Sofia Rotaru is an outstanding singer of our time. Her songs are loved by millions. Despite her 66 years, she amazes viewers with her irresistible appearance. They say about her that “looking impeccable in any situation and under any circumstances” is her lifestyle.
Sofia Rotaru: biography, family, photo
Those who lived in the Soviet Union are not surprised by the stories of artists who, born thousands of kilometers from Moscow, managed to achieve fame and recognition throughout the country. This country valued real talent. Rotaru's biography originates in the distant village of Marshintsy in western Ukraine, where in 1947 the future star was born into the family of winegrower Mikhail Rotar Soviet stage Sofia Rotaru. Her childhood was not easy. The girl had to get up before sunrise and go to the market with her mother, stand behind the counter, and sometimes work in the field. After all, there were six children in the family, and Sofia was the eldest, after her blind sister Zoe, and therefore the main assistant to her parents. Despite many difficulties, Rotarey was not burdened by her life. There was always music in their house: all family members sang. From the first grade, Sofia sang in the school choir, as well as in the village church during services. Her first musical instruments there were accordion and domra. Nevertheless, Rotaru’s biography as a singer begins in 1962, when fifteen-year-old Sofia, having won the regional competition, entered the regional show in Chernivtsi. Here she also becomes a winner. The next step is a trip to Kyiv to the republican festival “Young Talents”. And again the girl will win. In 1964, she performed on the Kremlin stage for the first time and received a lot positive feedback regarding your voice. It seems her fate is sealed. Sofia decides to take vocals seriously and enters the School of Music city of Chernivtsi.
and creative success
After graduating from college in 1968, she went as part of a delegation to the Ninth World Festival youth to Sofia. As Bulgarian and Soviet newspapers and magazines later wrote, “Sofia from Ukraine conquered Sofia.” After this triumph, her photo was placed on the cover of the magazine “Ukraine”. At the same time, somewhere in the Urals is taking place military service a guy from the city of Chernivtsi - Tolya Evdokimenko, who, having accidentally seen his compatriot on the cover of a magazine, falls in love with the girl in the photograph and decides after finishing his service to find her at all costs. The main thing is that he knows her name.
The biography of Sofia Rotaru (photos from the wedding are still kept in Sofia Mikhailovna) in 1968 makes a sharp turn, and she, as a very young girl, gets married, making a promise to her mother that this marriage will be for life. So it will be. Sofia and Anatoly were inseparable until the end of his days (A. Evdokimenko died in 2002). Two years later happy couple a son, Ruslan, was born. And this is, of course, the most significant of all the events that Rotaru’s biography tells about. Soon the musical film “Chervona Ruta” will be released. main role in which he performs Ukrainian singer Sofia Rotaru. Participation in this project brings the young woman all-Union fame. She creates her own ensemble, which she calls the same as the film that contributed to her success - “Chervona Ruta”. Her husband becomes the artistic director of the ensemble. Together with her team, Sofia Rotaru traveled throughout the Soviet Union and camps. Her name was on everyone's lips. Such celebrities as Arno Babajanyan, Oscar Feltsman, David Tukhmanov and others wrote songs for her. Any song sung by Sofia was awarded the “Song of the Year” award. However, the most hit songs were the songs of the composer V. Matetsky: “Lavender”, “Moon, Moon”, “It was, it was, it was, but it passed”, etc.
Conclusion
After the People's Artist of three republics (Ukraine, Moldova and Russia), as well as all Soviet Union, kept all her fans. Rotaru’s biography continues to be updated today with new facts telling about awards, grandiose concerts, presentations and performances by an outstanding singer of our time.
Thanks to this article, the average reader will be able to get acquainted with the life of the famous Soviet singer. Now, Sofia Rotaru has gained the greatest fame in her homeland - Ukraine.
As for creative talents, many residents of the post-Soviet space know her voice. It is noteworthy that she sings with a contralto voice - a fairly good indicator for a singer. In addition to vocal abilities, Sofia Rotaru boasts big amount awards and titles that she received in different periods. Now, the singer’s discography includes more than five hundred songs in various languages of the world. Get to know life and creative way will be of interest to many - both ordinary readers and fans who missed some points. Let's get started.
Height, weight, age. How old is Sofia Rotaru?
First of all, you should start your biography with the external characteristics of a particular person. This will be especially interesting to fans who follow the singer’s life. The main data, as you already understood, is height, weight, age. How old is Sofia Rotaru - this is exactly the question you can hear from those who are familiar with her songs from early childhood. His approximate height is just over 169 centimeters and his weight is 64 kilograms.
In the summer of 2018, Sofia Rotaru celebrated her 71st birthday. Photos from her youth and now will help you understand how the singer has changed over such a period of time. We hasten to say that everything is in order - she takes care of her appearance and supports it in every possible way.
Next, readers will be interested in the biography of Sofia Rotaru with her date of birth, which we will present for your study. The future singer was born in Marshintsy in 1947. Village, on this moment, is located on the territory of Ukraine. Due to some historical events, Sofia has Romanian roots. Father Mikhail, after the birth of his daughter, worked in the vineyards, before that he participated in the Great Patriotic War. There were six children in total. Due to a bureaucratic error, the singer has two birthdays - she herself was born on the seventh of August, and the ninth date is indicated in her passport.
The environment from childhood influenced Sofia's talent. The sister was blind, and because of this she acquired absolute pitch. I love it folk song, she could easily repeat it, and subsequently taught Sofia how to sing. Later, the singer will repeatedly express gratitude to her sister, who gave her a start in the musical world.
IN school years, she did not sit still and was energetic. Already in those days, relatives predicted a great future. A large number of hobbies also contributed to this. The girl went in for sports and succeeded well in this matter - at school she had a champion title in all-around. In addition, young Sofia studied acting and, of course, music. Various amateur artistic activities could not be done without the participation of the singer, gradually increasing the level of skill.
Already during her school years, Sofia could boast of a strong contralto voice, and her first tour was not without an apt nickname - “Bukovinian nightingale”.
Real fame came very quickly. It all started in 1962 - the singer wins a regional competition. Thanks to this, she reaches the regional level, where she also wins a prize. In 1964, Sofia Rotaru wins the talent festival, thus receiving recognition from the entire Soviet Union.
It was possible to reach the world level 4 years later, at a world festival. Young people from all over the world were gathered there, and journalists from other countries noticed her talent. 1971 becomes a landmark year - Sofia’s compositions are used in the film “Chervona Ruta”. Thanks to this, he assembles his own pop ensemble and receives national recognition.
Just two years later, Rotaru becomes an Honored Artist of the Ukrainian SSR, and this at the age of 26. This prompted her to record a song album, which is dated 1974. After two years, she leaves for Yalta, and for her activities becomes a People's Artist of the Ukrainian SSR. Songs in various languages expand the geography of demand - Europe also invites Sofia to perform.
In 1986, changes took place in creativity - the group broke up, and the singer decided to lead solo career. Of course, there was some change in direction. Since that time, various hits have appeared - “Moon”, “Bylo”, “Only this is not enough”. Tours happen almost every year, and Rotaru visits almost all corners of his homeland.
After the collapse of the USSR, interest in her person does not fade, and even vice versa - listeners are becoming younger and younger. Two collections are being published, which include the singer’s hits. At the beginning of the two thousandth, Sofia Rotaru received several more awards related to musical talent. Besides solo concerts, she performs with others pop singers– Nikolai Baskov, Rastorguev and others.
On top of that, the singer is trying her hand at cinema. She has several roles in various films - some even became autobiographical.
Fans who follow latest news about your favorite singer, I wonder where Sofia Rotaru lives now, 2018? Of course, it is difficult to answer this question for sure, but having some facts, we can make a guess. So, as you may know, the singer has several apartments and houses located in different places.
Not far from the city of Yalta, Sofia has a cottage. Its main advantage is that it is located near the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. Because the singer suffers from asthma, she often spent summer periods Here. But now, due to some political and logistical problems, Rotaru rarely visits this property. In the same city, by the way, the artist has her own hotel, which welcomes visitors during the “velvet” seasons.
In the capital of Ukraine, Sofia Rotaru also has several apartments. One of them is located right in the central part, near St. Sophia Cathedral. The singer herself admits that she keeps outfits there that were created by designers for concerts.
According to the latest data, Sofia lives in the settlement of Pyatikhatki, which is located twenty kilometers from Kyiv. Here she has her own house, three floors high. Surrounds the building high fence, and there is a security service. There are video cameras around the perimeter. In addition, the site is surrounded by coniferous forest.
You can often hear the question - how did it turn out? personal life Sofia Rotaru after the death of her husband. Of course, it’s worth noting right away - loss loved one had a negative impact on the singer. Not surprising, because the couple knew each other for almost half their lives.
After the tragedy, Sofia Rotaru canceled all performances and concerts. Also, I missed it international competition“Golden Orpheus”, which I visited for almost forty years in a row. After a while, when the artist came to her senses after the tragic loss, she no longer started a romantic relationship. In contrast, she continued to create in memory of her husband - many live performances were dedicated to him.
The family and grandchildren of Sofia Rotaru are a rather interesting part of the biography famous singer. As stated earlier, from early childhood, she was surrounded by creative people. Native sister Sofia was blind and had excellent hearing - she learned Russian folk songs and sang with her sister. The head of the family also did not lag behind - he had certain musical talents, and he helped both daughters in every possible way. It is noteworthy that before Russian songs, the family used Moldavian as the main language.
From her only son, the singer already has a grandson and a granddaughter, who, apparently, were named after the “old people” - Anatoly and Sofia.
As you understand, the singer did not have a large number of novels, as is now customary in show business. Sofia Rotaru has one marriage, from which she has a son. Of course, various rumors appear on the Internet every now and then, main theme which are the children of Sofia Rotaru. Several times, they wanted to attribute kinship to other children to the singer, but such statements would only make the darling of millions laugh.
We can assure you that the Soviet artist has one son, Ruslan, who has already had two children of his own - in 1994 and 2001. Thus, the Rotaru clan expanded, although under the name of her husband - Evdokimenko.
The son of Sofia Rotaru, Ruslan Evdokimenko and his wife Svetlana, is becoming increasingly relevant for network users. Photos of young people can be found in the public domain. By the way, the couple’s first child was born in 1970.
As you know, Ruslan followed in the footsteps of his parents and decided to connect his life with art, but in a more modern direction. Now he works as music producer, and is quite popular. His wife is also involved in creativity - she is an executive producer. As you can see, the Rotaru clan contains exclusively people of art. It remains to be seen what choice of profession the grandchildren of the folk singer will make.
Sofia Rotaru's husband is Anatoly Evdokimenko. Who's the new husband?
A topic that is not without popularity is Sofia Rotaru’s husband, Anatoly Evdokimenko. Who new husband? – the media started talking a few years after the tragedy. The press tried to guess the new chosen one, but everything turned out to be simpler. The singer remained faithful to her husband, and after Anatoly’s death she no longer started relationships with men.
The future spouses met in 1964. Then, Sofia Rotaru appeared on the cover of “Ukraine,” a popular magazine. Anatoly, who loved musical art, quickly found the singer and made an acquaintance. After a while, the young people decided to create their own ensemble “Chervonu Rutu”.
Already in 1968, the musicians legalized their relationship by getting married. Anatoly had to leave for Far East, for student internship. Sofia Rotaru went with him, where she taught music lessons. Two years after the wedding, their first child was born.
Until the death of her husband, both spouses had a joint musical activity– Anatoly often helped in organizing concerts.
As you already know, today’s singer is seventy years old. Despite this, she still looks relatively young. And those who follow her life will say that in spite of everything, age-related changes are almost imperceptible on the artist.
Of course, because of this state of affairs, photos of Sofia Rotaru before and after plastic surgery are gaining popularity. It’s difficult, of course, to name the exact date, and there is no point - there are several rejuvenating procedures, and all are performed in different periods. First of all, experts note facelifts and body contouring, which helped Rotaru maintain his youth. In addition, it is worth noting the tightening of age-old arches and the removal of wrinkles under the eyes.
As for the artist herself, she indirectly talks about using the services of plastic surgeons. At the same time, she continues to take care of her own beauty and monitors her external indicators.
Due to the age of the idol, there is more and more discussion among fans regarding what Sofia Rotaru is like without makeup and Photoshop. Photos of this nature are easy to find using the Internet. Social networks cope especially well with this matter, but more on that below.
Relatively recently, fans found what Sofia Rotaru looks like without makeup - photos on the Internet pleased many. The thing is that in the photographs, the beloved singer of millions appears with her natural beauty, without additional retouching or decoration. Fans recommend that Sofia not abuse plastic surgery, and leave natural charm.
It's hard to imagine a modern star without a page in in social networks. However, official pages Sofia Rotaru appeared on the Internet at the end of 2016. Since then, Sofia Rotaru’s Instagram and Wikipedia have been gaining more and more popularity.
Wikipedia contains basic and comprehensive information about the artist’s life. There you can find all the awards that Sofia Rotaru has earned. Representatives of the older generation will be interested in remembering the main hits and films with the participation of the singer.
Last year, the Soviet and Ukrainian pop star crossed the seventy-year mark, but still looks great, although she began to lead a more private lifestyle, appear less in public, and devote more time to her family - her son and grandchildren. IN last years the singer lives in Crimea, and Sofia Mikhailovna’s biography began in the Ukrainian village of Marshintsy in a simple working family.
The answers to the questions of who Sofia Rotaru’s nationality is and where she was born do not coincide, since the singer was born in Ukraine, but in her family everyone spoke only Moldavian, so we can say that Sofia Mikhailovna is Ukrainian with Moldavian roots.
Her parents worked all their lives to feed their large family, and instilled hard work in their children, but never forgot about the beautiful side of life.
The father of the future singer, who worked on a state farm as a foreman of winegrowers, was from a young age musical man, he loved to sing, and all his fellow villagers heard his voice.
Mikhail Fedorovich became the first teacher of his six children, who often sang with him in a friendly choir. In 1944 he was drafted into the army and reached Berlin. Returning home in 1946 after being wounded, Sofia Rotaru’s father joined the party, becoming the first party member in the village.
Among all his children, Mikhail Fedorovich always singled out Sofia, saying that she would definitely become an artist. Sofia Rotaru's parents sent her to learn to play the domra and button accordion, and at school she was always an active participant in amateur performances, together with other children she traveled to the surrounding villages with concerts.
“It’s hard to say when and how music appeared in my life. It seems that she has always lived in me. I grew up surrounded by music, it sounded everywhere: at the wedding table, at gatherings, at evening parties, at dances...”, recalled Sofia Mikhailovna.
Gave a lot future star stage, her sister Zinaida, who was blind after suffering from typhus and had perfect hearing. She taught her brothers and sisters a lot folk songs and the Russian language, which she studied herself by sitting for hours at the radio.
Sofia Rotaru's nationality and her inherent flavor played a positive role in her development as a singer.
On music competitions the young singer performed not only Russian, but also Moldovan and Ukrainian songs, taking first places. A talented girl from a Ukrainian village was called the “Bukovinian nightingale”, and at seventeen Rotaru became the winner of a republican festival, after which Sofia was invited to take part in a concert held in the Kremlin Palace of Congresses, the whole country learned about her, and a photo of the talented young singer once graced the cover magazine "Ukraine".
After school, Rotaru entered a music school, and after graduation she took part in the Ninth World Festival of Youth and Students, from which she brought home a gold medal for winning a competition for folk song performers.
Many famous performers They predicted a great future for her, and she lived up to their hopes. Sofia Rotaru gained real popularity after she became a member of the Chervona Ruta ensemble created at the Chernivtsi Philharmonic, whose first performance took place in Star City.
Rotaru and her ensemble performed songs in Russian, Ukrainian and Moldavian, and toured with concerts not only in their own country, but also went on tours abroad.
Sofia Mikhailovna began her solo career in 1986, and again she was waiting for resounding success. She has collaborated with many talented composers, who wrote songs for her, which were included in the golden fund of the Soviet stage.
Sofia Rotaru, whose biography covers an era of change and upheaval, has become a symbol of the greatness of talent and the power of art, capable of overcoming any boundaries. “Bukovinian nightingale”, “golden voice of Ukraine” - all this is said about Sofia Mikhailovna.
Sofia Rotaru: biography of the singer
For older and middle-aged people, Sofia Rotaru has become a symbol of their youth.
The beginning of her singing career was in the 1960s. And until now, Sofia Mikhailovna is one of the few singers who are on the crest of popularity.
Looking at how young Rotaru looks, it’s hard to believe that in 2017 she celebrated her seventieth birthday. It seems that the years have given exceptional aristocracy and elegance to the appearance of this artist. Our story is about her fate.
The seventh day of hot August 1947 illuminated the family of the winegrower, Mikhail Fedorovich Rotaru, with joy. A second daughter, Sofia, appeared in a family living in the village of Marshintsy, Chernivtsi region.
The first girl in the family of Mikhail Fedorovich and Alexandra Ivanovna Rotaru, Zina, became blind in childhood from typhus. Having a healthy baby was truly a gift. In total, there are six children in the Rotaru family.
Sofia had a unique destiny in life. Everyone in the Rotaru family (the family has Moldovan roots) sang. My father had amazing musical talent. Zinaida felt and reproduced music superbly. It was her older sister who taught Sonya to sing.
At first, singing was a simple hobby, like playing sports. However later successes in athletics (she received a champion title at school) came in handy when she had to cope with a motorcycle on her own and ride along a narrow embankment in the sea on the set of the movie “Where Is Love Thou.”
Since religious education has always been honored in Western Ukraine and weekly church attendance was considered a rule of good manners, the young nightingale of Bukovina was able to show her talent in the choir. In addition, during her school years the girl attends classes at theater club, plays the accordion.
The first recognition of Sofia Rotaru’s talent came in the year when the girl celebrated her fifteenth birthday. Then, participating in a regional review of creative amateur groups, she received first place, and at the age of 17 she conquered the main concert hall of the Soviet Union - she performed in the Kremlin.
Let us remember that the 1960s were the period of the formation and heyday of pop music. Many peoples and nationalities of the Soviet Union make themselves known by creating pop song numbers based on folklore motifs.
The Ukrainian land is proud of this performer; her photograph appears on the cover of one of the leading national magazines.
Thanks to this publication, Anatoly Evdokimenko learned about Sofia. It was an incident that brought two together creative people- trumpeter and singer.
After graduating from school, Sofia entered the music school in the city of Chernivtsi. Here she acquired the specialty of a conductor and continued her singing career on a professional basis.
The path to the world of pop music for the young performer was easy. All thanks to an amazing voice, a rare talent to feel every note, extraordinary hard work and perseverance. These qualities were appreciated by the jury of the World Festival in Bulgaria: Rotaru took first place.
At the competition the singer performed musical compositions, in which the languid lyrics of the Balkan peoples and the rapid assertiveness of the Ukrainian and Moldavian peoples sounded.
In 1968, Sofia became the wife of Anatoly Evdokimenko. The couple will live together for thirty-five years, until death takes away the person most dear to the singer.
Two years later, in 1970, she became a mother (a son was born), and her singing career is gaining rapid momentum. After the inspired performance of “Chervona Ruta” by Vladimir Ivasyuk, Rotaru gains all-Union fame.
At the Chernivtsi Philharmonic they create creative team, which was named after this hit. Sofia Rotaru became its soloist, and Vladimir Ivasyuk became the main inspirer and musical director.
The next eight years were the most productive in the work of this creative tandem. Sofia Rotaru performed unique musical compositions. They sounded playful and languidly lyrical melodies of Moldova and Ukraine.
These works make famous star Ukrainian stage. They started talking about it in neighboring countries.
Throughout the 1970s. the stages of popular international creative shows, competitions and festivals that take place in Poland, Bulgaria and Moscow open in front of it.
Rotaru goes on tours abroad - Yugoslavia and the GDR, Germany and Romania. In her homeland, records with her songs are being released en masse.
Popularity does not save the singer from the millstone of persecution by the authorities: her father is expelled from the Communist Party, her brother from the Komsomol organization. All because the family honored religious holidays.
Sofia Rotaru, along with her husband and child, moves to Yalta. To cover up the truth, a rumor about the singer’s supposedly poor health appeared from the hands of the authorities. It was assumed that it was tuberculosis, asthma and other lung diseases.
Despite this, the talented performer is given the title People's Artist Ukrainian SSR. The famous singer immediately confirms this title with a victory at the Tokyo song competition, where she performed a song in the Yugoslav language.
The flowering of talent and recognition came to Sofia Rotaru in the 1980s. Films are made about her and with her. The period of searching for something new has begun: the artist is experimenting with appearance and with a performing image. She is one of the first to change her feminine outfit (dress) to an elegant trouser suit. This emphasized the rapid rhythm of that time.
Soon Sofia Rotaru returns to her original ethno-lyrical image. It best suits her compositions and beautiful voice. During the same period, he sang a duet with Makarevich and “Time Machine”.
A performance in Canada (1983), where the singer recorded and released a record, caused outrage from the authorities. Until the start of perestroika, she remains restricted from traveling. However, this did not diminish people’s love and recognition. Her records sell millions of copies. This was awarded the Golden Disc Award.
The fact of extraordinary popularity, people's love and veneration was recognized at the official level: the pop performer was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR.
Difficult 1990s did not become an era of oblivion for the pop singer. She is on the crest of popularity: she tours, updates her repertoire, focusing on new stylistic influences and trends, and changes her image:
- passes anniversary concert singers in the main Russian concert hall where elements of a laser show are used;
- discs with the hits “Lavender”, “Love Me” and “Khutoryanka” are being released;
- collaborates with young pop performers.
Sofia Rotaru’s songs are widely heard: radio stations broadcast them, people sing them, and amateur groups sing them.
The performer receives official awards from the hands of the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, and unofficial ones, such as “Man of the 20th Century” and “Woman of the Year” - from the tabloids.
This creative rise spanned the early 2000s. However, the second year of the new millennium turned out to be tragic for Rotaru. Dies her only love- Anatoly Evdokimenko. The singer interrupts her career and disappears from the musical Olympus for almost a year.
Anatoly Evdokimenko was not only an inspirer, support and support, but also the singer’s producer.
Rotaru to last breath her husband was next to him. It was sincere and shining example swan fidelity, which the artist once sang about.
The loss of a loved one caused deep depression. Relatives were afraid to leave the singer alone. She visited the cemetery every day. “Song of the Year” 2002 was held without her for the first time in three decades.
During this period, the artist’s son demonstrated his best masculine qualities. Sophia's sister talks about it this way:
« One day Ruslan said to Sonya: “Mom, you need to work. At least for the sake of my father’s memory! Come on, dedicate new songs to him. Let him be happy for us there". I convinced and found new composers for my mother.”.
Place of yours permanent residence the pop legend chose Kyiv. She performs and tours less.
A woman of the era - this is what you can say about Sofia Rotaru. Her fate often made sharp turns, like the country.
But the example of this singer firmly convinces that true talent will always be in demand and appreciated by people.
Sofia Rotaru: songs
Rotaru's songs mean constant success and popularity, top positions in the charts.
Some hits, such as: “The sky is me”, “Chervona Ruta”, “ Swan fidelity”, “Apple Tree in Bloom”, “Land, my dear land”, “Lavender”, “Vodograi”, “Lavender”, “Farmer” - are super popular, despite the time and changes in the cultural tastes of society.
The concert of Sofia Rotaru is a real show, in which it is not external moments that predominate, but the depth and content of the songs, high quality performance, live voice and respect for the audience. This is what made her a sought-after performer for five decades.
17-year-old Rotaru’s performance of the song “Mama,” written by composer Leonid Bronevitsky, brought her all-Union fame. Vladimir Matetsky, Alexandra Pakhmutova, Anatoly Pashkevich, Baki Don and others collaborated with her.
The most fruitful period was the period of work with the Ukrainian composer Vladimir Ivasyuk. Then, in the 1970s, the following songs appeared:
- "Chervona Ruta";
- "Vodograi";
- "Yellow Leaf";
- "The Ballad of Mallows";
- "Cradle of the Wind";
- “Fate has its own spring”, etc.
Until his death in 1979, he remained almost the only author and inspirer of Sofia Rotaru.
With special trepidation, she performed “The Ballad of Mother” (many know this song under the name “Alyoshenka”), “I’m Waiting for Spring”, “Seagulls over the Water”, “Your Fault”, “Father’s House”.
The popularity of the singer of pop melodies is increasing thanks to her participation in “Song of the Year”. By the way, Sofia Mikhailovna is one of the leaders in performing at this festival. For more than thirty years she sang about eighty songs.
Many remember her hits such as “My City”, “Melancolie”, “Apple Trees in Bloom”, “Only for You”, “My Land”, “Your Traces” and “Romantica”, “For Those Who Wait”, “ Our life" and others. They were created by Oscar Feltsman, Nikolai Mozgovoy, Arno Babajanyan, Pavel Aedonitsky, Pyotr Teodorovich, Alexey Mazhukov.
David Tukhmanov writes the patriotic composition “My Motherland” and the memorable song “In My House”. On the eve of the 1980 Olympics, Alexandra Pakhmutova wrote the song “Temp” for Rotaru.
The singer’s collaboration with Yuri Saulsky was fruitful. Together they create the following musical compositions:
- "Two Dreams";
- “I am not me without you”;
- "Autumn Melody";
- "Expectation";
- "Do not forget".
The singer is especially popular due to songs made specifically for her voice by Raymond Pauls: “The Beginning of May”, “Where Are You Love?”, “Special Friend”.
In the early 1980s, Sofia Rotaru tried her hand at other stylistic directions. She draws attention to the rock compositions that she performed in a duet with Andrei Makarevich: “The Path”, “Barrier”, “For Those at Sea”, “Bonfire”.
The middle of this period was marked by the singer’s performance of works of a patriotic nature. With particular enthusiasm she sang:
- “Stork on the Roof”, “Frontline Sister’s Waltz”, “ Last date» David Tukhmanov;
- “Sad Song” by Raymond Pauls;
- “Starry Waltz” by Alexandra Pakhmutova;
- “Remember me always” by Alexander Osadchy.
A new period in the work of the pop singer began with a lyrical and soulful, bright and temperamental hit - “Lavender”, the music for which was written by Vladimir Matetsky. This author has been creating several dozen top-rated songs for the singer for 30 years.
Radio stations tirelessly broadcast playful and romantic songs “It was, but it’s gone”, “Only this is not enough”, “Moon”.
With these songs, Rotaru differs from his brothers in the shop, since they are fast and impulsive, and slow compositions are in fashion.
However, during this period, deep and meaningful compositions (“Song of Our Summer”), sensual and dramatic (“Farewell Platform” and “Wild Swans”), filled with a feeling of happiness, works “Until the End of the Road” and “Caravan of Love” appeared in her repertoire. .
“Khutoryanka” became the singer’s calling card for several years. The image of an incendiary beauty of a farmer appeared in her. He was very close to Rotaru.
In the 1990s. the hits “No place for me” and “Night without you”, “Yours” were heard sad eyes" The public loved “Dream” and “Like Strangers”; they listened with trepidation to the singer’s lyrical outpourings in “Bitter Tears” and “Taste of Love”. The works “A Night Without You” and “A Pair of White Doves” are permeated with tragedy. All of them were created by Vladimir Matetsky.
The two thousandth marked new stage V creative career Sofia Rotaru. Mostly Ukrainian composers create songs for it.
They appear, filled with the soulful Ukrainian flavor and original rhythm of the songs of Ruslan Kvinta.
Stylizations of folk melodies made the compositions “One viburnum behind the window” and “ White winter" Rotaru’s unique voice talents added volume and depth to the song “The Sky is Me!”
Today, the pop singer continues to delight her listeners with new interesting songs: “Two Suns” and “My Love” by Vitaly Volkomor, “You are the Best” by Ruslan Kvinta, “Love is Alive” by Oleg Makarevich, etc.
Despite the tragedy that this bright artist had to endure, she has enough strength and desire to perform in front of her fans. Her concerts are always sold out.
Looking at Sofia Mikhailovna, it becomes clear that true talent and love for their profession are given by happy years life.
That is why the singer blooms, performs amazing musical works with inspiration and soul.
Sofia Rotaru is the owner of 18 orders of the USSR, Ukraine, Moldova and countless honorary titles, prizes and awards from various song competitions.
Sofia Mikhailovna Rotaru can rightfully be considered one of the most outstanding Soviet singers. She performed in collective farm clubs and hot spots, on the Kremlin stage and at international song competitions, and everywhere she was greeted and seen off with thunderous applause. Ukraine and Moldova are arguing which of them has the honor of calling Rotaru their native, however, both Ukrainian and Moldavian songs performed by her were understandable to everyone without translation. For more than 40 years concert activities Sofia Rotaru performed more than 500 songs on different languages, became the highest paid performer in the countries former USSR, gave a start to life to such famous groups as “Chervona Ruta” and the ballet “Todes”. Rotaru's unique voice (contralto with a range of more than three octaves) allows the singer to perform compositions in any style - folk, jazz, rock, etc. She was the first pop singer of the USSR to sing recitative and use a rhythm computer for arrangement.
Nightingale from a Bukovina village
There are several inaccuracies in Sofia Rotaru's birth certificate. A girl from the ethnic Moldavian village of Marshintsy (Novoselitsky district, Chernivtsi region) was registered in the village council as Sofya Mikhailovna Rotar, born on August 9, 1947. Sofia’s real birthday falls on August 7, and she began to use the Moldovan version of her surname after she began her concert activities, on the advice of the famous Edita Piekha. The singer's father, Mikhail Fedorovich Rotar, ended the war in Berlin, where he was wounded, and subsequently worked as a foreman of winegrowers; At the same time, he had perfect pitch, he sang well and played the accordion. There were six children in the family, and they all had musical abilities. However, life for the family was not easy - all Homework went to the children. Sonya milked the cow, harvested the hay, worked in the garden, and got up in the dark to take vegetables to the market. And late in the evening I hurried to school clubs, where I learned to dance, play the domra and accordion. Sofia was a highlight of the school choir (she tried to hide her participation in the church choir), and often performed in concerts. In 1962 and 1963, the girl became the winner of the district and regional amateur performance shows, and in 1964 she participated in the folk talent festival in Kyiv, where she also took first place. The master of Ukrainian song Dmitry Gnatyuk predicted a brilliant future for Sofia, and her portrait appeared on the cover of the magazine "Ukraine". Sofia was sent to study at the Chernivtsi Music College. The girl’s mother, Alexandra Ivanovna, initially objected to her daughter’s artistic career, but her father’s word was law in the family.
Already a student of the conducting and choral department, Sofia Rotaru performed on the stage of the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. Soon she met her future husband. Anatoly Evdokimenko, a native of Chernivtsi, served in Nizhny Tagil and saw a magazine with a beautiful countrywoman on the cover. Upon return to hometown he found the girl he liked, and love broke out between them literally at first sight. Anatoly studied at Chernivtsi University and played the trumpet in the student orchestra, which began to accompany Sofia’s performances.
A meteoric rise
The year 1968 was marked by many significant events in the life of Sofia Rotaru. She graduated from music school and was sent to Sofia, to the World Festival of Youth and Students. From there, Sofia brought first place, many rave reviews and the prophetic words of Lyudmila Zykina, chair of the jury: “You will become a great singer.” But for now, the future celebrity became the wife of Anatoly Evdokimenko, and even postponed admission to the Institute of Arts for a year, leaving with her husband for Novosibirsk. There Anatoly did his pre-graduation internship, and Sofia taught at a cultural and educational school.
In 1970, their son Ruslan was born.
However, the boy was raised mainly by Anatoly’s parents.
In 1971, after the release of the musical film "Chervona Ruta", in which Sofia Rotaru and young musicians Vladimir Ivasyuk, Vasily Zinkevich and others starred, the ensemble "Chervona Ruta" was created, which became extremely popular throughout the USSR and successfully toured in Poland .
In 1973, Sofia Rotaru won the Golden Orpheus competition in Bulgaria. In 1974, she graduated from the Chisinau Institute of Arts and won second place at the song festival in Sopot. From that time on, the singer began collaborating with composers Evgeniy Martynov and Evgeniy Doga.
In 1975, Rotaru, together with the Chervona Ruta ensemble, moved to Yalta. Official reason was the state of her health, although big role Conflicts with the Chernivtsi party leadership played a role in the move.
In 1976, Sofia Rotaru became People's Artist of Ukraine, the first Soviet singer to record a disc in the Munich company "Ariola-Eurodisc GmbH" and began to take part in tours around Europe.
In 1979, Vladimir Ivasyuk died tragically under still unclear circumstances. The singer continued to tour, successfully participate in international and all-Union competitions, and act in films, but the Canadian tour of 1983 made Rotaru “not allowed to travel abroad.” In 1986, the singer changed the direction of her work - after parting with Chervona Ruta, she began a fruitful collaboration with Vladimir Matetsky, performing songs in the style of Europop and even hard rock.
In 1988, Rotaru was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR. The collapse of the USSR, which affected many artists, did not affect her - Sofia Mikhailovna continues to perform successfully in the post-Soviet space, Europe and the USA. Since 1995, she has become a regular participant in musical films, the songs from which have become hits.
Currently, Sofia Rotaru lives in Yalta, where her recording studio and her own hotel are located. Her beloved husband Anatoly died in 2002, and the singer remains faithful to his memory. Sofia has two grandchildren: Sofia Jr. (born in 2001) and Anatoly (born in 1994), who already works in one of modeling agencies London.
