Domra takes its modest but honorable place among the Slavic folk instruments. The famous musician and teacher Alexander Tsygankov has been playing the domra all his adult life. And, as a rule, the audience enthusiastically accepts his performances.
Children's hobbies
Back in the days before the internet was invented, music lovers and connoisseurs gathered in the evenings to play various folk instruments. The most popular were balalaika, mandolin and domra. Some wits call them "one stick, two strings." Alexander Andreevich Tsygankov understands jokes. With his many years of work, he convincingly proves that domra is a full-fledged musical instrument. The concerts given by the famous performer in different cities and countries always attract full houses.
The future maestro was born on November 1, 1948 in an ordinary Soviet family. Parents lived in the Siberian city of Omsk. From an early age, Alexander often visited relatives in the village. Grandpa played the mandolin very well. And seeing that his grandson showed interest in playing music, he made a simple instrument for him. The boy mastered the technique of playing it in no time. As a schoolboy, Tsygankov actively participated in amateur performances. For some time he played in the brass band of the house of pioneers. He graduated from the music school in three years.
Professional activity
Tsygankov studied easily. At any free moment, he picked up his favorite domra and honed his technique. Few were distinguished by this approach to their own education. In 1965, Alexander received the first prize at the All-Union Show of Young Performers in Sverdlovsk. Participating in various festivals and competitions, he realized that he lacked theoretical training. The young musician decided to get a higher specialized education at the Gnesins Moscow Music and Pedagogical Institute. Already in his first year, he became a laureate of the World Festival of Youth and Students, held in Sofia.
Tsygankov's creative career developed along an increasing trajectory. In the fourth year of the institute, Alexander passed the qualifying competition, and he was enrolled in the Osipov State Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments. The musician worked in this collective for almost fifty years. In the 70s, the repertoire for domra was small. Considering this circumstance, Tsygankov was systematically engaged in transcription of classical melodies written for other instruments. Primarily for the violin. The composer included elements of classical music, romance and jazz in the folk melody.
Recognition and privacy
The musical creativity of the musician and composer was appreciated by the officials. For his great contribution to the development of culture and art, Alexander Tsygankov was awarded the Order of Friendship. He was awarded the honorary title of People's Artist of Russia.
The maestro's personal life went well. He has been legally married for a long time. Husband and wife perform on stage together. Spouse Inna Shevchenko is the constant accompanist Alexander Tsygankov.
