Non Profit
Toronto-Studio-Theatre
StageToneScape
Artistic Director
Valentin Bogolubov
Introducing . . .
Valentin Bogolubov
Canadian pianist Valentin Bogolubov was still in kindergarten when selected by Soviet talent scouts to attend a specialized music school in Riga, Latvia. Thus, at age seven, Bogolubov began his intensive musical training, thriving under a rigorous system which afforded such advantages as daily music lessons. He studied voice, piano, violin and choral conducting during his school years.
At age 14, Valentin Bogolubov decided to become a pianist and began dedicating himself passionately to his ambition, practicing eight and even twelve hours a day.
But the best of teaching and the most rigorous discipline do not of themselves produce a great musician. Talent is the key element, and the rare talent of Valentin Bogolubov came to light when he placed first on completing his studies at the Riga Conservatory, then going on to become first prize winner in both the Latvian and the Pan-Baltic competitions.
After graduation, he began teaching at the Riga Conservatory and was soon appointed conductor of the Riga Opera, a position he held for 15 years in all.
Further recognition of Bogolubov’s talent came when he was chosen to study with Jacob Flier, in Moscow. One of the world’s greatest piano teachers, Flier at that time accepted only two students a year.
But his stay in Moscow was not limited to piano work; Bogolubov also served as assistant conductor at the Bolshoi Theatre where for three years he was privileged to work with its world-class singers and legendary orchestra, whose players, of unparalleled professionalism, are all winners of major music competitions. One of many accomplishments during this period was his conducting of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Kremlin.
Returning to Riga, he resumed his position as conductor of the Riga Opera, all the while pursuing his career as a concert pianist. It was at this time that he founded the Riga Chamber Opera.
Valentin Bogolubov surely stands alone among Canadian virtuosic pianists for being also an orchestral conductor. After a Montreal Liszt concert, a LaPresse reporter gave an apt description of Bogolubov’s performance: “piano playing in the grand manner, orchestral in its richness of sound”. His performances of piano transcriptions, as, for example, his concert of the Liszt transcription of Beethoven’s Third Symphony at Montreal’s Place des Arts, reveal an intimate understanding of underlying orchestral coloration. Fellow performers and audiences alike are entranced by his ease of artistry as an accompanist, notably when playing orchestral reductions for opera singers.
Since arriving in Canada, Valentin Bogolubov has been working mainly as a pianist. But he also trains singers, drawing on his vast experience as a répétiteur. He also has an intuitive genius for assessing character and musicality, even after hearing only a few bars of singing or playing. A tireless teacher, whose refinement of insight into any score inspires awe in his students, he unreservedly communicates his passion for the art of musical performance. His goal is to have his students build a sound technique that will enable them to develop their innate musicality.
Like the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, Valentin Bogolubov has always been fascinated by the synesthetic experience, and he began creating his first multi-media concerts while still in Riga. Most notable of such creations is perhaps the Scriabin concert he performed at the Place des Arts in 2007. As he played Scriabin Etudes and Sonatas, colour images from paintings by the great Russian masters were projected as a backdrop to the music, the tonalities of each piece having been researched by Bogolubov himself to produce sound-colour combinations in keeping with Scriabin’s system. The result: an illuminating performance of music by this pioneer in multi-media performance. Bogolubov sound-colour creations are now viewed worldwide on YouTube.
But beyond the unique training, experience and innovation that have marked his career, stands a musician whose playing is characterized by a kind of reverence. For Valentin Bogolubov considers the artistic experience to be a spiritual one. A vegetarian from his youth, he practices meditation daily and is in fact something of an expert in Eastern meditation techniques. On the concert stage, this formidable performer commands immediate respect for the power of his focus and his absorption in the music he creates. His state of profound inner peace draws his listeners to accompany him on his spiritual journey.
Valentin Bogolubov is one of Canada’s finest pianists, a consummate musician who is making a unique contribution to the Canadian music scene – a bright ornament in the mosaic of Canadian pianistic performance.
He performs regularly in the Toronto area, chiefly under the auspices of Stagetonescape Inc, which also presents concerts featuring his students.Valentin Bogolubov works in "StageToneScape" strictly as a volunteer.
M.A.
His performances, CD's and CBC concert recordings have all received critical acclaim.
"A masterful performance, leaving a deep and indelible memory."
La Presse, Montreal, February 1997.
"Piano-playing in the grand manner, orchestral in its richness of sound and extraordinary inspired."
La Presse, Montreal, August 1998.
"This disc captivates(...). I was completely enchanted by the musical intelligence displayed by the
clarity of outline, but also by the, as were, many layered richness of sound."
Radio-Canada, May 1998.
"It was a world-class musical presentation."
Kenneth G. Mills Foundation, Toronto, October 8, 2005
Valentin Bogolubov
Canadian pianist Valentin Bogolubov was still in kindergarten when selected by Soviet talent scouts to attend a specialized music school in Riga, Latvia. Thus, at age seven, Bogolubov began his intensive musical training, thriving under a rigorous system which afforded such advantages as daily music lessons. He studied voice, piano, violin and choral conducting during his school years.
At age 14, Valentin Bogolubov decided to become a pianist and began dedicating himself passionately to his ambition, practicing eight and even twelve hours a day.
But the best of teaching and the most rigorous discipline do not of themselves produce a great musician. Talent is the key element, and the rare talent of Valentin Bogolubov came to light when he placed first on completing his studies at the Riga Conservatory, then going on to become first prize winner in both the Latvian and the Pan-Baltic competitions.
After graduation, he began teaching at the Riga Conservatory and was soon appointed conductor of the Riga Opera, a position he held for 15 years in all.
Further recognition of Bogolubov’s talent came when he was chosen to study with Jacob Flier, in Moscow. One of the world’s greatest piano teachers, Flier at that time accepted only two students a year.
But his stay in Moscow was not limited to piano work; Bogolubov also served as assistant conductor at the Bolshoi Theatre where for three years he was privileged to work with its world-class singers and legendary orchestra, whose players, of unparalleled professionalism, are all winners of major music competitions. One of many accomplishments during this period was his conducting of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Kremlin.
Returning to Riga, he resumed his position as conductor of the Riga Opera, all the while pursuing his career as a concert pianist. It was at this time that he founded the Riga Chamber Opera.
Valentin Bogolubov surely stands alone among Canadian virtuosic pianists for being also an orchestral conductor. After a Montreal Liszt concert, a LaPresse reporter gave an apt description of Bogolubov’s performance: “piano playing in the grand manner, orchestral in its richness of sound”. His performances of piano transcriptions, as, for example, his concert of the Liszt transcription of Beethoven’s Third Symphony at Montreal’s Place des Arts, reveal an intimate understanding of underlying orchestral coloration. Fellow performers and audiences alike are entranced by his ease of artistry as an accompanist, notably when playing orchestral reductions for opera singers.
Since arriving in Canada, Valentin Bogolubov has been working mainly as a pianist. But he also trains singers, drawing on his vast experience as a répétiteur. He also has an intuitive genius for assessing character and musicality, even after hearing only a few bars of singing or playing. A tireless teacher, whose refinement of insight into any score inspires awe in his students, he unreservedly communicates his passion for the art of musical performance. His goal is to have his students build a sound technique that will enable them to develop their innate musicality.
Like the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, Valentin Bogolubov has always been fascinated by the synesthetic experience, and he began creating his first multi-media concerts while still in Riga. Most notable of such creations is perhaps the Scriabin concert he performed at the Place des Arts in 2007. As he played Scriabin Etudes and Sonatas, colour images from paintings by the great Russian masters were projected as a backdrop to the music, the tonalities of each piece having been researched by Bogolubov himself to produce sound-colour combinations in keeping with Scriabin’s system. The result: an illuminating performance of music by this pioneer in multi-media performance. Bogolubov sound-colour creations are now viewed worldwide on YouTube.
But beyond the unique training, experience and innovation that have marked his career, stands a musician whose playing is characterized by a kind of reverence. For Valentin Bogolubov considers the artistic experience to be a spiritual one. A vegetarian from his youth, he practices meditation daily and is in fact something of an expert in Eastern meditation techniques. On the concert stage, this formidable performer commands immediate respect for the power of his focus and his absorption in the music he creates. His state of profound inner peace draws his listeners to accompany him on his spiritual journey.
Valentin Bogolubov is one of Canada’s finest pianists, a consummate musician who is making a unique contribution to the Canadian music scene – a bright ornament in the mosaic of Canadian pianistic performance.
He performs regularly in the Toronto area, chiefly under the auspices of Stagetonescape Inc, which also presents concerts featuring his students.Valentin Bogolubov works in "StageToneScape" strictly as a volunteer.
M.A.
His performances, CD's and CBC concert recordings have all received critical acclaim.
"A masterful performance, leaving a deep and indelible memory."
La Presse, Montreal, February 1997.
"Piano-playing in the grand manner, orchestral in its richness of sound and extraordinary inspired."
La Presse, Montreal, August 1998.
"This disc captivates(...). I was completely enchanted by the musical intelligence displayed by the
clarity of outline, but also by the, as were, many layered richness of sound."
Radio-Canada, May 1998.
"It was a world-class musical presentation."
Kenneth G. Mills Foundation, Toronto, October 8, 2005
The main objectives of our company are:
1. To produce high academical level performances, performing arts festivals & concerts, for the purposes of educating and advancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of performing arts as well as to educate artists through participation in such events.
2. Promotion of the Art’s synthesis in any display and combination of: Opera, Music, Poetry, Painting, Drama, Pantomime, Dance, Ballet, Vocal Arts and Lighting.
3. Providing high level of training and education for the artists (students) through tutoring , master classes and performances. Preparing gifted students for a career in performing arts.
4. Providing scholarships, bursaries and prizes for achievement and for gifted students (artists) to assist in the advancement of their perspective careers.
General Director
Ludmila Gontcharova
"I think that the principal goal of the Arts is to bring the Beauty from one heart to another! My personal goal in the "StageToneScape" Studio-Theater is to give to the talented artists the opportunity to realize their gift!
I"m certain that together with such an artistic director as Valentin Bogolubov we will achieve the highest level of music making and also we will find our own audience..."
Ludmila Gontcharova - General Director
I"m certain that together with such an artistic director as Valentin Bogolubov we will achieve the highest level of music making and also we will find our own audience..."
Ludmila Gontcharova - General Director
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