Igor Nikolaev

How about a glass of raspberry wine and a toast to love? Meet the most influential pop romantic in Russia!

There are three things we never get tired of looking at: a burning fire, flowing water, and Igor Nikolayev’s toasts to love. On 21 May, Casino Sochi guests will have a rare opportunity to drink in his musical genius, without which the Soviet and Russian stage would look completely different today, when the People’s Artist of Russia takes to the stage with his legendary hits.

The story of his success reads like a movie script. Igor Nikolayev began his solo career in 1986 with an appearance on the Morning Mail show. That was enough to make him a star. One minute, he was singing his heart out to the song “Mill”, the next his name was on everyone’s lips. And in 1990s, he met Natasha Koroleva. The rest, as they say, is history, with his “Zheltye Tulpani” (“Yellow Tulips”) and “Delfin i rusalka” (“The Dolphin and the Mermaid”) smashing all kinds of records.

Today, he is a People’s Artist of Russia and one of the best songwriters on the Russian stage, whose works have been performed by Alla Pugacheva, Irina Allegrova, Valery Leontyev, Philipp Kirkorov, Joseph Kobzon, and others. The maestro’s musical portfolio also includes composing the anthem for the closing ceremony for the Sochi Olympics in 2014. His discography includes more than 20 albums, although he himself prefers the traditional dance pop of the late 20th century – nothing too complicated, yet still creative. The kind where lines from songs are still quoted today.

Let’s be honest: it doesn’t matter what kind of music we like best – everybody knows “Five Reasons” by heart! So, come on down to Casino Sochi on 21 May and listen to your favourite hits. The programme starts at 20:30. Admission is free.

Bring along your Krasnaya Polyana Gaming Zone guest card and your passport (no photocopies). 18+. The organizer reserves the right to refuse entry on the day of the event.