Nikolai Martynov was born in Leningrad. He graduated from the Capella Choral College and the Leningrad Conservatoire (1960). From 1960—1963 he worked in Novosibirsk. From 1963—1966 he pursued a doctoral degree and simultaneously attended composition classes from D. D. Shostakovich. Since 1966 he has taught at the Saint Petersburg Conservatoire, since 1985 has been Head and Professor of the Department of Instrumentation, and since 2004 Educational Studies Vice-Rector at the Conservatoire. Among Martynov’s compositions are the ballet “Eracle” and “St. Petersburg Dreams”, four symphonies, four choreographic suites, choral and
cham ber compositions, music for dramatic works, music for more than 30 movies and songs.