Sofia Mikhailovna Rotaru: nationality, family, biography

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The singer's repertoire consists of more than five hundred songs performed in different languages. The fact that the song knows no boundaries was proved by Sofia Rotaru. The nationality of the performer does not matter to fans of her work. The singer's career was marked by all-Union and international success. The titles "Queen of the Russian stage", "Golden voice of Ukraine" rightfully belong to her.

Family

Singer Rotaru Sofia Mikhailovna comes from a simple, poor, large family. She was born on 1947-07-08 in the Chernivtsi region in the village. Marchintsy. In addition to Sofia, the family had five more children: brothers - Evgeny and Anatoly, sisters - Zinaida, Lydia and Aurelia.

Sofia Rotaru's parents - people from the land of song, where not a single holiday or feast was complete without music, had clear, sonorous voices. This was noted by everyone around. MichaelFedorovich - the father of the singer (1918-2004) - after participating in the Second World War, he was a foreman in the vineyards, his mother - Alexandra Ivanovna (1920-1997) - worked in the field, traded in the market, so from childhood Sofia helped her mother with the housework, substituted in trade.

All children have inherited musical abilities from their parents. Zinaida, the elder sister, was ill with typhus in infancy, lost her sight, but at the same time had exceptional hearing and vocal abilities. It was from her that Sofia learned to sing from early childhood.

Anatoly is a successful businessman, Evgeny is a bass player, vocalist, he also connected his career with the art of music. After graduating from the department of "music and singing" at the Nikolaev Pedagogical Institute, in the late 70s. becomes a member of the Moldovan VIA "Orizont". Sister Lydia, after graduating from medical school, soloed in amateur performances, then she was invited to the Cheremosh ensemble, created at the Chernivtsi Philharmonic, where they sang a duet with Aurelia. In this composition, the team toured throughout the Union and lasted about 10 years. After that, Aurelia got married, moved to Kyiv, temporarily left the stage, Lydia continued her creative path together with her brother Evgeny, performing melodies in the Italian style.

In the late 80s "Cheremosh" accompanied Sofia Rotaru in concert programs. Their family cooperation continued for many years, then Lydia gave birth to a daughter, left the stage, Eugene preferred farming. Some time later, Aurelia creates the VIA "Contact" and performs in Ukraine, in90s tours with Sophia, performing her songs between departments.

Origin of the surname

Sofia Mikhailovna has ethnic Moldovan roots and Ukrainian citizenship. In Soviet times, nationality did not matter to the Rotaru family. After all, then both Ukraine and Moldova were the territory of a single state.

Initially, until 1940, the village of Marshintsy - where Sofia Rotaru was born, was part of Romania, after the war the territory was annexed to Ukraine. It was this fact that affected the spelling of the artist's surname. To the Romanian sound and spelling Rotar (rotar - chariot), first, in the Ukrainian manner, a soft sign was added - Rotar, and then, on the advice of Edita Pieha, the surname took on a more melodic sound, spelled in the Moldavian way and the letter "u" at the end - Rotaru. For example, in the film "Chervona Ruta" with her participation in the credits, you can see the spelling - Rotar.

Childhood

From the first grade, Sofia began to show her vocal abilities. She soloed in the school, church choir, for which she almost lost the title of pioneer. Participated in amateur performances, a drama club, took lessons in playing the domra, button accordion.

In addition to her creative talent, Sophia was very athletic, involved in athletics. School champion, winner of city Olympiads, regional Spartakiad in running discipline at 800 and 100 m.

Education and the beginning of a creative path

The road to the big world of vocal art began in 1962 with the victory indistrict amateur competition, after which she automatically, as the winner, got to the regional review in Chernivtsi. 1963 brought the artist a diploma of the winner of the 1st degree and a chance to perform in Kyiv at the Republican Talent Festival and, having first appeared on the stage of the Kremlin Palace of Congresses in 1964, she conquered her with the title of winner.

Meanwhile, after graduating from school in the same 1964, she entered the department of choral conducting at the music school in Chernivtsi, since there was no vocal department. After a series of successes, the photo of the young artist in 1965 appeared on the cover of the magazine "Ukraine". It was this photo that determined the future of her personal life. Anatoly Evdokimenko - Sofia's fellow countryman (future husband) was serving in the army in the Ural city of Nizhny Tagil when he saw the magazine. He fell in love with a beautiful young artist at first sight, firmly decided to find and conquer the girl.

A student of Chernivtsi University, a trumpet player, after returning from the army, created a student variety orchestra, met Sofia and realized that he could win her heart only with the help of music. He initiated the appearance of a soloist in the orchestra. It is with the accompaniment of a variety orchestra that Sofia Rotaru is heading to the capital of Bulgaria for the Ninth World Folklore Festival of Students and Youth. Having performed three songs in Moldovan, Ukrainian and Russian, she became a laureate and owner of a gold medal. The audience warmly received the performer, showering her with bouquets of roses. Newspaper headlines were full of:

21-year-old Sofia conquered Sofia! Sofia flowers for Sofia!

Athe great L. Zykina - chairman of the jury of the festival - noted:

This is a singer with a great future!

After graduating from a music school, Rotaru becomes a teacher of solfeggio and music theory. From this moment begins the countdown of professional musical activity. In performing arts, the singer collaborates with V. Gromtsev, L. Dutkovsky, composer V. Ivasyuk, with whom a cycle of song compositions of the 60–70s was later created, based on folklore, the use of instruments and modern arrangements.

As a choir conductor, in 1974 Sofia graduated from the GII. G. Muzichesku in Chisinau (now the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts).

Private life

Having fallen in love with his chosen one from the photo, Anatoly Evdokimenko (1942-20-01) found, managed to win over, conquer, become the husband of Sofia Mikhailovna. The young people got married on 1968-22-09, 2 years later - 1970-24-08 - a son was born - Ruslan - an exact copy of his father. Happy dad met his wife from the hospital with an orchestra, danced all the way home with the heir in his arms. It was not only a happy marriage, full of love, understanding, consent, but also a successful creative union.

In 2002, Anatoly Evdokimenko, People's Artist of Ukraine, passed away prematurely, having died of a stroke. The singer was able to survive the loss, cope with grief with the help of her loved ones, her son, and grandchildren. Ruslan Anatolyevich Evdokimenko - concert producer of his star mother, daughter-in-law Svetlana - personal stylist, creative directorartists.

Granddaughter Sonya (2001-30-05) - a young star of the modeling business, graduated from Kyiv, in 2017 she entered a private English school in London, is engaged in vocals. Grandson Anatoly (1994-23-03) graduated from the Central College of Arts. St. Mark of London, is engaged in photography, mastering graphic design, the profession of a music producer.

The singer's family is firmly established in England, so many fans often have the question: "Where does Sofia Rotaru live now?" Officially, she lives in Ukraine, has real estate in the Crimea, and travels a lot. She is the mistress of the so-called "gingerbread house" in the village of Nikita, a few kilometers from Y alta, next to the famous botanical garden. In the center of Y alta, on the embankment, there is "Villa Sofia" - a hotel that also belongs to the star. Perhaps due to the current political situation, Rotaru, whose nationality is Ukrainian, now rarely appears on Crimean territory.

In the center of Kyiv, next to St. Sophia's Cathedral, a pop artist has a 4-room apartment. According to Sophia Mikhailovna, she is extremely rare there, this is the place where concert dresses and outfits are kept. A suburban estate 22 km from Kyiv in Koncha-Zaspa became a permanent place of residence. A huge cottage, hidden from prying eyes, surrounded by coniferous forest, is located in the village of Pyatikhatki.

Income and business

Rotaru is included in the so-called Forbes list of Ukraine, "TOP-25" of the most popular expensiveUkrainian stars. Every year, she officially declares impressive amounts of income. Owns a boutique hotel "Villa Sofia", which, according to rough estimates, brings about 5 million rubles annually. Income from other investments and investments is estimated at 2 million rubles a year.

Journalists note that income from concerts and tours has recently declined significantly. About 10 years ago, creativity brought the singer about $ 5 million annually, now the amount has decreased significantly. Perhaps, based on her personal or political considerations, the artist completely refused to perform in Russia, which affected the level of income. Despite being offered a Russian passport by a representative of the Russian government, she correctly chose not to accept it.

Sofia spends her financial resources on her family, grandchildren, travel, overseas shopping, he alth and beauty treatments. The singer transfers her pension transfers to a charitable foundation.

Musical creativity and cinematography

Sofia Rotaru performed on many stages of the USSR, Russia. Accompanied by the Chervona Ruta ensemble, she toured all over the country, everywhere she was successful. After graduating from college, having "conquered" Bulgaria in 1972, Rotaru went on a musical tour of Poland, and in 1973 won the Golden Orpheus award.

From the 70s. Sophia Rotaru's songs, created together with the best poets and composers of the country, constantly become laureates of the Song of the Year. 1974brought victory at the International Song Festival in Sopot. A year later, the singer received the title of People's Artist of the Ukrainian SSR, laureate of the LKSMU Prize. N. Ostrovsky, from this year the countdown of participation in the annual "Blue Lights" began. The end of the 70s was marked by successful cooperation with the Munich recording studio "Ariola", the recording of a disc, the release of several records by the music company "Melody". The European tour was a resounding success.

80s in the work of the singer:

• 1980 - Prize at the Tokyo International Competition;
• 1983 - concert tour in Canada, release of an album in Toronto, after which Rotaru and her group became restricted to travel abroad for 5 years;
• People's Artist of Moldova - 1983;
• prize from "Melody" - "Golden Disc" - 1985, Order of Friendship of Peoples;
• 1988 - title of People's Artist of the USSR.

Permanent participation in music programs, the annual "Song of the Year" awards, an active concert and touring life brought the artist to a high level of popularity, brought national recognition.

90s era:

1. Concerts in hot spots.
2. Long-term collaboration with the ballet A. Dukhovoy "Todes".
3. 1991 - concert program dedicated to the 20th anniversary of creative activity.
4. "Song of the Year", "Blue Light", tour Europe, USA.
5. 1996 - Badge of Honor of the President of Ukraine. The title of "Best pop singer in 1996", a prize to them. TO. Shulzhenko.
6. 1997 - Rotaru was recognized as an honorary citizen of the Republic of Crimea, winner of the prize of the President of Ukraine L. Kuchma, holder of the Order of the Republic of Moldova.
7. CD release on labels Extraphone, Star Records.
8. 1999 - the best performer of Ukraine, the award "For contribution to the development of national pop music", the Order of Princess Olga of the 3rd degree, the title of "Person of the Year".

2000s period, present day:

1. "Man of the 20th century", "Golden voice of Ukraine", laureate of "Prometheus-prestige", "Best Ukrainian pop singer of the 20th century", "Woman of the Year", laureate of "Ovation" - 2000
2. "Star of Sofia Rotaru" on the Alley of Stars of Ukraine; title "Hero of Ukraine".
3. 2002 - Order of Honor of the Russian Federation.
4. Nominal star on the alley in front of the concert hall "Russia", Moscow.
5. Dedication album "The Only One" (in memory of her husband) - 2004
6. Concerts and tours abroad.
7. Anniversary concert in honor of the 60th anniversary, Order of Ukraine "For Merit" II degree - 2007
8. Anniversary tour of Russia - 2008, 2011 - concerts dedicated to the 40th anniversary of creativity;
9. Recording albums, remakes, participation in "Song of the Year", "Golden Gramophone".
10. 2017 - anniversary concerts and tours.

For the entire period of creativity, Sofia Rotaru set not only a song record, but also participated in a huge number of musical, documentary, feature films. First time onon the television screen, she appeared in the film by R. Alekseev "Chervona Ruta". Among the most famous tapes:

• "Soul";
• "Where are you, love?";
• "Musical Detective";
• "The Nightingale from the village of Marshintsy";
• "Ten years later. Chervona rue";
• "Love Caravan";
• "10 songs about Moscow";
• "One day by the sea";
• "Military field romance";
• "Goldfish" and others.

Politics

In the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary elections, she ran for people's deputies from the Lytvyn Bloc, but the bloc did not get the required number of votes. After joining the Crimean territory to Russia in 2014, she renounced Russian citizenship. Sofia Rotaru, whose nationality is Ukrainian, referred to the fact that she has a residence permit in Kyiv and is not en titled to a Russian passport under Ukrainian law.

After the introduction of martial law in Ukraine in November 2018, the singer refused any performances in Russia, explaining this by her desire to protect her loved ones from all kinds of political provocations.

Actress, singer, people's artist, choir conductor, dancer, winner of honorary awards, state awards, entrepreneur, philanthropist, great figure of culture and art, amazing woman - it's all about Sofia Rotaru. When she enters the stage, the charming voiceconquers, penetrates into the depths of the soul. Sincerity, gratitude, the joy of communicating with her audience throughout her career, she tried to convey and convey to everyone in a musical and poetic language.