Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Sergei began his violin studies at the Lysenko School for Gifted Children in Kiev. He earned his Master’s degree from the Gnesin Institute in Moscow where his principal teacher was Valentin Zuk, Concertmaster of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra at the time.
After graduating, Sergei won a position with the State Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Two years later he moved on to become a Concertmaster of the Kiev Chamber Orchestra. At the same time he was actively performing with the Ensemble of Ukrainian Composers, a constantly challenging, but fun project, led by some of the most prominent artists of the country. With this group, Sergei premiered many contemporary works of national and international composers. And just a few months before his departure to Canada, he became a member of the Kiev Opera and Ballet Theatre.
In 1990, an opportunity to move his family to Canada came up. The same year, Sergei joined the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony as Associate Concertmaster. Three years later, the family moved to Quebec City where Sergei became a member of Quebec Symphony. He also was invited to Queensland Symphony in Brisbane, Australia, to perform as a Guest Concertmaster.
Among other professional activities, Sergei enjoyed teaching at Laval University and the International Summer Festival “Domaine Forget”, both in Quebec.
Sergei settled in Canada with his wife, Oksana, who is also a professional violinist and a teacher, and their son Michael, now a fourth year York University International Studies student. Michael is an avid basketball player, who also tutors in the after school program at the Toronto French School and coaches their basketball teams. In 2004, Sergei’s younger son, Anton, was born. Just as they did with Michael, Sergei and Oksana plan to start Anton on violin.
Offstage, Sergei enjoys reading, playing chamber music and teaching and whenever possible he rides his off-road bike, sails or goes skiing. Sergei also loves to BBQ and make sushi.
Sergei has been a member of the TSO since 1999.