cinema", "artist of the musical genre", "artist of the puppet theater" |
A music school for gifted children is also open, where nuggets from 6 years old are accepted, and the Summer Theater School forteenagers 11-16 years old.
Famous Alumni
Every year, the Saratov Conservatory produces artists who gain popularity by acting in films and TV shows. Many legendary actors have already become the hallmark of the theater department, their names attract more and more applicants who dream of repeating the star track. Among the famous actors are Oleg Yankovsky, Evgeny Mironov, Vladimir Konkin. Younger, but actively appearing in the tabloids Maxim Matveev, Yulia Zimina, Maxim Loktionov also came out from under the wing of the Saratov Conservatory. The composer Igor Krutoy and the famous baritone, people's artist Leonid Smetannikov also studied at the educational institution.
Repertoire
The variety of departments and speci alties of the educational institution makes it possible to create creative teams and musical ensembles on the basis of the university. The repertoire of the Saratov Conservatory always pleases its guests with popular works performed by students of the educational institution. The conservatory has three halls. The large one can accommodate 469 people and is one of the most beautiful halls in Russia. It houses three grand pianos, as well as a Sauer organ. The foyer of the great hall also allows you to organize events such as nightly concerts. The Small Hall can accommodate 100 people and is designed for student performances as well as chamber music.
The Theater Concert Hall is equipped with a DJ console, modern lighting and sound equipment, has excellent acousticcharacteristics. It is used for conferences, concerts, theatrical performances and rehearsals. The hall is designed for 216 visitors and has a good air conditioning and ventilation system.
The most attractive within the walls of concert halls for the Saratov audience and listener is organ music. Therefore, the conservatory opened special subscriptions for attending organ concerts and performances. Folklore music, choral singing, world works for string and brass bands, works by students of the school for gifted children and much more can be found in the repertoire of the Saratov Conservatory. Those who are not indifferent to the violin should visit the "Evening of Violin Music", where the works of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius are played. Prokofiev, Liszt, Chopin, Tchaikovsky are favorites in the concert programs "An Evening of Piano Music". It should be noted that the performing artists are laureates of all-Russian and foreign music and vocal competitions. For example, the Academic Choir of the Saratov Conservatory, which gives concerts in the large hall of the Conservatory to the accompaniment of organ and piano.
The conservatory hosts various festivals. One of the past was the festival "In Panitsky's Homeland", where accordionists and accordionists from Russia, Moldova, and China participated. Anniversaries of artists are also celebrated with concerts. An event dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the pedagogical activity of the people's artist and teacher L. Smetannikov is coming. In December, the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Muslim Magomayev will take place, where his best songs will be performed, accompanied by a pop ensemble. Forchildren will prepare the musical "By the Pike's Command" for the New Year, which will take place during the winter holidays.
For guests of Saratov and residents in love with their city, the concert department is pleased to offer tours of the famous Gothic building with a visit to the Conservatory Museum. The tour includes walks and a detailed story about the halls of the institution, about famous teachers, graduates of the conservatory, a photo session on the balcony of the building. The museum presents an exposition with musical instruments donated by famous musicians, old posters, notes, historical photographs of concerts.
How to get there?
Address of the Saratov Conservatory named after L. Sobinov: Kirov Avenue, 1.
This is a pedestrian zone, so you can get from the Central Department Store on foot to Radishcheva Street. You can also use trolleybuses No. 2 and 2A, reaching the Lipki park.
