Sergei Leiferkus is a world-renowned Russian baritone opera singer. The spelling of his name in IPA phonetics is [sʲɪrˈɡʲej ˈlʲejfərkʊs]. The first name, Sergei, is spelled with the Cyrillic letter "с" which sounds like "s" in English. The last name, Leiferkus, has a more complex spelling with the combination of two Russian letters "ф" and "к" which sound like "f" and "k" in English. The stress is on the second syllable "-fər-" which is indicated by the stress mark.
Sergei Leiferkus is a renowned Russian operatic baritone, known for his distinctive vocal style and exceptional interpretation of various roles. Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1946, Leiferkus has emerged as one of the leading baritones of his generation, earning critical acclaim for his compelling performances and extensive repertoire.
Leiferkus possesses a rich, resonant voice characterized by its unique timbre and remarkable control. His vocal range extends from a powerful low register to a ringing top, allowing him to effortlessly navigate the demands of a wide range of operatic roles. He is renowned for his expressive phrasing and his ability to convey emotional depth and complexity in his performances.
Having initially trained as a choral conductor, Leiferkus later shifted his focus to vocal performance, receiving formal training at the Leningrad Conservatory. He made his operatic debut in 1972 at the Kirov Opera (now the Mariinsky Theatre), and his talent quickly garnered attention both in his native country and on the international stage.
Leiferkus has appeared in leading roles in renowned opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Vienna State Opera, among others. His repertoire encompasses a wide range of roles, featuring works by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Verdi, and Wagner.
Throughout his storied career, Sergei Leiferkus has earned widespread acclaim for his powerful, passionate performances, solidifying his position as one of the most celebrated baritones of his generation. His contributions to the world of opera have left an indelible mark, delighting audiences and inspiring future generations of vocal artists.