Sergey Bryukhno

Composer, arranger, music producer, performer

Author

About

A sought-after composer, producer, violist, and founder of Oclassica, a digital-only record label, Sergey Bryukhno enjoys pursuing his multifaceted career. Sergey brings a unique fusion of romanticism combined with Baroque elements into his compositions, thus making them one-of-a-kind masterpieces. His portfolio includes an array of compositions for piano, viola, and orchestra. Sergey's composition 'Hope,' one of his more recent works, is a reflective piano piece deeply influenced by the ongoing tragic events in Ukraine. An internationally accomplished viola performer, Bryukhno gained his acclaim for his recording of Bach’s Cello Suite, which was featured in a movie selected for the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Throughout his career, Sergey has collaborated with orchestras such as the Mannheimer Philharmoniker, Philharmonisches Kammerorchester Berlin, Philharmonie der Nationen, and worked with internationally renowned conductors, including Justus Franz, Rimma Sushanskaya, Boian Videnoff. Under Sergey’s leadership, Oclassica has emerged as a trailblazer in the classical digital music space, offering a platform for both established and emerging classical musicians to reach a global audience. By harnessing the power of digital distribution, Sergey has not only democratized access to particular classical music genres but has also provided artists with innovative ways to monetize their work and connect with fans worldwide. Furthermore, Oclassica’s albums have achieved remarkable success, topping the Apple Music charts in the classical genre across different countries, showcasing the label's significant impact on the global appreciation and visibility of classical music. Sergey Bryukhno graduated from the Gnessins Academy of Music in Moscow, where he studied viola with Alexandra Frantseva and Vyacheslav Trushin. His education was greatly enhanced by Valentin Berlinsky, the legendary cellist and a distinguished member of the internationally renowned Borodin Quartet, whose mentorship profoundly influenced his musical approach. Sergey’s passion is to create music that speaks to one’s soul, reaching out to diverse audiences worldwide.

Videos

Sheets

Interview

What does music mean to you personally?

For me, music translates into feelings.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

It is all about the inner world of the composer. This world can be real or a fantasy world.

If you were not a professional musician, what would you have been?

I feel like music is not just a profession; it's a way of living and exploring the world. I can do many things, but I can’t imagine myself without music.

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about the future?

I am quite positive about looking into the future. Young audiences are listening to classical music, or what they call ‘classical’. I founded Oclassica, a record label that specializes in classical music. We are successfully working with younger audiences on music streaming services. Classical music is a very diverse genre. Every generation can discover their favorites during every decade of their lives



Do you think that the musician today needs to be more creative? What is the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

Creativity is based on knowledge. I think musicians need to understand their audience. This requires shifting their focus from themselves to what the audience wants to listen to and experience. I am convinced that musicians need to broaden their knowledge in marketing.



Tell us about your creative process. What is your favorite piece (written by you) and how did you start working on it?

Everything starts from the beginning. It might begin with a sound that reaches my head or a feeling. Then, it unfolds note by note until the end. Sometimes, I am surprised by what emerges. I typically write the music I want to hear. When listening later, I don't associate myself as the author of the music I wrote; I don't feel like an owner. My current favorite is 'Hope,' which I wrote in April 2022. In many ways, it reflects my feelings about the ongoing war drama in Ukraine that we are all witnessing now. And we all need hope.

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

I would advise trying to listen to compilation albums that reflect their request. Try ‘The Best 50 of Classical Piano’ or ‘Beautiful Piano Classics’. Such albums usually provide a diverse picture of classical music. One can definitely find their favorite pieces that resonate with their soul.

Do you think about the audience when composing?

I concentrate on the process of creation and the world that the music communicates to me. I explore the music preferences of different audiences. If something resonates with me, new music emerges.