The artist known as Shaman, whose real name was Yaroslav Dronov, passed away on March 21 in St. Petersburg. At the concert titled You are mine, held in the main hall of Oktyabrsky, the performer invited the audience to hear a verse from the opera Prince Igor, written by Alexander Borodin, as part of a long standing tribute to the craft. The moment featured the aria Wings of the Wind, and it resonated with those present, earning notable attention from the media outlet Channel Five for its emotional resonance and live immediacy.
Shaman had served as a prominent soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre and had associations with the Daria Pronina Academy of Young Singers, where he was well known for supporting and encouraging young talent. He publicly acknowledged the young singer as a rising star, commending the girl’s rendition as a remarkable display of vocal artistry and potential for a bright future in opera and performance. The exchange underscored his appreciation for expressive singing and his belief in the importance of nurturing new talent in Russia’s performing arts scene.
During that moment of praise, Shaman spoke with warmth about the abundance of talent within the country and the exceptional abilities he witnessed in many young artists. His words reflected a shared optimism about the next generation of performers who would carry forward the rich musical heritage of Russia and beyond. He also extended a personal gesture by presenting the young singer with an autographed photograph, a keepsake intended to honor the connection between experienced artists and emerging performers.
On March 22, the performer Lolita Milyavskaya recalled a lighthearted anecdote from earlier years when a nickname came into play during a television project. While serving as a juror on the program, she recalls a moment when he was playfully dubbed shaman by the production team, a name that he reportedly embraced with humor. Milyavskaya noted that the name stuck as a fond memory and that Dronov carried the episode with grace, maintaining humility and sincerity as fame grew around him.
In later reflections, Milyavskaya suggested that the nickname became a small but meaningful symbol of his character, signaling a balance between recognition and authenticity. She described him as a modest, genuine young artist who remained grounded despite the rapid pace of his rising profile and the public attention that accompanied it. The impression left by his demeanor was that of someone who valued his roots and the simple joys of making music as much as the applause that followed.
Rumors of a conflict with fellow musician Leonid Agutin had circulated at times, but Shaman openly denied any discord and appeared focused on his artistry and collaborative spirit. The clarification contributed to a broader narrative about a musician who chose to prioritize creative integrity and professional camaraderie over sensational headlines. Friends and colleagues have described him as a person who defied negative speculation by staying connected to his work and to the people who supported him throughout his career.