Zakhodnik Layzer-Leonid Davidovich (1912-1988)

Zakhodnik Layzer-Leonid Davidovich (03.04.1912, Drissa, Vitebsk Governorate, now Verkhnedvinsk, Vitebsk Oblast — ?) — opera singer, teacher, Honoured Artist of the Latvian SSR. Received his secondary education in Riga, where in 1925–1931 he studied at the Raukhverger Gymnasium. In parallel, in 1929–1931 — student of the vocal department of the Latvian State Conservatory. In 1932–1933, served in the Eighth Infantry Regiment (Cēsis, Latvia). In 1933–1936, studied vocal and musical arts at the Italian opera theatre La Scala (Milan) under singer Salvatore Salvati. In 1936, began his creative career at the Latvian National Opera, and toured extensively throughout Europe as an opera singer and concert performer. During the period from 1936 to 1939, before the outbreak of World War II, he performed in Warsaw, Kraków, Stockholm, Helsingfors [Helsinki], Belgrade and Paris. He was proficient in five languages: English, Latvian, Russian, Italian and German. In 1940, being one of the leading soloists of the Latvian SSR Theatre of Opera and Ballet, he actively participated in the development of the republic's culture. In 1941, while in evacuation, he worked in the Ivanovo Oblast Philharmonic; in 1941–1942 at the Saratov Opera Theatre named after Chernyshevsky; then in 1942–1944 at the Latvian Art Ensemble (Ivanovo). In November 1943, was awarded the honorary title of Honoured Artist of the Latvian SSR. On returning to Riga, in 1944–1947 he continued his creative work at the Latvian SSR Theatre of Opera and Ballet. In 1947–1982 — soloist, then vocal coach at the Latvian SSR State Philharmonic. He won universal acclaim as a performer of classical works and Soviet songs, pioneered Latvian Soviet popular music, and toured with great success in Moscow, Leningrad and other cities. Awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1946), the medal «For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945» (1946), the commemorative badge «For Participation in Concerts on the Northwestern Front» (1947), the commemorative badge of the 130th Order of Suvorov 2nd Class Latvian Rifle Corps (1979), and numerous certificates of honour. Veteran of Labour (1979), personal pensioner.

I. Bazhul