The farewell ceremony for Nikolai Dobronravov, a renowned lyricist and a cherished figure in Russian music, is set for September 20 at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. Close associates confirm a gathering that will honor a man whose words helped shape generations of songs and melodies. The exact start time for the tribute, to be announced later, will guide attendees as they arrive to pay their respects and reflect on a long life spent crafting vivid imagery and emotion through verse and melody.
According to a family friend and artist representative, the event will unfold at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall on Wednesday, September 20. The program is anticipated to include memories, performances, and statements that capture the enduring impact of Dobronravov’s artistry. Organizers are coordinating the schedule to ensure a respectful, smoothly run ceremony that honors the songwriter’s contributions to Russian culture.
Among those paying tribute will be Yulian, an Honored Artist of Russia and singer who is Dobronravov’s daughter. The burial will take place on the same day at Novodevichy Cemetery, where many notable figures in Russian arts have been laid to rest. The family’s wish is for a dignified farewell that reflects the composer-lyricist partnership that helped define a generation of songs and shared moments with audiences across the country.
Nikolai Dobronravov, a prolific lyricist, passed away on September 17 at the age of 94. His expansive body of work, often created in collaboration with composers, produced a vast collection of songs that resonated with listeners for decades. The life of this songwriter spanned dramatic shifts in music and society, yet his words remained a guiding thread through it all, connecting listeners with vivid images, stories, and feelings that many carry with them to this day.
Dobronravov’s wife, Alexandra Pakhmutova, contributed some of the era’s most memorable melodies and lines. Their partnership, established in 1956, became a cornerstone of Soviet and post-Soviet popular music. The couple’s songs—beloved tunes that fans still hum—include lines about staying young at heart, finding courage, and saying goodbye when parting ways. Their shared legacy stands as a testament to decades of collaboration, mutual support, and a deep, creative bond that endured nearly seventy years.
The sense of loneliness and the reminder of mortality have long been topics that scholars and audiences reflect upon in the wake of such losses. Research on well-being shows that feelings of isolation can affect health, especially in later years, underscoring why a public farewell often serves not only as tribute but also as an opportunity for communities to come together, share memories, and reinforce social bonds that sustain them through grief. In this light, the upcoming ceremony is viewed as a collective moment of remembrance that honors a life spent in art and the lasting connections his work created among fans, colleagues, and family across generations.