Iakov Shvetcov

Iakov Shvetcov is a versatile and accomplished operatic baritone, currently performing as a soloist with the Samsun State Opera and Ballet (Türkiye) since 2023, where he performs major and principal roles of the baritone repertoire.

He graduated from the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in 2022, where he studied under the stage direction of Dmitry Bertman and trained in the vocal class of the celebrated Bolshoi Theatre tenor, Professor Oleg Kulko. Following his graduation, he was selected for the prestigious Second Youth Opera Program at the Moscow Musical Theatre "Helikon-Opera" (2022–2023), refining his stage craft and dramatic delivery. In 2017, he also participated in an international masterclass led by the distinguished Italian soprano Sara Allegretta in Moscow.

Throughout his career on the operatic and concert stages, Iakov has collaborated with a distinguished roster of conductors and composers, including Evgeny Brazhnik, Patrick David Murray (General Music Director of Samsun State Opera), Tevfik Akbaşlı, Freddy Cadena, Valery Kiryanov, and Mikhail Egiazaryan. On the operatic stage, he has worked under the artistic guidance of Dmitry Bertman at Helikon-Opera, as well as leading stage directors of the Turkish State Operas. His achievements also include successful full-length solo recitals performed in partnership with the acclaimed pianist Anna Tarakanova.

Iakov is a Laureate and 2nd Prize winner of the Stravinsky International Music Competition (2022).

His operatic repertoire features prominent baritone roles performed on the professional stage, including Giorgio Germont (La Traviata by G. Verdi), Marcello (La Bohème by G. Puccini), Sharpless (Madama Butterfly by G. Puccini), Belcore (L'elisir d'amore by G. Donizetti), and Morales (Carmen by G. Bizet).